Avoid chemotherapy or other toxic tumor-directed systemic treatment for patients with advanced cancer when the likelihood of meaningful life extension or improved quality of life is low. This is especially relevant for patients with reduced (..)

31. JULI 2025

Rationale: 

Patients with poor performance status (WHO/ECOG PS 3-4) have a low likelihood of benefiting from systemic cancer treatment. Exceptions may include cancers that are highly sensitive to systemic therapy, where the impaired performance status is directly caused by the malignancy. 

The focus should be on symptom-directed and palliative care early enough in the disease course. In general, early integration of palliative support measures improves quality of life, enhances symptom control, and may even extend survival. 

Cancer and its treatment can lead to lasting functional impairment and reduced work ability. Early implementation of rehabilitative measures can help mitigate these effects. 

References:

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Azzoli CG, Temin S, Aliff T, et al: 2011 focused update of 2009 American Society of Oncology clinical practice guideline update on chemotherapy for stage IV non–small cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol 29:3825–3831, 2011
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Avoid chemotherapy or other toxic tumor-directed systemic treatment for patients with advanced cancer when the likelihood of meaningful life extension or improved quality of life is low. This is especially relevant for patients with reduced performance status (WHO/ECOG PS 3-4)

Avoid chemotherapy or other toxic tumor-directed systemic treatment for patients with advanced cancer when the likelihood of meaningful life extension or improved quality of life is low. This is especially relevant for patients with reduced performance status (WHO/ECOG PS 3-4) 