According to a commentary, these data suggest that equating treatment with hope is inappropriate. The commentators note that even when oncologists communicate clearly about prognosis and are honest about limitations of treatment, many patients feel immense pressure to continue treatment. They add that costs aside, the last 6 months of life are not best spent in an oncology treatment unit or at home suffering the toxic effects of largely ineffectual therapies for the majority of patients. They suggest that if an oncologist suspects the death of a patient in the next 6 months, the default should be no active treatment; and if there is a compelling reason to offer chemotherapy in that setting, oncologists should only do so after documenting a conversation discussing prognosis, goals, fears, and acceptable trade-offs with the patient and family.