Infections in Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors: A Review

Abstract

Solid tumors are much more common than hematologic malignancies. Although severe and prolonged neutropenia is uncommon, several factors increase the risk of infection in patients with solid tumors, and the presence of multiple risk factors in the same patient is not uncommon. These include obstruction (most often caused by progression of the tumor), disruption of natural anatomic barriers such as the skin and mucosal surfaces, and treatment-related factors such as chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostic and/or therapeutic surgical procedures, and the increasing use of medical devices such as various catheters, stents, and prostheses. Common sites of infection include the skin and skin structures (including surgical site infections), the bloodstream (including infections associated with central venous catheters), the lungs, the hepato-biliary and intestinal tracts, and the urinary tract, and include distinct clinical syndromes such as post-obstructive pneumonia, obstructive uropathy, and neutropenic enterocolitis. The epidemiology of most of these infections is changing with resistant organisms [MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms] being isolated more often than in the past. Polymicrobial infections now predominate when deep tissue sites are involved. Conservative management of most of these infections (antibiotics, fluid and electrolyte replacement, bowel rest when needed) is generally effective, with surgical intervention being reserved for the drainage of deep abscesses, or to deal with complications such as intestinal obstruction or hemorrhage. Infected prostheses often need to be removed. Reactivation of certain viral infections (HBV, HCV, and occasionally CMV) has become an important issue, and screening, prevention and treatment strategies are being developed. Infection prevention, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship are important strategies in the overall management of infections in patients with solid tumors. Occasionally, infections mimic solid tumors and cause diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Introduction

The National Cancer Institute has defined solid tumors as non-cystic masses (either benign or malignant) including carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. It has been estimated that 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2016, with an estimate of more than 14 million new cases worldwide [1]. The vast majority will be solid tumors with cancers of the breast, lungs and bronchus, prostate, colon and rectum, and urinary bladder being the most common, whereas leukemias will account for approximately 4% of new cases. Infections are the most common complications seen in cancer patients, and occur as a result of the underlying malignancy and of the various modalities used for treatment. Despite the fact that solid tumors are far more common, infections in patients with solid tumors have not been studied as well as in patients with hematologic malignancies [2, 3]. Unlike the latter, most patients with solid tumors are not significantly immunosuppressed and do not experience prolonged periods of neutropenia. Instead, factors that increase the risk of infection in these patients include damage to normal anatomic barriers, such as the skin and mucosal surfaces, obstructive phenomena (common in patients with lung, hepato-biliary, pancreatic, intestinal, prostatic and gynecologic tumors), surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, central nervous system dysfunction, nutritional factors, and the increasing use of medical devices (catheters, stents, shunts, and prostheses) [4]. Common sites of infection include the respiratory tract, the bloodstream (including central line-associated bloodstream infections), the urinary tract, and skin and skin structures (including surgical site infections). In recent years, the epidemiology of most of these infections has changed with the emergence of resistant organisms. Consequently, newer therapeutic approaches need to be developed based on local epidemiologic and susceptibility/resistance data. Additionally, infection prevention, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship are important and often underrated and neglected strategies in this setting [5].

Compliance with Ethics Guidelines

This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not involve any new studies of human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Risk Factors for Infection

As indicated above, several factors increase the risk of infection in solid tumor patients (Table 1). The presence of multiple risk factors in the same patient is not uncommon, further increasing risk. These factors are discussed in detail below.

Table 1 Factors that increase the risk of infection in patients with solid tumors

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of <500 cells/mm³. The most frequent cause of neutropenia is antineoplastic chemotherapy. Varying degrees of neutropenia also occur after radiation therapy or the administration of other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., ganciclovir), and occasionally after extensive infiltration of the bone marrow by spreading tumor. Unlike patients with hematologic malignancies, most patients with solid tumors have normally functioning neutrophils. Additionally, conventional chemotherapy rarely produces severe neutropenia lasting longer than 7 days. Consequently, the “at risk” period is generally short and many solid tumor patients who develop neutropenic fever are considered low risk [6, 7]. Newer treatment strategies for low-risk neutropenic patients have been developed and include early discharge after a short period of hospitalization, or management of the entire episode of neutropenic fever without hospitalization [8–10]. Specific guidelines for the management of febrile neutropenic patients with underlying solid tumors have recently been published [11]. These guidelines stress the importance of performing risk assessment in order to identify low-risk patients who can be treated in an ambulatory setting, since hospitalization is associated with several drawbacks including iatrogenic errors and exposure to healthcare associated, multidrug-resistant microflora. Safety, however, is paramount, and ambulatory/outpatient management should only be implemented if the appropriate infrastructure to support this activity around the clock exists [9, 10].

