Diagnose Glioblastom und das Geschäft mit der Hoffnung

In Austria, high-quality care for patients with glioblastoma is provided by established neuro-oncology centers (NONZ, ÖSG care model). Interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for the best possible diagnostic and therapeutic safety and efficiency. Above all, so-called “alternative medicine” methods, among others, for patients with glioblastoma open up a wide range of ethical concerns. Patients with highly malignant diseases represent a particularly vulnerable group of people. In addition to the obvious “business of hope”, the exceptional stress situation for patients and relatives, as well as potential cognitive impairment is particularly problematic when decision-making capacity is altered. Approaches to a solution include increased and structured education of patients and relatives about complementary/alternative practices, psycho-oncological care, sufficient human resources in neuro-oncology centers, critical journalism, and also public discourse about ethics in medicine.