Palliative Care for Lung Cancer
The best course of treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer is determined by the stage of the cancer, symptoms, size and location of the tumor and overall health of the patient. If a patient receives a late cancer diagnosis, such as Stage 4, curable treatments may no longer be effective or even viable. In these cases, palliative care for lung cancer is often recommended.
Palliative care is not intended to provide a cure, but rather improve quality of life by using methods to manage pain, limit metastasis and prolong survival. Palliation of symptoms for lung cancer can include standard treatment methods like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and medications.
Respiratory therapies, such as breathing exercises and oxygen treatments, are used for some patients as well. Palliative care may also include hospice, in which patients are treated and supported in the comfort of their own homes during the late stages of their life.
Having top specialists on your treatment team is the first step to developing the best course of treatment for any asbestos-related lung condition, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Find the right doctor for your diagnosis by using the Doctor Match program, a free service provided by the Mesothelioma Center. Call (800) 549-0544 or fill out the form to get started.
When to Have Palliative Care
Many studies suggest palliative care is often introduced too late during the treatment process to have a meaningful effect on patients. This is particularly of concern for patients diagnosed in the early stages of lung cancer. Studies show that implementing both curative and palliative therapies at the beginning of the treatment plan can improve quality of life and even increase survival rates.
However, patients faced with making the transition from curable treatments to therapies designed only for pain management often experience feelings of anxiety, depression and grief. The most effective palliative treatment plans for these patients, therefore, will address their emotional needs.
Palliative care that addresses a patient's emotional needs includes clear, consistent communication among doctors, patients and family members. In fact, doctors from eight leading cancer centers indicated that communication with patients and family is essential; patients should be proactive and ask questions that will help them understand their treatment plan and better cope with their prognosis.
Pain Management as Palliative Treatment
Pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with lung cancer. Whether it's caused by shortness of breath – called dyspnea – coughing or the tumor itself, pain is the primary consideration when developing a treatment program. If a patient can survive without pain, doctors say they experience less anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness, thus improving their overall quality of life. While the type of treatment plays a major role in pain management, research indicates that the time in which palliative care is implemented is equally important.
In a study published in 2010 titled, "Early Palliative Care for Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer,” 151 patients with fast-growing lung cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital received similar, but different treatments. One group received standard treatment for lung cancer and eventually incorporated palliative care, while another group received both standard treatment and palliative care from the start of treatment. According to the authors of the study, patients who received palliative care during the early stages of treatment reported less pain, depression, anxiety, and happier lives. In addition, these patients also lived an average of three months longer (about one year).
Chemotherapy and Radiation as Palliative Treatment
Both chemotherapy and radiation are frequently used for pain management of advanced lung cancer. Chemotherapy helps patients live more comfortable lives by eliminating cancer cells responsible for pain and other symptoms.
Radiation helps reduce chest pain in 60 to 80 percent of patients, while dyspnea and coughing is minimized in 50 to 70 percent of patients. When lung cancer patients need to alleviate respiratory pain and improve quality of life, a palliative care treatment program may include some form of chemotherapy and radiation.
Palliation of Symptoms: Dyspnea and Cough
Shortness of breath and cough are two common symptoms of lung cancer. Dyspnea is a symptom that usually arises once lung cancer has reached an advanced stage. Research suggests about 15 percent of patients experience dyspnea at diagnosis and 65 percent of patients have it at some point during their illness. Doctors indicate it can also be responsible for causing anxiety, fear of death and pain.
Treatment for dyspnea may include a number of palliative care options, such as oxygen, bronchodilators (inhalers), antibiotics and opioids (pain medication). Lung cancer patients with dyspnea from pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity, might receive a thoracentesis – the same treatment prescribed for pleural mesothelioma patients. A thoracentesis is a procedure that removes excess fluid from the lungs by inserting a hollow needle into the pleural space and extracting the fluid.
Coughing is another symptom commonly experienced among lung cancer patients. Research suggests coughing is present in more than 65 percent of cases, with severe coughing occurring in about 25 percent of patients.
Hospice Care as Palliative Treatment
Hospice is typically considered a form of palliative, end-of-life care. Its purpose is to treat patients in the comfort of their own home during the last stages of life. Similar to palliative treatment, research indicates hospice is often implemented too late for patients to receive the full benefits from it.
In a study involving 1356 lung cancer patients in hospice, data suggested patients were admitted into the programs too late. Lung cancer patients had a median survival of 36 days with 15 percent of patients dying within the first week. Hospice care is noted to reduce pain, increase patient satisfaction and may even be more cost-effective when comparing it to hospital bills, so utilizing hospice care prior to a patient's last few weeks of survival may be best.
Need More Information about Palliative Care for Asbestos-related Lung Cancer?
Discovering support groups and speaking with counselors who help patients through the late stages of lung cancer can be a beneficial part of palliative care. Our Patient Advocates are equipped to answer your questions about palliative care and other treatments and can provide guidance and emotional support for you and your family. Call (800) 215-2270 to speak to a compassionate advocate today.
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Last Modified Thursday, May 17th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
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