Supportive therapy in neuro-oncology.
Patients with cerebral neoplasms often report pain or other kinds of symptoms which, even though not directly connected to the disease itself, can cause complications in the approach to therapy and worsen the quality of life of the patients. The therapies aimed at controlling these kinds of disturbances are referred to as supportive therapies as they do not cure the underlying disease. However, these therapies should not be underestimated, because, by controlling these disturbances, they are able not only to greatly improve the quality of life of the neuro-oncologic patients but also increase their survival. Based on this hypothesis, we will discuss and examine the drugs more frequently used for supportive therapy in neuro-oncologic patients. We assert, in fact, that the desire to offer neuro-oncologic patients better assistance guarantees not only adequate specialized input from the health operators involved, concerning the quality of life and the uniqueness of the 'person-patient', but also the ability to be able to listen to the patients, understand their choices and allow them to express their priorities.
Maschio
M
M
Dept. of Neuroscience and Cervical-Facial Pathology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy. maschio@ifo.it
Jandolo
B
B
D000698:Analgesia; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009423:Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs