[Corticosteroids in terminal cancer]

Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed in terminal cancer. They were prescribed in more than 50% of 100 consecutive patients of our hospice for palliation of anorexia, weakness, symptoms of cerebral metastases and of hypercalcemia, and other problems. There was objective and/or subjective improvement in most, though usually of short duration. If there is no improvement after a few days, corticosteroids should be discontinued.