Palliative treatments for patients with inoperable gastroesophageal cancers

Int J Palliat Nurs. 2006 Jul;12(7):306-17. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2006.12.7.21606.

Abstract

Most patients with cancers of the stomach, oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction ultimately develop metastatic or inoperable disease, rendering them incurable. They can, however, benefit from a variety of palliative interventions involving the multidisciplinary team, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoluminal stenting, laser, or surgery. Often a combination of such strategies will be used to control symptoms, and maintain or improve quality of life. In this article, we review these multidisciplinary interventional approaches in patients with gastroesophageal cancers, and highlight future trends.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal Neoplasms / nursing
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care*
  • Stents
  • Stomach Neoplasms / nursing
  • Stomach Neoplasms / therapy*