Education＆ScienceWebinars

OUTLINE

Diagnosing respiratory infections, particularly pneumonia, in cancer patients presents several challenges due to the unique characteristics and complications associated with cancer and its treatment, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

Key clinical challenges complicating the diagnostic process include:

• Symptoms overlap with those of cancer itself or the side effects of cancer treatments
• Atypical presentations or more subtle signs of pneumonia
• Radiographic challenges
• Multifactorial etiologies

These challenges necessitate a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to accurately diagnose and manage pneumonia in cancer patients.
Recent implementations of rapid multiplex PCR testing (respiratory panel and pneumonia panel) have significantly advanced the differential diagnosis of respiratory infections. In this webinar, the distinguished speakers will present the utilities of the new molecular diagnostic tool in aiding the diagnosis of respiratory infections in cancer patients, and the pragmatic solutions to overcome certain limitations.

FORMAT

1. Opening Remarks (5 mins)
2. “The Antimicrobial Resistance in Cancer Patients with CAP and HAP and The Roles of Pneumonia Panel” by Dr Rajesh Venkat (15 mins)
3. “The mPCR-guided Antimicrobial Stewardship for Cancer Patients with Respiratory Infections and De-escalation Strategy (Respiratory Panel and Pneumonia Panel)” by Prof Edward Septimus (30 mins)
4. Q&A (10 mins)
5. Closing Remarks (1 min)