title: An experience with managing cancer patients reportedly previously informed of the absence of additional available antineoplastic therapeutic options.
abstract: Over the past 5 years, a small group of cancer patients who stated their physicians had determined there were no additional available antineoplastic therapeutic options (including potential investigational strategies) were seen for a 'second opinion' in a cancer hospital-based oncology program and subsequently experienced what can reasonably be characterized as having achieved meaningful 'clinical benefit' (functioning at a fairly high level for a minimum 1 year in the work, home, and/or family environments) following the further delivery of a variety of treatment approaches. While recognized to be limited (or even simply 'anecdotal'), this experience emphasizes several clinically relevant conclusions, including the overall utility of a 'second-opinion' strategy and the potential that the reported statement of an individual practitioner or cancer program that all rational options have been attempted may be inaccurate.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Southwestern Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, Okla., USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: River
authors.affiliation: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Southwestern Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, Okla., USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Southwestern Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, Okla., USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.affiliation: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Regional Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: Maurie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Markman
keywords: Antineoplastic therapy; Cancer management; Second opinion