Purpose: The care of older neurosurgical patients at the end life is a particularly demanding challenge. Especially, the specific needs of very old patients with glioblastoma at the end of life are at risk of being deprived of adequate care.
Methods: Based on a narrative literature review, this article aims to explore key issues of the thematic intersection of geriatric glioblastoma patients, palliative care and neurosurgery.
Results and discussion: Four key issues were identified: patient-centeredness (need orientation and decision making), early palliative care, advance care planning, and multi-professionalism. Possible benefits and barriers are highlighted with regard to integrating these concepts into neurosurgery.
Conclusions: Palliative care complements neurosurgical care of geriatric glioblastoma multiforme patients to optimise care for this highly vulnerable category of patients.
Keywords: End-of-life; Geriatric neurosurgery; Glioblastoma; Older patients; Palliative care.
© 2022. The Author(s).