Palliative care of older glioblastoma patients in neurosurgery

Purpose The care of older neurosurgical patients at the end life is a particularly demanding challenge. Especially, the specific needs of very old patients with glioblastoma at the end of life are at risk of being deprived of adequate care. Methods Based on a narrative literature review, this article aims to explore key issues of the thematic intersection of geriatric glioblastoma patients, palliative care and neurosurgery. Results and discussion Four key issues were identified: patient-centeredness (need orientation and decision making), early palliative care, advance care planning, and multi-professionalism. Possible benefits and barriers are highlighted with regard to integrating these concepts into neurosurgery. Conclusions Palliative care complements neurosurgical care of geriatric glioblastoma multiforme patients to optimise care for this highly vulnerable category of patients.

Automated summary

This article explores key issues at the intersection of geriatric glioblastoma patients, palliative care, and neurosurgery through a narrative literature review. It identifies patient-centeredness, early palliative care, advance care planning, and multi-professionalism as the four key issues. The article highlights the possible benefits and barriers of integrating these concepts into neurosurgery and concludes that palliative care complements neurosurgical care for geriatric glioblastoma patients.