Aligning Treatment Goals with Patient Preferences in Advanced Cancer Care
Research highlights the importance of aligning advanced cancer treatments with patient preferences to enhance quality of life and ensure care reflects individual goals, emphasizing the need for open patient-provider communication.
Recent research underscores the importance of aligning treatment approaches with the individual goals of patients suffering from advanced cancer. It reveals that many patients report receiving treatments aimed at extending life, even when their primary desire is comfort and quality of life. This misalignment can lead to treatments that might not reflect the patient’s true wishes, emphasizing the need for thorough and honest discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
The study, published in the journal Cancer, involved surveying over a thousand adults with serious illnesses, including nearly 231 with advanced cancer. Findings showed that about half of the patients with cancer preferred care focused on comfort rather than life extension. Interestingly, within this group, approximately 37% still received treatments aimed at prolonging life, which did not necessarily improve survival outcomes.
Furthermore, the data indicated that for patients who preferred comfort, receiving life-extending treatments did not significantly increase their chances of living longer. This highlights a critical disconnect: patients’ preferences are not always being incorporated into the treatment plans, potentially leading to unnecessary burdens and reduced quality of life.
Dr. Manan P. Shah from UCLA, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that these findings point to the essential need for open, transparent conversations between clinicians and patients. Healthcare providers should clearly explain the purpose and likely outcomes of treatments, and strive to ensure that care aligns with the individual’s personal goals.
Overall, this research advocates for a patient-centered approach in oncology, focusing on respecting patients’ wishes whether that means pursuing aggressive treatment or prioritizing comfort and quality of life. Addressing these preferences can lead to more humane, effective, and personalized care for those facing advanced cancer.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-patients-advanced-cancer-treatment-aligned.html
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