Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cancer patients: indications and limits

A presumption based on the literature obtained from general hospitals is widespread among physicians, namely that patients with active malignant disease, particularly if metastatic, should not be resuscitated if they have a cardiorespiratory arrest. This attitude is not supported by studies performed on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cancer centres which report results similar to those obtained in non-cancer patients. In fact, cancer, even if metastatic, is not a contraindication in itself to CPR. The stage of the neoplastic disease, the cause of the cardiac arrest and the patient's choice have to be taken into consideration in order to decide whether or not to perform CPR.