Current oncology reports
-
Patients with hematologic malignancies get more aggressive treatment and the end-of-life, more ICU deaths, and prolonged hospital stays. In comparison to solid tumors, their access to palliative care and hospice is less. ⋯ Multiple factors seem to play a role including curative goals, different treatment options, stronger relationship between patients and oncologist, symptom burden, and limitations of hospice care. Improving the perception of palliative care in these patients, characterizing their needs, and more education can help to increase referrals and access to palliative care. Innovative ways to improve integration between hematology-oncology and palliative care are needed.
-
Current oncology reports · Nov 2018
ReviewUpdates in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes.
The disorders of the central nervous system associated with cancer by remote immune-mediated mechanisms are a heterogeneous group. These disorders encompass the classic paraneoplastic disorders and the recently recognized autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface or synaptic proteins that occur with or without cancer association. In the last decade, the new surge of interest in neuronal diseases associated with anti-neuronal antibodies led to the rapid discovery of new forms of disease that have different manifestations and were not previously suspected to be immune mediated. The recognition of these syndromes is important because it may lead to early detection of an underlying malignancy and prompt initiation of treatment, improving chances for a better outcome.