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Home :: Cancer treatment :: Palliation
Palliation - Information on cancer palliation
When cure is no longer possible, palliation, i.e. relief of tumour symptoms and prolongation of life, is possible in many cancers in proportion to their chemo- and radiosensitivity. There is on average a 2-18 months prolongation in median life expectancy with current treatments for solid tumours and up to 5-8 years for some leukaemias and lymphomas, with those with the most responsive tumours experiencing the greatest benefit. The development of more effective chemotherapeutic drugs and better supportive care such as antiemetics has done much to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy and to improve the cost/benefit ratio for the patient receiving palliative treatment. In addition, through early assessment during treatment, it is possible to stop if there is no evidence of benefit within 6-8 weeks of starting so as to minimize exposure to toxic and unsuccessful treatment.
Cancer Tip |
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been called the most important tumor marker in oncology. Certainly in prostate cancer, it has revolutionized our ability to detect the disease early, as well as follow the course of the disease in patients after being treated with different therapies.
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Health Tip |
Certain foods such as red wine, coffee, chocolate and cheese are thought to contain the amino acid tyrosine, which affects the blood vessels. Try an elimination diet to detect culprit foods.
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Mesothelioma Information
