Analysis of deaths of the patients with terminal cancer / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although most patients with cancer have a fatal outcome, it seems that the concern and study may be not enough. This study was aimed to perform the analysis of the cause of death, main symptom and treatment of the patients with terminal cancer and to provide the basic information about their adequate management. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 73 terminal cancer patients who had been managed with palliative therapy and died at Pusan National University Hospital from January 1999 to December 2001. The underlying malignant disease, ante-mortem symptoms, therapy and immediate cause of deaths were studied. RESULTS: A total 73 terminal cancer patients was included. The mean age was 53 years. Underlying malignant diseases were solid tumor (62%), acute myeloid leukemia (12%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (11%), chronic myeloid leukemia (10%), multiple myeloma (5%). The solid tumor was composed of gastrointestinal tract cancer (38%), head and neck cancer (13%), cancer of unknown primary site (9%), lung cancer (11%), hepatobiliary tract cancer (7%), cervical cancer (7%), ovarian cancer (4%), malignant melanoma (4%), soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma (4%) and brain tumor (2%). The frequencies of the clinical complaints evaluated were the pain necessitating opiates, dyspnea (WHO grade >or=2), CNS disturbances, fever, hemorrhage, jaundice and intractable vomiting. Opiates, transfusions and antibiotics were the main therapy and pneumonia were the most important immediate causes of death. CONCLSUION: This results could be used as the basic information for the patients with terminal cancer and suggests a need for multi-center cooperation study.