Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
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J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Jul 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialBuilding the palliative care evidence base: Lessons from a randomized controlled trial of oxygen vs room air for refractory dyspnea.
Palliative care is increasingly seen as a standard component of high-quality comprehensive cancer care. However, several challenges remain to its widespread integration into clinical oncology practice, including workforce problems, reimbursement concerns, and a fledgling evidence base. This article discusses issues surrounding evidence base development in palliative cancer care, using the example of a recently published randomized controlled trial of oxygen versus room air. ⋯ Its first multisite trial was recently completed, assessing the pragmatic question of whether statin medications can be safely discontinued in end-of-life settings. The PCRC will be a vehicle through which a high-quality evidence base will continue to expand and develop. Such ongoing research efforts are needed to inform and improve palliative care practice.