TY - JOUR
T1 - Palliative chemotherapy
T2 - Historical perspective, applications, and controversies
AU - Browner, Ilene
AU - Carducci, Michael A.
N1 - Funding Information:
Supported by Simultaneous Care Grant NIH I-R25 CA95260 (M.A.C.), and ASCO-Hartford Association Geriatric-Oncology Fellowship Training Grant (I.B.).
PY - 2005/4
Y1 - 2005/4
N2 - Despite advances in cancer detection and treatment, cancer continues to be a major public health burden in the United States, and patients with advanced or refractory cancers carry much of this burden. The primary goal of cancer treatment is cure. However, most patients with advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease do not benefit from this intent. Recent research studies have documented the role of chemotherapy in providing symptom control, preventing complications, prolonging life, and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with incurable cancers. Although chemotherapy under these conditions is palliative, patients receiving chemotherapy or participating in research trials are excluded from receiving much needed palliative services, such as Hospice, based on current definitions, limitations, and models of palliative care. Application of palliative services on a continuum from the time of diagnosis through the end of life (EOL) has been recognized as beneficial in the treatment of patients with terminal diseases and has been addressed through trials assessing mixed management models, providing palliative and therapeutic options.
AB - Despite advances in cancer detection and treatment, cancer continues to be a major public health burden in the United States, and patients with advanced or refractory cancers carry much of this burden. The primary goal of cancer treatment is cure. However, most patients with advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease do not benefit from this intent. Recent research studies have documented the role of chemotherapy in providing symptom control, preventing complications, prolonging life, and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with incurable cancers. Although chemotherapy under these conditions is palliative, patients receiving chemotherapy or participating in research trials are excluded from receiving much needed palliative services, such as Hospice, based on current definitions, limitations, and models of palliative care. Application of palliative services on a continuum from the time of diagnosis through the end of life (EOL) has been recognized as beneficial in the treatment of patients with terminal diseases and has been addressed through trials assessing mixed management models, providing palliative and therapeutic options.
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U2 - 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2004.11.014
DO - 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2004.11.014
M3 - Article
C2 - 15815959
AN - SCOPUS:16244378222
VL - 32
SP - 145
EP - 155
JO - Seminars in Oncology
JF - Seminars in Oncology
SN - 0093-7754
IS - 2
ER -