32719 Sepsis Challenges Magnified in Oncology

Course overview

Discussion of sepsis and the challenges it poses in oncology including a comparison of historical knowledge and a new state of knowledge, and similarities and differences between sepsis and neutropenic sepsis pathobiology. Sepsis is a major challenge in hospitals, where it is one of the leading causes of death, and it is also a main reason why people are readmitted to the hospital. Individuals with cancer are susceptible to developing sepsis for multiple reasons, such as frequent hospital stays, surgical and medical procedures, and weakened immune systems. In addition, when oncology patients are receiving chemotherapeutic agents, neutropenia commonly occurs, predisposing patients to infection which may eventually lead to sepsis. Early recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis remain the critical foundation in reducing the burden of sepsis-related hospitalization. This program discusses new recommendations related to sepsis diagnosis, and challenges related to diagnosis, prevention, and management of neutropenic sepsis in oncologic patients.