Abstract
Background and purpose: In order to provide appropriate care for terminal cancer patients, palliative care professionals require reliable prognostic criteria. The purpose of this study was to identify significant prognostic factors for survival in terminal cancer patients. Methods: Chart review was conducted for the 214 consecutive terminal cancer patients (lO8males, 106 females; age range: 8~97 years old) admitted to the palliative care unit at National Taiwan University Hospital between June 1995 and May 1996. Univariate log-rank test and multiple Cox regression analysis were used to examine the relationship among demographic data, initial symptoms/signs and the survival of patients. Results: The median survival for all patients was 18 days. Significant predictors for survial were confusion (hazard ratio HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.36-3.05), anorexia (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.30-2.77), dyspnea (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.28-2.36), ascites (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-2.07), ulcerated wounds (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.17), and dysphagia (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01- 2.15), which were independent of patient characteristics, primary cancer sites, and metastatic sites. Conclusions: A combination of initial symptoms/signs might be used for survival prediction in terminal cancer patients.
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