Quality of life versus length of life considerations in cancer patients: A systematic literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patients with cancer face difficult decisions regarding treatment and the possibility of trading quality of life (QoL) for length of life (LoL). Little information is available regarding patients' preferences and attitudes toward their cancer treatment and the personal costs they are prepared to exchange to extend their life. The aim of this review is to determine the complex trade-offs and underpinning factors that make patients with cancer choose quality over quantity of life.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using MeSH terms: cancer, longevity or LoL, QoL, decision making, trade-off, and health utility. Articles retrieved were published between 1942 and October 2018.

Results

Out of 4393 articles, 30 were included in this review.

SUBMITTER: Shrestha A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6619389 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature