MEDICAL AND SURGICAL PALLIATIVE CARE OF PATIENTS WITH UROLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Palliative care includes disease directed treatment as well as functional, psychosocial and spiritual support. Disease directed therapy and palliative care should be provided simultaneously throughout illness. Improved quality of care and quality of life as well as physician satisfaction are frequent outcomes of this approach. Supportive care begins at initial diagnosis and it should be flexible to meet the changing needs of patients with cancer and their families.