Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in acute oncology situations: History and regulatory aspects in France

The management of oncology patients, especially hospitalized patients, con lead to almost doily discussions regarding therapeutic limitations. Here, we review the history and propose a summary of the texts framing the notion of "withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment" in oncology practice in France. This decision is regulated by the Cloeys-Leonetti Low of February 2, 2016 recommending a collegial discussion and its documentation in the medical record. The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments is the subject of discussion between the patient, his physicians and his family and may take place of any time during his management. The work of intensive-core physicians provides many useful recommendations for acute oncology situations, however articles specific for oncology practice are scarce; this is a topic that oncologists must take up.