Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the cancer patient

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the patient with cancer can be a lifesaving intervention after cardiac arrest. In this chapter, we will explore the use of CPR in patients with malignancy and consider how its use can alter cardiac arrest outcomes in terms of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital discharge. In patients with malignancy, methods to improve CPR outcomes may be related to the deployment of care paradigms that include earlier provision of palliative and supportive care to minimize cancer-related symptoms while providing CPR to selected patients that are more likely to benefit from its use. Finally, we consider decision-making around the issue of family-witnessed resuscitation.