Palliative Care in the New Era of Lung Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the most common malignancy and is recognized as having significant impact on quality of life. Advances in lung cancer treatment over the past decade have been significant, with new agents extending life, even in late-stage disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate palliative care needs and use of supportive care services in a randomly selected sample (N = 99) of patients with lung cancer. Results indicated that despite treatment advances, these patients continue to have significant symptom and quality of life concerns and to receive limited palliative care or supportive care services. Integration of palliative care is needed in the new era of lung cancer treatment.