Supportive care in neurooncology.
OBJECTIVE
Malignant brain tumors have a very poor prognosis and the natural history of disease is very short, usually less than 1 year. Brain tumor patients often present peculiar symptoms of disease that require appropriate supportive treatment, namely, peritumoral brain edema, venous thromboembolism, seizures and opportunistic infections. On the other hand, some important problems such as rehabilitation, depression, psychological support/communication and end-of-life issues/treatment decisions have been poorly investigated so far.


RESULTS
This review focuses on the most recent findings for the management of the most relevant symptoms of brain tumor patients, also discussing the complexity of palliative measures that should be adopted in patients approaching the end of life.


CONCLUSIONS
In recent years, there has been some progress in the medical management of brain tumor patients. Nevertheless, much still needs to be done for further improvement, especially focusing on the unmet need for education in supportive care and end-of-life issues.
Pace
Andrea
A
Division of Neurology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy. pace@ifo.it
Metro
Giulio
G
Fabi
Alessandra
A
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*