Integration of Palliative Care into Acute Myeloid Leukemia Care

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of the past, present, and future of the integration of palliative care services for patients with hematologic malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Data sources: Published literature as indexed in Medline, relevant guideline documents, textbooks, and clinical experience.

Conclusion: Patients with acute leukemias have substantial palliative care needs that often go unmet with standard oncology care. Evidence shows that the early integration of specialist palliative care into standard oncology care improves patient-centered outcomes among those with advanced solid tumors. Emerging evidence supports similar benefits among hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing stem cell transplantation, and additional trials are underway to further test palliative care interventions in patients with AML.

Implications for nursing practice: By better understanding the palliative care needs of patients with AML and the evidence of integration with standard oncologic care, patients with leukemias may be more likely to receive early integrated palliative care.

Keywords: anxiety; cancer; depression; leukemia; palliative care; quality of life.