While advances in both the treatment of cancer and the management of its complications have led to significant improvement in patient survival, infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with neoplastic disease. In this patient population, infection risk results from a complex interplay between the host's underlying immunodeficiencies, local tumor effects, and treatment-induced immunosuppression. New chemotherapeutic approaches and antimicrobial prophylaxis and treatment practices continue to shape the spectrum of infections in these patients. Clinicians who treat infections in cancer patients are continually challenged by the emergence of new pathogens and by the increasing antimicrobial resistance of established ones.

The aim of this book, is to emphasize unique aspects of management of infectious diseases in the cancer patient. With the increasing complexity of this patient population, optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, and this fact is fully reflected in the contributions, all from recognized authorities in the field. Ultimately, it is hoped that this volume will assist specialists in infectious diseases and haematology/oncology in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infection and optimization of the overall care of patients with malignancies.

Inhalt
Host impairments in patients with neo plastic diseases.- Epidemiology of Infections in Cancer Patients.- Bacterial Pathogens.- Fungal Infections in Cancer Patients.- Advances in the Management of Viral Infections.- Neutropenic Fever and Sepsis: Evaluation and Management.- Respiratory Infections.- Enteric Infections.- Central Nervous System Infections in Cancer Patients and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.- Dermatologic infections in cancer patients.- Infections in Patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma.- Infectious Complications of Stem Cell Transplantation.- Infections Associated with Solid Malignancies.- Antimicrobial Agents, Drug Adverse Reactions and Interactions and the Cancer Population.- Infection Control and Prevention Considerations.- Prevention of Infection in Cancer Patients.