Transitions to palliation: two solitudes or inevitable integration?
As options for systemic therapy for cancer continue to expand and median survival for many solid tumors lengthens, the divisions between active oncologic and palliative care continue to blur. Despite the well-recognized need to integrate palliative support for those with metastatic cancer, data on best practices facilitating the transition from active oncologic to active palliative care are lacking. Recent evidence outlining evolving issues surrounding this transition in care is reviewed, emphasizing the need for rigorous research efforts to define best practices and interventions.
Rayson
Daniel
D
Division of Medical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 2Y9. daniel.rayson@cdha.nshealth.ca
McIntyre
Paul
P
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology