Gliomas

Tailor communication of the diagnosis to the needs of the patient and their family.

Provide information on both the survival benefits of treatments and the potential impact of adverse effects of treatments on quality of life.[20]McKinnon C, Nandhabalan M, Murray SA, et al. Glioblastoma: clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. BMJ. 2021 Jul 14;374:n1560. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34261630?tool=bestpractice.com  

Start discussions about advance care planning with the patient and family/carers as early as possible, before the patient loses cognitive capacity. This must be done in a sensitive manner.[66]Taylor LP, Besbris JM, Graf WD, et al. Clinical guidance in neuropalliative care: an AAN position statement. Neurology. 2022 Mar 8;98(10):409-16. https://n.neurology.org/content/98/10/409.long http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35256519?tool=bestpractice.com

Provide support and information (e.g., regarding coping with potential behavioural and communication problems in the future) to the patient’s family and other carers.[66]Taylor LP, Besbris JM, Graf WD, et al. Clinical guidance in neuropalliative care: an AAN position statement. Neurology. 2022 Mar 8;98(10):409-16. https://n.neurology.org/content/98/10/409.long http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35256519?tool=bestpractice.com

Advise patients to contact their specialist if they have any change in clinical/neurological status, such as appearance of headache or any new focal neurological symptoms.

Advise patients on chemotherapy to consult a healthcare professional if they have any fever, symptoms of infection, or bleeding tendency.