Common emergencies in cancer medicine: infectious and treatment-related syndromes, Part I.

This two-part article, the last in a series of articles on cancer emergencies, summarizes 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.