End-of-life decisions in cancer care

Newer, more sophisticated treatment modalities have resulted in increased survival for many cancer patients. Unfortunately, many of these therapies result in serious, life-threatening complications. Decisions to admit cancer patients to the intensive care unit for life sustaining therapy are often difficult and emotionally charged. Because of the high mortality rate among critically ill cancer patients, end of life care is frequently managed in the critical care setting. This article focuses on the ethical, medical, legal, and economic issues surrounding end of life decisions for critically ill patients.