Introduction to Special Issue on Advanced Cancer Care and Palliative Care Integration.

Palliative care is uniquely positioned to optimize the care of the oncology patient through exploring unmet needs and utilizing interdisciplinary care. The studies presented here highlight some of the ways this can be done which includes: identifying patients at risk or in need; providing solutions to those requiring community supports; addressing psychological and existential concerns; managing symptoms over the course of a disease; communicating prognosis effectively and with compassion; exploring goals of care and advance directives; and facilitating conversations regarding goals, preferences, and values.