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Patients with advanced lung disease have a higher symptom burden, and poorer quality of life, than those with advanced lung cancer. Dr. Julie McDonald discusses a new service developed by St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne to overcome barriers for palliative care for patients with advanced lung disease.

Early integration of palliative care for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer not only improved quality of life and psychological symptoms but also was associated with increased survival. Professor Jennifer Philips discusses her research into the extent to which this evidence was translated into practice in Victoria, Australia.

Significant levels of distress are experienced by 29-40% of palliative patients. Access to effective psychosocial interventions which reduce distress and enhance wellbeing and quality of life is essential. Emeritus Professor Kenneth Pakenham and Christopher Lloyd Martin discuss their research surveying palliative care patients about their needs for psychosocial support.

Carers have a significant burden in managing the diverse physical, cognitive, and behavioural changes that can occur in people with high-grade glioma (HGG). Clinical Nurse, Diana Jones, discusses the findings from her team's research into supportive strategies for carers of people with HGG.

Pharmacogenomics is an increasingly important and effective method used to guide objective, safe, and effective personalised prescribing. Dr Aaron K Wong discusses his team's research to determine if Pharmacogenomics can improve the effective use of opioids within the palliative care population.