Complications of systemic anti-cancer treatment

Systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) is a broad term, including both conventional chemotherapy agents and biological agents such as immunotherapy. The diversity of SACT now available has resulted in a wide profile of toxicities, some of which, such as neutropenic sepsis and severe colitis, can be life-threatening. In particular, immunotherapy-related adverse events require specific management with immunosuppression in moderate to severe cases. Prompt identification and management of acute toxicities, and early medical input, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.