| [ Summary ] |
When a hemodialysis patient develops cancer, treatment choices include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, performed alone or in combination, based upon the type of cancer and staging. In principle, hemodialysis therapy is continued while providing cancer treatment. Cancer treatment however, can be modified or discontinued if it has clearly become a burden on the patient or if it is judged to be ineffective. If the patient's overall condition is worsened by progression of the cancer, a change in the frequency or amount of hemodialysis therapy, a gradual reduction, or termination of therapy may need to be considered, with priority given to patient's desires. This is also the timing when preparations to provide end-of-life care for these patients should be started. |