Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/guidance on the use of clinically assisted hydration in patients with advanced cancer.

Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>The provision of clinically assisted hydration (CAH) in patients with advanced cancer is controversial, and there is a paucity of specific guidance and so a diversity in clinical practice. Consequently, the Palliative Care Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) formed a sub-group to develop evidence-based guidance on the use of CAH in patients with advanced cancer.<h4>Methods</h4>This guidance was developed in accordance with the MASCC Guidelines Policy. A search strategy for Medline was developed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were explored for relevant reviews/trials, respectively.<h4>Results</h4>Due to the paucity of evidence, the sub-group was not able to develop a prescribed guideline, but was able to generate a number of "expert opinion statements": these statements relate to assessment of patients, indications for CAH, contraindications for CAH, procedures for initiating CAH, and reassessment of patients.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This guidance provides a framework for the use of CAH in advanced cancer, although every patient requires individualised management.