Medicines management in the palliative care of cancer patients

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Malta. Palliative care is a mainstay in the care of such patients. Commonly encountered symptoms include pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation and oropharyngeal complications. All of these bear an impact on the quality of life of the patient and also of the carers. Drug treatment is an integral part of the management of these symptoms. Patients and their carers may have concerns regarding their medication. The community pharmacist is well positioned and competent to support the needs of these patients as part of their holistic care.peer-reviewe