Preventing crises in the patient with cancer

Despite what the title of this presentation implied, no magic pills are available that can be given to prevent patients from getting very sick or falling off that thin line between physical compensation and critical illness. A large part of the prevention of crises comes from redefining the nature of what you view as a crisis and being prepared for the worst possible scenario. The reality is that some patients will develop complications, most of which will be reversible with early interventions. No matter what we do, some patients cannot and will not survive a complication. Your role is pivotal in recognizing high-risk patients, guiding discussions regarding treatment preferences, assisting in defining the treatability of specific complications, and providing care directed at the appropriate therapeutic goals.