Common emergencies in cancer medicine: infectious and treatment-related syndromes, Part II.
This article completes a summary of the common medical emergencies that can occur as a result of infectious processes (Part I) and antitumor treatment secondary to chemotherapy, biological response modifiers, or radiotherapy (Part II). The use of high-dose cytotoxic agents, coupled with the common instillation of indwelling central venous access devices, have altered the spectrum of infectious etiologies that are appreciated in clinical practice. In addition, a myriad of cytotoxic agents and radiotherapeutic treatment schemes are used widely in clinical oncologic practice. While most of their related side effects are not considered life-threatening emergencies, they can be fatal if not recognized early and treated promptly. Moreover, some of these infectious and treatment-related sequelae can be prevented. This article highlights some of these clinical observations.
Thomas
C R
CR
Division of Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
Stelzer
K J
KJ
Douglas
J G
JG
Koh
W J
WJ
Wood
L V
LV
Panicker
R
R
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents