Abstract
Background
Palliative complex therapy (PCT) integrates multiprofessional palliative care into inpatient oncology. This study aimed to assess symptoms and supportive-care needs of adults with advanced cancer at the start of first-time PCT.
Methods
Data from patients who received PCT from January 2019 to December 2023 were analyzed. Cancer entity and treatment, symptoms, assessment scales, in PCT involved health care professionals, and further care after discharge were extracted. Differences between age groups (<65 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years, ≥85 years) were analyzed.
Results
Data from 930 patients (405 female, median age 69 years) were included. The main tumor entities were lung (n = 352) and gastrointestinal cancers (n = 256). Of all included patients, 57.1% received concomitant oncological treatment, eg, chemotherapy. The median time between diagnosis and start of PCT was 9 months; between PCT and death, it was 4.1 weeks. Younger patients tended to receive treatment at a later stage of their disease and for a shorter period before their death. At start of PCT, 513 (55.2%) patients had 3 or more symptoms, whereof physical weakness and pain were the most prevalent. The median score of the distress thermometer was 6 points. The most prevalent kinds of therapies were physiotherapy, social service, psycho-oncology, and ergotherapy. 537 (57.7%) patients were discharged home and 195 (21.0%) patients died during PCT.
Conclusion
Patients showed high symptom burden and supporting needs. PCT started earlier than other specialized palliative services and was often provided alongside oncological treatment. It is a helpful way of integrating palliative care into inpatient oncology.
Keywords
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