Perioperative medicine & outcomes
Systemic anti‐cancer therapy and anaesthesia: a narrative review
Authors' conclusion
It is important for anaesthetists to have a comprehensive understanding of the effects of systemic anti-cancer therapies, including cytotoxic and immunotherapies. There are many potential toxicities and complications associated with these treatments, particularly in the context of emergency surgery and the administration of cytotoxic drugs within the operating theatre environment.
Study context
- Population
- Patients living with cancer receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (cytotoxic drugs, targeted drugs, immunotherapy) and surgery/anaesthesia
Methodological detailsElectronic literature search, May 2024, peer-reviewed English-language articles; multicentre trial data prioritised; smaller studies, case series and case reports included for rarer adverse effects
- Electronic literature search, May 2024, peer-reviewed English-language articles; multicentre trial data prioritised; smaller studies, case series and case reports included for rarer adverse effects
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Review covers pharmacology, physiology, peri-operative medicine, specialist surgery, adverse events and safety of systemic anti-cancer therapy
- Includes complications of targeted therapies, emergency care and intra-operative administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy
Original publication
Systemic anti‐cancer therapy and anaesthesia: a narrative review. Anaesthesia. Published 8 January 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →