Palliative treatment can be used at any stage of advanced AML to improve quality of life. As well as slowing the spread of leukaemia, it can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms. Treatment may include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Palliative treatment is one aspect of palliative care, in which a team of health professionals aims to meet your physical, emotional, cultural, social and spiritual needs. The team also provides support to families and carers.
For more on this, call 13 11 20, or see Palliative care and Living with advanced cancer.
Watch video to see how palliative care aims to manage symptoms and improve people’s quality of life without trying to cure the disease.
→ READ MORE: Managing side effects
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Dr Jonathan Sillar, Haematologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital; Dr Scott Dunkley, Haematologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Sharon Frazer, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Haematology, Westmead Hospital; Katelin Mayer, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Outreach Team, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
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