Advancing Global Cancer Symptom Science: Insights and Strategies From the Inaugural Cancer Symptom Science Expert Meeting.

Abstract

Background: The inaugural "Cancer Symptom Science Expert Meeting," held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 11-12, 2023, brought together 40 nurse scientists from seven countries. The event aimed to enhance collaboration across the global symptom science community; identify common research interests, gaps in knowledge, and opportunities for research; and develop strategies to address challenges and accelerate symptom science research internationally.

Objective: The aim of this white paper is to summarize the discussions and recommendations deliberated during the meeting and introduce the Global Research Alliance in Symptom Science (GRASS).

Methods: This two-day meeting featured presentations that highlighted critical issues and unanswered questions in cancer symptom science and other chronic conditions. Attendees identified four core topic areas based on the knowledge gaps reflected throughout the presentations. Of note, the co-occurrence of cancer with other chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) that may share similar contributors and underlying mechanisms were included in broader context. Four working groups (WGs) were formed to identify gaps and opportunities associated with each topic and to outline strategic directions and essential actions to advance symptom science.

Results: The WGs developed recommendations on four core topic areas. WG1 explored optimal approaches to collect, analyze, and use symptom data for research and clinical purposes. WG2 addressed the development of a minimum dataset or common data model for symptom science research. WG3 focused on enhancement of best practices in implementation science strategies to improve uptake of evidence-based symptom management strategies in routine clinical care. WG4 addressed the questions of capacity building and infrastructure for the creation of a global alliance in symptom science (GRASS).

Discussion: WGs' recommendations underscore the commitment of an international coalition of scientists to advance symptom science. The symposium established the groundwork for the group to constitute GRASS, a global research alliance dedicated to symptom science in cancer and other chronic conditions. Future directions include establishing regular scientific meetings, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and engaging with symptom scientists.