Chemotherapy at end-of-life: an integration of oncology and palliative team
Menée à Hong Kong, cette étude passe en revue les enjeux liés à l'administration d'une chimiothérapie palliative pour des patients en fin de vie et à l'articulation entre les services oncologiques et palliatifs
Palliative chemotherapy is increasingly used in cancer patients near end of life. With the development of newer anticancer agents which have less side effects and higher expected efficacy, the decision on palliative chemotherapy in patients near end of life is complex. This article illustrates how oncologist and palliative care physicians can work together effectively. This article also gives an overview about the risks of palliative chemotherapy near end of life, patients’ and physicians’ perspectives in choosing the aggressive treatment and describes what an oncologist should do when facing this challenging situation.