Palliative Chemotherapy and the Surgical Oncologist

Abstract

Outcomes are improving for patients with advanced cancer, in part because of increasing diversity and efficacy of systemic therapy, often described as "palliative chemotherapy." Patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment sometimes require surgical interventions, and their cancer care teams must collaborate to optimally manage medical and surgical challenges while also considering patients' goals and values. Structured communication can overcome the inherent ambiguity of the term "palliative chemotherapy" and facilitate optimal quality of care and quality of life for patients with advanced cancer who require surgical interventions.

Keywords: Advanced cancer; Palliative chemotherapy; Shared decision-making.