Estimating length of survival in end-stage cancer: a review of the literature.

Accurately estimating survival times in patients with end-stage cancer is on ongoing challenge for palliative care clinicians. Psychosocial as well as physiological factors have been thought to influence the length of the terminal phase of illness, but conclusive findings remain elusive. This review examines the studies that have addressed the issue using observable, measurable criteria associated with physiological, clinical status. Improving the ability to estimate accurately a patient's length of survival may improve patient/family quality of life and assist in the efficient, appropriate use of resources. Additional research in this and other palliative care issues will need to be better funded and organized if progress is to be made.