Disruption of Anatomic Barriers

Normal anatomic barriers such as the skin and various mucosal surfaces (oro-pharyngeal, gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and genito-urinary) provide an important natural defense mechanism against invading pathogens. Cancer chemotherapy often damages mucosal surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of infections caused by organisms that colonize these surfaces [e.g., viridans group streptococci (VGS), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Stomatococcus mucilaginosus, enteric Gram-negative bacilli, and anaerobes]. Agents that frequently cause mucositis include 5-fluorouracil (5-FC), capecitabine (a pro-drug of 5-FU), cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, cisplatin and carboplatin. The taxanes (docetaxel and paclitaxel) and vinorelbine have also been associated with significant mucositis. Damage to mucosal barriers is also caused by radiation therapy, surgical procedures, and the use of medical devices. Tumors may cause local erosion and fistula formation (e.g., broncho-pleural, trachea-esophageal, vesico-vaginal or recto-vaginal). Protection provided by the skin is also breached by surgical procedures and radiation, and by medical devices such as catheters and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)-tubes [12].

Obstruction of Normal Passages

Obstruction caused by expanding tumors is relatively common in solid tumor patients. Bronchogenic carcinomas (or metastatic pulmonary lesions) often cause airways obstruction leading to the development of post-obstructive pneumonia, which may occasionally be the initial manifestation of these tumors [13]. As obstruction increases, lung abscess, fistula formation, or empyema may occur [14]. Biliary tract obstruction in patients with hepato-biliary and pancreatic tumors results in ascending cholangitis and hepatic abscess formation. Ureteral obstruction resulting in hydronephrosis and complicated urinary tract infection is commonplace in patients with carcinoma of the cervix and other gynecologic tumors. Patients with prostatic carcinoma also develop prostatitis, complicated urinary tract infections, and occasionally prostatic abscesses. Intestinal tumors can lead to partial or complete bowel obstruction, ileus, perforation, peritonitis, hemorrhage, and/or abdominal/pelvic abscess formation. In these situations, mixed or polymicrobial infections are the norm, and the etiologic agents are generally those that colonize the site of obstruction.

Procedures and Devices

Surgery, medical procedures, radiation therapy, and the widespread and increasing use of catheters and other devices is often associated with the development of infection [15]. The use of multiple-lumen vascular access catheters has become commonplace and greatly facilitates the drawing of blood and the administration of various entities such as chemotherapy, antimicrobial agents, blood and blood products, and fluids. The major complication associated with these catheters is infection. The organisms causing catheter-related infections are predominantly those that colonize human skin. Approximately 70–80% are Gram-positive, with Staphylococcus species being isolated most often. Gram-negative organisms and fungi (mostly Candida spp.) are much less common, and 5–10% of these infections are polymicrobial. Urinary catheters are used when obstruction or urinary incontinence is present. Occasionally, local involvement of the ureters or urinary bladder may require the creation of surgical diversions into ileal or colonic segments. Acute or chronic pyelonephritis, sometimes progressing to bacteremia (urosepsis), may occur. The use of nephrostomy tubes may be associated with similar complications [16]. Many patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors require the placement of shunts in order to relieve intracranial pressure. When infected, the CNS end of these shunts produce symptoms such as headache, mental status changes, and meningismus, whereas the distal ends of these shunts (which are generally located in the pleural or peritoneal cavities) give rise to symptoms of pleuritis or peritonitis. Surgically implanted prosthetic devices are used often in patients with osteosarcoma or other bone/cartilage tumors. Infection is the most common complication associated with these devices, and may require removal of the device for resolution of the infection. Patients with head and neck and esophageal cancers often require the placement of PEG-tubes in order to ensure adequate nutrition. Insertion site infections, abdominal wall infections/abscesses, perforation with peritonitis, and occasionally bacteremic infections may occur, but are uncommon [12].

Miscellaneous Factors

Patients with CNS tumors often develop partial loss of the gag reflex which predisposes them to aspirate oro-pharyngeal secretions. Neurologic abnormalities resulting in impaired micturition can also occur. Radiation can damage ciliary function resulting in aspiration and pneumonia. In elderly patients, immunologic deficits caused by ageing, malnutrition, and cancer cachexia may also have an impact on the frequency and severity of infection and the overall response to therapy. Prior or concurrent antimicrobial usage can result in the selection of resistant organisms. Antimicrobial stewardship and strict adherence to infection control recommendations and policies are important tools in limiting the emergence and spread of such infections.

