Deep Dive On Palliative Care

Deep Dive On Palliative Care is organized by American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Course opens: 10/01/2021
Course expires: 09/30/2024

Description :
Prognostication is one of the most difficult tasks that radiation oncologists face. Traditionally, patients with metastatic cancer have had poor life expectancies on the order of weeks to months. However, in the era of immunotherapy and data showing a potential survival advantage for locally ablative radiation (SABR-COMET, STAMPEDE), a small percentage of patients are becoming long term survivors, making the task of prognostication even both more difficult as well as more important. While immunotherapy and stereotactic radiation are promising for those who respond, it is difficult to predict exactly who these responders will be. Conversations with patients must therefore balance hope with realistic expectations.This case-based course aims to educate on the current status of prognostic tools and how these can be applied in this modern era. It will also educate on communication techniques surrounding prognostication with these new therapies, as well as treatment decision making.

Learning Objectives :
Upon completion of this activity, learners should be able to do the following:
• Discuss patterns of radiation delivery at the end of life.
• Distinguish the different eligibility requirements of trials that have defined the oligometastatic paradigm in lung cancer.
• Describe the indications for palliative thoracic radiation and the rates of success.
• Provide an update on radiotherapy for brain metastases.
• List prognostic tools that predict outcomes for patients with spine metastases.
• Describe some communication techniques that can help clinicians talk with patients about spine metastases.
• Utilize an algorithm for creating a treatment plan for patients with spine metastases.