Why terminal cancer patients still receive aggressive treatment

Why terminal cancer patients still receive aggressive treatment 
MedPageToday; by M. Bennet Broner; 7/31/25 
Recently, researchers examined whether there had been any changes in the way terminal cancer patients died from 2014 to 2019, given the increased information available on hospice, palliative care, and advanced end-of-life planning (EOLP). They asked whether those who were terminal continued aggressive treatment until their demise. The authors anticipated a decrease in this, but found that the frequency of cancer patients who continued aggressive therapy had not declined. The study did not examine decision-making. Still, the researchers, based on other studies, theorized that the lack of change resulted from a confluence of physician and patient factors. ... [Physicians] might predict a more optimistic prognosis than justified, avoid discussing EOLP, support (over)intensive treatment, and/or overemphasize treatment effectiveness while minimizing its side effects. Oftentimes, given their statements, physicians will offer treatments they know to be of little value, believing that patients expect them to propose something rather than admit there was nothing realistic left to offer.
Editor's Note: Pair this with our recent post, Doctors’ own end-of-life choices defy common medical practice.