The review, which examined 39 papers mostly published after 2010, found that as many as 79 per cent of cancer patients received invasive procedures during the last month of their life. However, the reasons for these surgeries were often unclear, with many studies not stating whether the procedures were intended as a cure, to relieve symptoms or prolong life.

One of the key findings was that surgical treatments at the end of life varied greatly between patients, hospitals, and geographical regions. Factors such as the type of cancer, the patient’s age, income, and where they lived all influenced how likely they were to receive surgery.

For example, patients in larger hospitals or in more populated areas were more likely to undergo invasive procedures. The review also found that patients who were referred to palliative or hospice care, which focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments, were less likely to undergo surgery.

Researchers highlighted a lack of clear and consistent data as a major issue during their analysis. Studies did not agree on how to define the ‘end of life’ period, and there were different ways of measuring the intensity of surgery.

This made it difficult for researchers to draw firm conclusions about whether patients were being over-treated. Without clear information on the intent behind surgeries, it’s hard to know whether they were appropriate or not.

Read the full news item on the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre pages

Paper: Lawday S et al. Surgical Treatment Intensity at the End of Life in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review. Annals of Surgery Open.