Anaesthesia and paediatric oncology

SummaryChildren with cancer present unique challenges to all concerned with their management. The disease process and its treatment can have a profound impact on the patient's physiological and psychological state. Anaesthetists are often involved in the diagnosis, treatment and emergency resuscitation of these patients.This article aims to review the anaesthetic issues associated with childhood malignancy and the increasing role played by the anaesthetist as part of the multidisciplinary team caring for these children. There is particular focus on the anaesthetic techniques used for radiotherapy and short painful procedures within this patient population.