Analysis of Intent and Reason for Oncologic Therapy Administration in Cancer Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

PurposeTo investigate the intent of, and reason for, administration of oncologic therapies in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsSingle center, retrospective, cohort study of patients with cancer who received oncologic therapies at a tertiary cancer center ICU between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. Oncologic therapies included traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal or biologic therapy directed at a malignancy and were characterized as initiation (initial administration) or continuation (part of an ongoing regimen).Results84 unique patients (6.8% of total ICU admissions) received oncologic therapies in the ICU; 43 (51%) had hematologic malignancies and 41 (49%) had solid tumors. The intent of oncologic therapy was palliative in 63% and curative in 27%. Twenty-two (26%) patients received initiation and 62 (74%) received continuation oncologic therapies. The intent of oncologic therapy was significantly different by regimen type (initiation vs. continuation, p = ConclusionOur study provides intensivists with a better understanding of the context and intent of oncologic therapies and why these therapies are administered in the ICU.