Cancer care during pregnancy: 5 guideline notes

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has recommended a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to cancer care during pregnancy, according to guidelines published Dec. 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. 

Here are five notes from the guidelines:

1. An expert panel reviewed 450 studies to develop the guidelines.
   
   
2. The guidelines emphasize a “values-based, informed-consent process” that outlines anticipated treatment benefits alongside maternal and fetal risks.
   
   
3. The recommendations were developed to answer three questions:
   
   
   • What is the recommended diagnostic evaluation for pregnant patients with signs or symptoms of cancer?
     
   • For pregnant patients diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer, what is the recommended oncologic management?
     
   • For pregnant patients with cancer, what is the recommended obstetrical management beyond standard obstetrical practice?
     

4. Multidisciplinary teams of hematologists/oncologists, obstetricians, radiologists, neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, primary care clinicians, nurses, advanced practice providers and pharmacists should “collaborate frequently to develop and adjust individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment,” the guideline authors said.
   
   
5. The guidelines also highlight the importance of providing psychosocial support services to pregnant cancer patients. 

Read the full guidelines here.