Supportive Care of the Cancer Patient

Abstract

Part of the battle against cancer is attention to complications. Infection, hemorrhage, anemia and malnutrition are the most perplexing. Granulocytopenia predisposes to infection, and thrombocytopenia is a major cause of hemorrhage. Anemia is due to blood loss, hemolysis, myelophthisis, and inadequate erythropoiesis. Malnutrition is especially difficult to manage due to abnormal basal metabolic rates, electrolyte imbalance, and sometimes abnormal intestinal function.