To evaluate the referral patterns and characteristics of patients with gliomas receiving specialized palliative care (SPC) and assess the interdisciplinary services utilized, emphasizing the importance of timely referrals.
Key Findings:
443 patients were referred, with 409 newly diagnosed and 34 with progression, highlighting the need for timely referrals.
Median age at diagnosis was 65 years; most patients had gliomas WHO grade 4, indicating a high-risk population.
237 patients were referred to SPC, with 185 starting outpatient treatment, showing engagement with palliative services.
Median time to SPC referral was 7 months post-diagnosis, varying significantly between GBM and non-GBM patients, underscoring disparities in care.
Median overall survival for SPC patients was 15 months, with GBM patients having a median OS of 13 months, suggesting a need for earlier intervention.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the late initiation of SPC in glioma patients, particularly those with GBM, and underscores the need for timely referrals to improve quality of life and care outcomes, which could lead to better survival rates.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and may be subject to selection bias, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings.
Data on some patients were incomplete, affecting the analysis and interpretation of results.
Conclusion:
Early referral to specialized palliative care is crucial for glioma patients to enhance their quality of life and potentially improve survival outcomes, as evidenced by the study's findings.
