Prognostic awareness and communication of prognostic information in malignant glioma: a systematic review

Malignant glioma (MG) is a devastating neurological disease with a uniformly poor prognosis and a clinical course characterized by progressive functional and cognitive impairment. A small body of literature addresses patients' and caregivers' prognostic awareness (PA), or understanding of prognosis in patients with cancer. Studies that examine PA and desire for prognostic information among patients with MG are limited. We sought to review the existing literature on PA and communication of prognostic information to patients with MG. Fourteen studies examining PA or experience and preferences regarding communication of prognostic information were included. The definition and measurement of PA across studies varied, and the prevalence of accurate PA ranged from 25 to 100 % of participants. There is likely a subset of patients who do not desire accurate prognostic information, although the patient and disease characteristics that predict this preference are currently unknown. This review suggests that patients with MG desire prognostic information communicated in a manner that preserves hope. Systematic investigation to define communication needs for prognostic information in the unique clinical setting of MG is needed.