Neuro-oncology
-
The prognosis for glioma remains dismal, and little is known about the final disease phase. To obtain information about this period, we surveyed caregivers of patients who were registered in the German Glioma Network and who died from the disease. ⋯ Although these data reflect the caregivers' subjective views, they are useful in understanding and improving current patterns of care. While patients and their caregivers are supported mainly by neuro-oncologists for most of the disease phase, the end-of-life phase is managed predominantly by general practitioners and specialists in palliative care. Close cooperation between these specialties is necessary to meet the specific needs of glioma patients.