The oncologist
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Editorial Comment
The evolving face of palliative care in cancer medicine.
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Shortly before his death in 1995, Kenneth B. Schwartz, a cancer patient at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founded The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center at MGH. ⋯ The clinical benefit of CPR in the event of cardiac arrest in those with cancer is discussed, as are do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, living wills, and healthcare proxies. In addition, the issues that surround DNR status, including who should discuss DNR status with a patient, and how and when it should be discussed, are reviewed. Staff raised concerns about the effect of discussing DNR status on the doctor-patient relationship, and wondered whether writing DNR orders adversely affect the care of patients.