Is palliative care better than chemo for dad’s lung cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dad has stage 4 lung cancer, and his doctor is recommending chemo. I am scared because he is diabetic, has high blood pressure, and has a heart condition, so I am not sure he can handle it.

My uncle had the same diagnosis and died three months after starting chemo. His doctor said if he is strong enough, he might survive it, but if he is too weak, the side effects could kill him. He is already on morphine plus his other meds.

We found out about the adenocarcinoma about two months ago, and CT, PET, bone, and MRI scans have all been done.

Do I push for chemo or just focus on keeping him comfortable?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Your father has stage 4 lung cancer, which means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. At this stage, the goal of treatment is usually not a cure but to control the disease, reduce symptoms, and maintain quality of life.

Palliative care focuses on keeping the patient comfortable. It is important to understand that palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care. It can be given alongside medical treatments.

Chemotherapy (a systemic cancer treatment using powerful drugs to kill or slow the growth of fast-dividing cancer cells), in this context, can also be a part of palliative care, especially if it has not been given before.

So, even though the intent is palliative (supportive), chemotherapy may still be used as a supportive treatment rather than a curative one.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.