Utilization of Cancer Navigators in the Management of Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review.
Natalie N Martinez, Kyle D Klingbeil, Vanessa M Molina et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the role of cancer navigation programs in managing gastric cancer, analyzing seven studies with 3465 patients. While navigation programs showed improvements in quality of life, nutritional status, and patient satisfaction, they did not consistently enhance survival or treatment adherence. The review highlights the need for standardized studies to better understand these interventions.
Key findings
- Navigation programs improved quality of life and nutritional status in select studies.
- No consistent benefits were observed for survival or treatment adherence.
- The review included seven studies, comprising five observational and two randomized controlled studies.
- Most interventions were nurse-led and varied widely in structure and outcome assessment.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of cancer navigation programs on patient outcomes is crucial for optimizing care in gastric cancer. Improved quality of life and patient satisfaction can enhance overall treatment experiences, even if survival benefits are not consistently demonstrated.