[Palliative care for glioblastoma]

Rev Med Suisse. 2016 Apr 27;12(516):853-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Patients with glioblastoma have a limited life expectancy and an impaired quality of life and they should be offered palliative care soon after the diagnosis is established. Still, only a quarter of patients aged over 65 return home or medical institution after completing treatments. Home care must be promoted by coordinating assistance and care, combining disciplines such as physiotherapy and ergotherapy, medical and nursing care and psychosocial support. Patients are at risk of mood, personality and behavioural disorders. Limited awareness of these troubles and their physical limitations alter their capacity of rehabilitation and social relationships. Isolation of relatives, exhaustion and misunderstandings should be prevented. The therapeutic goals should be discussed and determined upstream to anticipate difficulties and questions concerning end of life.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / therapy*
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Quality of Life