Advancing Global Cancer Symptom Science

OBJECTIVES: The inaugural "Cancer Symptom Science Expert Meeting," held in Lausanne Switzerland on October 11-12, 2023, brought together 40 nurse scientists from seven countries. The event aimed to enhance collaboration across the global symptom science community; identify common research interests, gaps in knowledge, and opportunities for research; and develop strategies to address challenges and accelerate symptom science research internationally. This white paper summarizes the discussions and recommendations deliberated during the meeting and introduces the Global Research Alliance in Symptom Science (GRASS). METHODS: This 2-day meeting featured presentations that highlighted critical issues and unanswered questions in cancer symptom science. Four core topic areas based on knowledge gaps were reflected throughout presentations. The co-occurrence of cancer with other chronic conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) that may share similar contributors and underlying mechanisms was included. Four working groups (WGs) were formed to identify gaps and opportunities associated with each topic and to outline strategic directions and essential actions to advance symptom science. RESULTS: Working groups developed four recommendations. WG1 explored optimal approaches to collect, analyze, and use symptom data for research and clinical purposes. WG2 addressed the development of a minimum dataset or common data model for symptom science. WG3 focused on enhancement of best practices in implementation science strategies to improve uptake of evidence-based symptom management in routine care. WG4 addressed capacity building and infrastructure for the creation of a global research alliance in symptom science (GRASS). CONCLUSIONS: The symposium established the groundwork for the development of GRASS, dedicated to symptom science in cancer and other chronic conditions. Future directions include establishing regular scientific meetings, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and engaging with symptom scientists. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The Global Research Alliance in Symptom Science is an alliance for symptom science and its implementation into clinical practice. Nurses are at the forefront of this work.