On how increasing numbers of newer cancer therapies further delay referral to hospice: the increasing palliative care imperative.
Delay in referral of cancer patients to hospice until very near the end of life may deny patients and families optimal palliative care. A variety of factors may contribute to these delays. This article describes how the proliferation of newer anticancer therapies, although desirable overall, may further increase these delays. It is important for hospice personnel to understand these changes in medical oncology and to work to optimize palliative care delivery concomitantly with disease-remitting therapies.
Mintzer
David M
DM
Pain and Supportive Care Program, Joan Karnell Cancer Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. dmmonc@aol.com
Zagrabbe
Kathryn
K
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents