the CHURCHILL fellowship

FROM UNCERTAINTY TO UNDERSTANDING ENHANCING HOLISTIC SUPPORT FOR CANCER OF UNKNOWN PRIMARY (CUP) PATIENTS

UKAOS are very proud to feature this amazing report written by one of our founder board members and our MUO and CUP Lead Alison Taylor.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Churchill Fellowship report presents findings and actionable recommendations to improve the care of people with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), focusing on psychological and emotional support. Drawing on international research and site visits to Australia, and The Netherlands, the report identifies best practices in multidisciplinary care, genomic medicine, and patient engagement that can be adapted to the UK context.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Establish dedicated CUP Nurse roles within oncology teams to provide consistent, personalised report.
2. Expand genomic profiling services and establish Genomic Tumour Advisory Boards (GTABs) to support decision-making for complex cases. Integrate early palliative care into CUP care pathways to improve quality of life from diagnosis onward.
3. Develop and distribute tailored support resources, including digital tools and self-care apps, to empower patients and caregivers.
4. Create a national consumer group or patient parliament to engage CUP patients in healthcare decisions, research, and policy development.
5. Address Inequality in Care Pathways: standardise care pathways to reduce regional disparities in CUP diagnosis and treatment, ensuring equitable access to services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
6. Promote Excellence through Regional Centres of Excellence: Establish regional Centres of Excellence for CUP care, modelled after the SUPER sites in Australia, to advance research, share best practices, and improve clinical outcomes across regions.
7. Implement standardised diagnostic pathways for CUP based on international guidelines, ensuring timely and coordinated care.

The insights gained from this fellowship serve as a foundation for transforming CUP care in the UK, offering innovative solutions that not only address clinical needs but also prioritise psychological well-being. By adopting these recommendations, we can build a more supportive, equitable, and patient-centred care model for CUP patients, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and support they need to navigate their diagnosis with dignity and confidence.

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