Palliative Care, End-of-Life Care, and Advance Care Planning in Neuro-oncology
Recommended Citation
Walbert T. Palliative Care, End-of-Life Care, and Advance Care Planning in Neuro-oncology. CONTINUUM Lifelong Learning in Neurology 2017; 23(6, Neuro-oncology):1709-1726.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2017
Publication Title
Continuum
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite new therapeutic approaches, most patients with high-grade glioma face limited overall survival and have a high symptom burden throughout their disease trajectory, especially in the end-of-life phase. This article provides an overview of the role of palliative care in neuro-oncology. Management recommendations are made for neurologic symptoms in patients with advanced brain tumors, including headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Special attention is given to how and when to involve subspecialty palliative care and hospice services to improve symptom management during active tumor treatment and in the end-of-life phase of patients with brain tumors. Advance care planning and end-of-life goals should be addressed early in the disease trajectory; this article provides a road map for these discussions.
RECENT FINDINGS: The high symptom burden of patients with brain tumors affects their quality of life as well as their ability to make treatment decisions. It is therefore warranted to involve patients with high-grade glioma in treatment decision making early in the disease course, with a focus on end-of-life care and advance care planning. Research in other World Health Organization grade IV cancers has shown that the early involvement of specialty palliative care improves quality of life and caregiver satisfaction. Patients with brain tumors should be actively screened for fatigue, and underlying factors such as hormone deficiencies, low blood counts, and sleep issues should be addressed before focusing interventions for tumor- and treatment-related fatigue.
SUMMARY: Palliative care can address typical symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and headaches that have the potential to severely disable patients with brain tumors. Advance care planning should be introduced proactively and early in the disease trajectory to ensure a dignified death and improved caregiver bereavement.
Medical Subject Headings
Advance Care Planning; Caregivers; Glioma; Humans; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Terminal Care
PubMed ID
29200118
Volume
23
Issue
6, Neuro-oncology
First Page
1709
Last Page
1726