The role of "Early Palliative Care" in treatments of advanced Lung Cancer

Abstract

"Early palliative care,"which was the forerunner of evidence for advanced lung cancer, has been shown to maintain the patient quality of life and prolong the survival through a wide range of approaches, not limited to coping with pain symptoms and mental care. Appropriate recognition of the condition and confirmation of treatment goals will prevent the continuation of useless anticancer treatment and provide sufficient preparation for the end of life, as advanced-care planning is also an important part of this approach. Oncologists must be able to anticipate the clinical course of patients without being fixated on anticancer treatments with little evidence, and some prognostic indicators are also useful to this end. Communication skills that do not invade the patient are also required, and collaboration with palliative care specialists provides useful support. Oncologists need to respect the values of patients and provide them and their families with treatment that is truly beneficial.