Inquest into the death of Graham Lawson

68y · Male·Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

Graham Lawson, a 68-year-old male inmate at Long Bay Correctional Centre, died from metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma on 19 September 2018. He had presented with weight loss and weakness in September 2017, and diagnostic imaging in February 2018 confirmed advanced, incurable liver cancer with portal vein involvement. He received palliative treatment including TACE and Sorafenib, which he discontinued due to side effects. Appropriate end-of-life discussions occurred, and a valid Not-For-Resuscitation order was established per his wishes. He was transitioned to comfort-focused palliative care in the prison hospital, where he died peacefully. The clinical course was appropriately managed with timely diagnosis, oncology and palliative care consultation, and respect for the patient's clearly documented wishes regarding resuscitation and treatment limitations.