Identifying the unmet supportive care needs of people affected by kidney cancer: a systematic review

Purpose To synthesize existing evidence on the unmet supportive care needs of people affected by kidney cancer, across the cancer care continuum. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement Guidelines. Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO) were searched using key search terms. Articles were assessed according to pre-specified eligibility criteria. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted. The findings were integrated in a narrative synthesis. Results One thousand sixty-three publications were screened, and 18 publications met the inclusion criteria. The following domains of unmet needs in order of frequency included psychological/emotional needs (17/18: 94%), physical needs (10/18: 56%), social needs (4/18: 22%), interpersonal/intimacy needs (4/18: 22%), patient-clinician communication needs (3/18: 17%), family-related needs (3/18: 17%), health system/information needs (3/18: 17%), spiritual needs (3/18: 17%), daily living needs (2/18: 11%), practical needs (1/18: 6%), and cognitive needs (1/18: 6%). Conclusions There was a wide range of unmet supportive care needs experienced by people diagnosed with kidney cancer. A prominent focus was on psychological and physical needs. Further research is needed to understand how clinical (stage/ treatment) and demographic (age/socio-economic/ethnicity) variables may moderate or mediate the relationship with unmet needs over time. With many unmet needs identified, this review provides a starting place to inform future work to address the complex unmet supportive care needs of people affected by kidney cancer. Implications for Cancer Survivors Individuals living with kidney cancer have many unmet supportive care needs, and future research is needed to learn about what are the most pressing needs and how to best address these concerns to ensure holistic person-centered care is delivered.