Management of Breathlessness in Patients with Cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
Published in 2020 – ESMO Open (2020)
Authors: D. Hui, M. Maddocks, M.J. Johnson, M. Ekström, S.T. Simon, A.C. Ogliari, S. Booth & C.I. Ripamonti on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Committee
This ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline provides key recommendations on the management of breathlessness in cancer patients. Authorship includes a multidisciplinary group of experts from different institutions and countries in Europe and worldwide. Key treatment recommendations are provided, including levels of evidence and grades of recommendation where applicable. Routine assessment of breathlessness and its impact facilitates timely interventions. Key non-pharmacological measures include fan, breathing retraining, mobility aids, education and pulmonary rehabilitation. The main pharmacological option is opioids. Supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy may be considered.