Patients' perception of palliative treatment objectives.

43 Background: Palliative chemotherapy and radiation are often used in patients with advanced stage of cancer. To weigh the risks and the benefits of this treatment, patients need to be adequately informed about all treatment aspects including the side effects and potential benefits. Unfortunately, many patients are not well informed about the goal of their treatment, and many are under the impression that this treatment can be curative. Methods: This is a prospective survey based study that enrolled 46 patients with stage IV disease of all solid malignancies, who are being treated with palliative intent at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients were given a questionnaire designed to test their level of knowledge of their current treatment goals, and to evaluate the efforts of health care team to educate patients. Results: 35% of patients had lung cancer, 34% had GI cancer, 14% had breast cancer and 13% had GU cancers. 37% of patients were under the impression that they are receiving curative t...