Demenz und Chemotherapie

Epidemiologic development will result in a considerable increase in the number of oncologic patients with dementia. Dementia as a comorbidity should not deprive patients of the indicated chemotherapy. However, the indication has to consider realistic treatment goals and must be seen within the big picture of the whole life situation. Informed consent is a prerequisite condition of any treatment. The moral principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence will override if patients are not capable of making decisions themselves. Caretaking relatives are heavily involved and their help is generally required for successful patient management and treatment. The residential home situation is associated with additional challenges.