Starten en stoppen met palliatieve tumorbehandeling

Although palliative treatment options are increasing, more emphasis is required on benefits and quality of life, in view of rising costs. Few studies have focused on factors determining decisions regarding treatment choices. The dilemma may involve generally expected patient attitudes such as never giving up on the one hand and limitations in potential and adverse events on the other. WHO performance status, type of cancer and comorbidity influence oncologists’ decisions, but many other factors which have not yet been clearly identified may also be involved. Shared decision-making is poorly studied in the palliative setting. Active treatment is most frequently promoted, rather than best supportive care. Patients sometimes feel insufficiently informed. Quality adjusted life years assessment may add to decision-making. Involving palliative care expertise, and collaborating with oncologists and general physicians, may be of value regarding decision-making. Introduction of more objective parameters to outweigh benefits and burden of (maintaining) palliative tumour-directed treatment is required.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.