A retrospective chart review to identify the involvement of palliative care with glioblastoma multiforme patients

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma Multiforme is a deadly brain cancer that is very challenging for patients and their families. It is associated with rapid progression, cognitive decline, and a low survival rate. Objective: To determine whether deceased Glioblastoma Multiforme patients had received follow-up service from the palliative care team before their death, whether invasive measures had been reduced, and whether the last antineoplastic treatment was given within 14–30 days before death. Method: A retrospective study utilizing chart data from January 2020 to March 2022 from an institutional project. Data were gathered to reflect selected indicators of quality of care for palliative care patients. Results: Of the 30 hospitalized patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme who had died while in hospital, 50% had received support from the palliative care team. Two patients (6.7%) had undergone antineoplastic treatment in the last 14 days of life and 13 (43.3%) had an order limiting invasive measures defined in the last two weeks of life. Conclusion: In half of the patients monitored by a palliative care team, antineoplastic treatment and limitation of invasive measures occurred in the last 14 days of life. This may be associated with increased suffering of patients, family members, and professionals. Discussions about end-of-life care-related choices and goals of care need to be respected. Keywords: oncology, palliative care, Glioblastoma Multiforme, end-of-life care