Supportive Care of the Patient With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

摘要

Despite advances in therapy, the average survival rate at 5 years forany patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer remains only 6%. Throughout thecourse of cancer, most patients suffer a significant symptom burden and willneed numerous interventions targeting these concerns. This paper highlightsthe most significant problems faced when caring for patients with advancedpancreatic cancer and provides an evidence-based approach to management.In addition, this review summarizes data on the health-related quality of lifeassociated with current antineoplastic strategies, as well as critical issues facingpatients and families along the disease trajectory. To provide optimal, appropri-ate care for patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer, ongoing assess-ment of their quality of life and of their preferences for treatment towards theend of life is crucial.