Anaesthesia
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Oncoanaesthesia is a specialised branch of anaesthesia dedicated to enhancing outcomes, prioritising patient safety and improving the overall care of patients with cancer during surgery. We outline the global epidemiology of cancer, emphasising the necessity for this subspecialty, and discuss the criteria supporting its establishment. ⋯ By integrating various subspecialties within oncology centres, oncoanaesthesia ensures a thorough and holistic approach to both curative and palliative cancer care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and providing better support for families and caregivers throughout the peri-operative period.
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Cancer research has revolutionised the treatment, quality of life and life expectancy of people living with cancer. Systemic anti-cancer treatments have expanded to involve not only cytotoxic drugs, but targeted drugs and immunotherapy. Although highly effective in many patients, these drugs can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening adverse reactions. As part of their treatment, many patients living with cancer will be offered both systemic anti-cancer therapy and surgery, and many patients will undergo recurrent episodes of both with the aims of cure, palliation or prolongation of life expectancy. It is important for anaesthetists to understand the effects of systemic anti-cancer therapy on their patients. ⋯ 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.