A multidisciplinary evaluation for advanced supportive care of breast cancer patients

Background: The prevalence of cancer is increasing, and this is the consequence of the rising incidence of tumours but also of the more effective treatments received. This implies that there are more and more persons that receive medical anticancer therapies and that are interested in maintaining their quality of life. Many oncological treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, and combined therapy are associated with cutaneous toxicity. This is particularly relevant when new therapies are used since these may cause new and unexpected side effects that may be short-lived but, in some cases, may become chronic or permanent. Patients often seek advice with their oncologists on what can be done and what cannot be done. Notably, many of the cutaneous side effects can be prevented or reduced by adequate interventions. Summary: The aim of this review is to highlight how oncological patients may benefit from a closer collaboration between specialists in different branches. We will focus on women with breast cancer since we think that they may derive a special benefit from this collaboration, but we will analyse other cancers in future papers. Key Messages: The working group was created with two specific aims: to help the oncologist in the prevention and management of cutaneous toxicity and to support patients in this phase of their lives, including nutritional assessment and dietary support.