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Palliative and End-of-Life Treatment

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Book cover Rectal Cancer

Abstract

The evolution of rectal cancer treatments has led to survival advantages for many patients. Nonetheless, clinicians must be prepared for the specialized care for rectal cancer survivors living with progressive cancer whose problems may be unique and quite complex. Recognition of the needs of patients has propelled the development of programs to provide concomitant palliative and supportive care with cancer treatment, which can help address the myriad concerns for both patients and their family and caregivers. The Institute of Medicine calls for reimbursement for practitioners for time spent with patients related to end-of-life planning [1], further displaying the added focus on patients with advanced disease. Patients who present with advanced stage rectal cancers and those experiencing progressive disease despite treatment should have access to concomitant palliative care early in their treatment course. This can facilitate the transition from a focus on disease modifying treatment to more symptom focused care. It is important to recognize that the complex issues of suffering will intensify in the setting of advanced disease. Practical expertise in the care of the dying is recognized as one of several important themes of care in order to achieve a “good death” [2].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center/University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Robert S. Krouse

  2. Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System/University of Arizona, SAVAHCS Surgical Care Line 2-112, 3601 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85723-0001, USA

    Felipe A. Maegawa

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  1. Robert S. Krouse
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  2. Felipe A. Maegawa
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Correspondence to Robert S. Krouse .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA

    George J. Chang

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Krouse, R.S., Maegawa, F.A. (2018). Palliative and End-of-Life Treatment. In: Chang, G. (eds) Rectal Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16384-0_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16384-0_22

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