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Review
. 2023 Feb 1;59(2):288.
doi: 10.3390/medicina59020288.

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Patients with Brain Cancer Admitted to ICU

Sara Frisella  1 , Lapo Bonosi  2 , Mariachiara Ippolito  1   3 , Giuseppe Roberto Giammalva  2 , Gianluca Ferini  4 , Anna Viola  4 , Valentina Anna Marchese  4 , Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana  5 , Domenico Gerardo Iacopino  2 , Antonino Giarratano  1   3 , Andrea Cortegiani  1   3 , Rosario Maugeri  2
Affiliations
Review

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Patients with Brain Cancer Admitted to ICU

Sara Frisella et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life of critically ill patients, including those with frailty, during their illness. Materials and Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review on Pubmed focusing on palliative care in neuro-oncology patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Results: We identified 967 articles and, after excluding 952 articles in accordance with the PRISMA flow chart, we included a total of 15 articles in the final selection. The potential role of palliative care in neuro-oncology appears necessary to ensure comprehensive end-of-life patient care. However, this seems underestimated and poorly applied, especially in the context of intensive care units. Medical personnel also face ethical dilemmas, considering not only the pathology but also the socio-spiritual context of the patient. In addition, caregivers' understanding of prognosis and realistic goals is critical for optimal end-of-life management. Conclusions: The provision of palliative care to neuro-oncological patients admitted to ICU is a complex challenge supported by fragmented evidence. Additional research on palliative care and communication about end-of-life care in the neuro-oncology and neuro-ICU setting is needed.

Keywords: brain tumors; end-of-life therapies; neuro intensive care unit; neuro-ICU; neurosurgery; palliative care; supportive care.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow chart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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