Infection in the cancer patient
A practical guide

Infection in the cancer patient is extremely common, either precipitated by the cancer itself or occuring as a consequence of cancer therapies. Virtually all cancer patients develop an infection during their illness, many of which are life-threatening and require urgent treatment. There are also the wider health implications of antibiotic resistance and hospital acquired infections. This book provides a practical guide to all the infections a practising clinician and members of the multi-disciplinary team will meet in their care of a cancer patient. An overview of the problem of infection in the cancer patient is provided, covering the immunology of cancer and the infection sequelae. This is then developed by site specific chapters, each describing the organisms responsible for the infection, its presentation, appropriate investigations, and finally management advice. Unique groups explored include viral infections such as HIV and infections in paediatrics. Infections in end of life care are specifically addressed. Written by an international team of contributors recognised in their field, this book is the first to concentrate on what is a major issue for anyone involved in the care of the oncology patient.

Sepsis. The role of the immune system in cancer. Head and neck/ENT infections. GI infections. Pulmonary infections. Genito-urinary tract infections. Bone and joint infections. Viral infections. Skin infections. Infections in the central nervous system. Infections in children. Eye infections. Infections in patients with cancer at the end of life.

Professor Spence is Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, and is currently an Examiner in the Intercollegiate MRCS and FRCS in General Surgery. He is a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Dr Johnston was a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the USA from 1987-1996. He sits on several national and international scientific boards and is on the editorial boards of several leading international oncology journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Clinical Cancer Research, The Oncologist, Clinical Colorectal Cancer and PLoS Medicine. Professor Hay was Sub-editor on the Journal of Infection, 1994-2004, and Editor of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 1998-1992. He is Past President of the British Association of Dermatologists, the British Society of Mycology, and the European Confederation of Medical Mycology, as well as board member of various associated organisations.