[The incurable tumor patient]

In patients suffering from advanced or recurrent cancers that are no longer amenable to curative treatment, palliation and symptomatic care have to take the place of cure. In such cases, palliation aims at relief of pain, alleviation of functional disabilities and restoration of mental and social balance. Since the clinicians effort is concentrated on the control of symptoms of uncontrollable disease, decisions have to be made concerning the relative value of the various methods available for treatment and support in the individual patient. Criteria for the physician's decision-making are important parameters in any approach to the patient with incurable cancer and have particular significance in caring for terminal disease.