Work

Palliative radiotherapy

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: What you need to know• Palliative radiotherapy offers effective symptom control for focal disease due to cancer• Increased analgesia, anti-emetics, and in some cases corticosteroids can help to reduce discomfort and side effects• Acute side effects of radiotherapy usually resolve within 4-6 weeks of completing treatment• Symptoms of cancer may deteriorate before improvement• For patients in the final weeks of life, the side effects and disruption of palliative radiotherapy may outweigh the benefits, and holistic palliative care may be more appropriate

Source: BMJ

DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k821

Authors: Katie Spencer, Rhona Parrish, Rachael Barton, Ann Henry

Institutions: University of Leeds, Castle Hill Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,431