Psycho-oncological challenges of molecular therapies

Background. Molecular oncological therapies belong to the so-called personalized, targeted or individualized therapies. Whereas the therapeutic benefits for specific indications seem to be promising, an unreflecting accentuation on a personalized or individualized treatment may lead to false expectations and misunderstandings in patient-physician communication, especially in a palliative setting. Method. This article presents the consequences of molecular therapy regarding health-related quality of life and psychosocial issues from the perspective of routine daily psychotherapeutic and oncological practice and illustrates them with case examples. Results and conclusion. As a consequence of different treatment modalities and indications for molecular therapies with mostly un-known long-term toxicity, new challenges in communication and physician-patient relationships will develop. From the psychological point of view emphasis is placed on the definition of being a person, which stresses the comprehensive understanding of a holistic (nondivisible) individual. Patients who are existentially threatened are especially vulnerable to accepting treatment which promises profound healing. Especially in this situation a critical and authentic communication about evidence-based benefits and unrealistic expectations is needed.