Treatable complications of cancer patients referred to an in-patient hospice

Abstract

This paper illustrates the importance of accurate diagnoses and treatments of complications in terminally ill cancer patients. The paper reports on five hospice in-patients who completely recovered from life-threatening complications; three of them had been incorrectly labeled as "imminently dying" by the referring physicians. The paper concludes that it would be beneficial for patients to receive examinations and a trial of medical treatment in their continuing treatment settings.

Temporary Improvement in Activities of Daily Living After Steroid Therapy for the Treatment of Anti-Hu Antibody-Associated Syndrome in a Patient with Advanced Prostate Cancer

“…Some reports have suggested that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of complications in patients with advanced cancer can provide effective symptom palliation and prolong life. 11,12 Actually, advanced cancer patients tend to develop muscle weakness as a result of underlying cancer progression or late-stage complications such as cord compression or central nervous system involvement. These complications can mimic PNS.…”