[Possible approaches to cancer chemotherapy in palliative care medicine]

We discussed our attitude, ideas, and treatment practices, and presented several problems concerning palliative chemotherapy under the palliative medical environment in patients with advanced cancer in our hospital. We thought that, in many cases, they could be given further chemotherapy. Because of the clear availability of so-called palliative therapy, these patients tend not to elect another chemotherapy using more effective anti-tumor agents in the name of "acceptance." The clinical practice of palliative chemotherapy, however, really needs the passion of skillful medical oncologists, palliative care doctors, and other staff including surgeons and radiologists. The most important issue is that all the medical staff sincerely empathize with the wishes of patients and their families with a common hospice spirit.