How can palliative care help treat disease?

UCLA Health

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study last August in which patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, which is almost always a fatal lung cancer, were randomized into two groups. One got standard chemotherapy treatment, and the other group received standard chemotherapy treatment and an early palliative-care consultation that focused on pain and symptom management. The group that got standard chemotherapy plus palliative care, not surprisingly, experienced less pain and better quality of life than the group not receiving the palliative care. The surprising finding, though, was that they also lived about 30 percent longer.

Continue Learning about Palliative Care

Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD

Pediatric palliative care is care with the goal of maintaining or improving a child's quality of lif...

UCLA Health

Palliative care can benefit people who are not terminally ill. A landmark study published in 2010 sh...

When Is Palliative Care Appropriate for Someone Who Has Cancer?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.