Palliation for the dying patient with lung cancer
Silvestri, G.A.
Respiratory Care 45(12) 1490-1496; Discussion: 1497-1500
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-1324 PMID: 11107215 Document Number: 7276
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This year more than 160,000 patients will die of this disease, more deaths than can be expected from breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Lung cancer is largely preventable, as 90% of cases occur in patients who smoke cigarettes. The 5-year survival of lung cancer is dismal at 10-13% and has not changed over the past several decades. Research efforts aim to improve survival in these patients, but we must continue to care for the rest of the patients who will ultimately succumb to their diseases. These patients may benefit from the palliative care techniques described herein. Palliative care treatment options for patients with terminal lung cancer include radiation therapy to ameliorate symptoms such as pain, cough, and hemoptysis, and pain management to relieve the suffering that can be associated with locally advanced or metastatic cancer. The hospice benefit is underutilized despite the positive effect this benefit has on patients and their families. We need to communicate carefully with patients about their wishes at the end of life so that we may respect their preferences regarding palliative versus life-extending care. The role that respiratory therapists (RTs) will play in the care of dying lung cancer patients is discussed herein.
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