The Science of Hope: Why and How to Approach the Most Difficult Situations in Oncology

Monday, October 25, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

The availability of hope is axiomatic to cancer patients and their loved ones. Arguably, the loss of hope constitutes the most desolate feeling that a human being can harbor. However, oncologists are mindful of false hope, and the need to have patients understand the likely course of their disease. This tension can result in either a patient who does not know their true prognosis, or conversely, a patient who does believe they have agency in their own care, resulting in poor adherence to care and much psychospiritual distress.

However, this is a false dichotomy.

We will demonstrate that hope for all patients is appropriate, necessary and a critical component of quality care. This session will discuss the extensive science of hope: what is its psychoneuroimmunological basis, why it is vitally important, how it is being incorporated in clinical trials and how to cultivate and enhance hope among patients, caregivers and colleagues in a genuine and transparent way. We posit that an individual’s level of hope is often determined by innate personality characteristics and environmental factors, but can also be physiologically influenced by immune modulators, neurotransmitters, affective states and even the underlying disease process of cancer. Mostly, we assert that hope represents a cognitive construct which can be taught and learned as a skill. We argue that hope can be a therapeutic target and review evidence showing the effects of hope-enhancing therapies.

We believe that hope should be part of today’s clinical toolbox and we hypothesize that it may improve adherence and cancer-related outcomes.

Schedule