Palliative Care in Patients with Leukemia: When and How?

Purpose of Review: Patients with hematologic malignancies get more aggressive treatment and the end-of-life, more ICU deaths, and prolonged hospital stays. In comparison to solid tumors, their access to palliative care and hospice is less. Recent Findings: Multiple factors seem to play a role including curative goals, different treatment options, stronger relationship between patients and oncologist, symptom burden, and limitations of hospice care. Summary: Improving the perception of palliative care in these patients, characterizing their needs, and more education can help to increase referrals and access to palliative care. Innovative ways to improve integration between hematology-oncology and palliative care are needed.