Thomas LeBlanc

Discipline: Physician

Funding awarded to: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina

Palliative Care and Shared Decision Making for Patients with Blood Cancers

Palliative care improves symptom burden, quality of life, distress, caregiver outcomes, health system outcomes, and even survival, when added to standard cancer care. However, patients with blood cancers are much less likely to use palliative care services compared to patients with solid organ tumors. My long-term goal is to improve the quality of life of patients with blood cancers by facilitating the integration of specialist palliative care services into blood cancer care, across all stages of illness. Taking a step towards that goal, this project focuses on improving patients’ understanding of their illness. My research suggests that many patients with leukemia do not have a very good understanding of their prognosis, and that this limits their ability to make an informed decision about treatment. As such, the short-term goal of this project is to develop a decision tool that addresses leukemia patients’ information needs.

Throughout my medical training, I found myself drawn to those dealing with potentially life-limiting illnesses like cancer; they always seemed so wise, and so understanding. Caring for them feels sacred, and I came to realize I wanted this to be a central part of my career. I cannot imagine a more special time to make a difference in a person’s life, nor a more rewarding calling. This led me to a career in oncology, but I also pursued further training in palliative medicine, to better equip me to meet patients’ needs even when we cannot cure. As one of the few practicing blood cancer specialists in the U.S. who also holds a board certification in palliative medicine, I hope to bring these fields together to improve the care we can provide to patients and families. My vision for the future includes concurrent palliative care for all patients facing a blood cancer diagnosis, regardless of prognosis or expectation of cure.