Palliative therapy in adults with cancer: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the socioeconomic and clinical profile of adult cancer patients in palliative therapy. Method: Cross-sectional study in an oncology hospital in Paraná, with 124 adult patients who started palliative therapy in the period from Jan. 2 to June 30, 2015. Results: Of the participating population, 60.5% were women, 68.5% white, 48.4% married, 72.6% catholic and with income of one to two minimum wages. Non-smokers, 45.2%, non-alcoholics 75%, and 92% had Performance Status 1 and 2. The predominant primary diagnosis was breast cancer, with previous chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The sites of metastasis were lung/mediastinum/bronchi and lymph nodes. Conclusion: The socioeconomic and clinical context characterized the profile of adult patients in palliative therapy. The demand arising from the increase in cases of advanced cancer requires nursing care at all stages of treatment.

摘要
研究目的：明确接受姑息治疗（palliative therapy）的成年癌症患者的社会经济与临床特征。
研究方法：本研究为横断面研究，纳入巴西巴拉那州某肿瘤医院2015年1月2日至6月30日期间开始姑息治疗的124名成年癌症患者。
研究结果：纳入人群中，60.5%为女性，68.5%为白人，48.4%已婚，72.6%信奉天主教，收入为1至2倍最低工资；45.2%为非吸烟者，75%无饮酒史；92%的患者体能状态（Performance Status）为1级或2级。最主要的原发诊断为乳腺癌，且此类患者既往接受过化疗与放疗。转移部位为肺/纵隔/支气管及淋巴结。
研究结论：本研究明确了姑息治疗成年癌症患者的社会经济与临床特征。晚期癌症病例数增长所产生的护理需求，要求在治疗的全阶段提供护理服务。