Common Sites of Infection

Common sites of infection largely depend on the location and size of the tumor and/or the site and nature of the medical device in use, the surgical procedure performed, and the site and intensity of radiation (Table 2). Surgical site infections are among the most common. Recent data indicate that the epidemiology of these infections has changed significantly. Whilst Gram-positive organisms still predominate, the proportion caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has increased substantially compared to 10–15 years ago. Additionally, Gram-negative and polymicrobial surgical site infections appear to be increasing [17]. These changes require modifications to current recommendations for infection prevention and treatment.

Table 2 Common sites of infection in patients with solid tumors

Bloodstream infections, including those associated with central venous catheters and other vascular access devices, are among the most common infections seen in solid tumor patients [18]. The spectrum of these infections is changing with an increased frequency of Gram-negative bacilli, many of which are multidrug-resistant, being reported [18]. The lungs represent one of the most common sites of infection in patients with solid tumors [19]. As previously mentioned, aspiration pneumonia is common in patients with impaired gag reflex and/or ciliary function, whereas post-obstructive pneumonia is common in patients with primary or metastatic lung cancers. Infections involving the hepato-biliary and gastro-intestinal tracts also occur frequently and are associated with a common set of manifestations which may give rise to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges [20]. Obstructive uropathy and complicated urinary tract infections go hand in hand and are often recurrent and difficult to eradicate. Specific infections/syndromes at these sites will be discussed in greater detail below.

Current Microbiology of Infection

Most infections in patients with solid tumors are caused by the individual patients’ resident microflora. Consequently, the distribution of causative organisms mirrors the normal microflora at a particular site of infection [4, 21]. Acquisition of nosocomial or healthcare-associated pathogens generally occurs several days after hospitalization, although, in recent years, the site of care has shifted to a great extent to clinics and out-patient oncology centers, wherein healthcare-associated infections are also commonplace. Prolonged or multiple antibiotic exposure, which often occurs in solid tumor patients, leads to the selection of resistant organisms. Geographic and local (institutional) differences in microbiology and susceptibility/resistance patterns are not infrequent and must always be taken into account when choosing empiric treatment regimens.

Specific Syndromes/Sites of Infection

Bloodstream Infections

Bloodstream infections occur predominantly in patients with indwelling central venous catheters and other vascular access devices as well as in patients with significant oral or intestinal mucositis. Bloodstream infections are more common in such patients when they develop episodes of neutropenia. Unlike patients with hematologic malignancies, most patients with solid tumors do not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis following chemotherapy. Such prophylaxis is directed primarily against Gram-negative organisms. Consequently, in the absence of prophylaxis, Gram-negative BSIs are more common than Gram-positive BSIs in patients with solid tumors. [18]. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common Gram-negative species isolated [22]. Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli are emerging as significant pathogens at some institutions. These include Acinetobacter species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Achromobacter species, and non-aeruginosa Pseudomonas species, many of which are multidrug-resistant [23]. Staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci are the predominant Gram-positive pathogens isolated. At many institutions, more than 90% of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and more than 50% of S. aureus are methicillin-resistant, and 15–20% of Enterococcus species are vancomycin-resistant. A minority of BSIs are fungal, caused almost exclusively by Candida species. Anaerobes are seldom isolated from blood cultures.

Post-obstructive Pneumonia

Post-obstructive pneumonia is defined as infection of the lung parenchyma caused by bronchial obstruction [24]. In most cases, the obstruction is caused by a neoplasm, and post-obstructive pneumonia may be the initial manifestation of malignancy in 40–50% of patients with this diagnosis [13]. Fever, cough, sputum production, and weight loss are common. Leucocytosis is also common unless chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is present. Other symptoms include dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. Symptoms persist and worsen as the degree of obstruction increases. Since the infection is located below the level of obstruction, respiratory samples from above this level are often negative. In many cases, Invasive diagnostic procedures such as percutaneous lung aspiration/biopsy may be the most accurate way of determining the etiology. Microbiologic data are often difficult to interpret, and generally reveal polymicrobial flora [25, 26]. These include Streptococcus species such as S. pneumoniae, beta-haemolytic streptococci, and viridans group streptococci; Staphylococcus species including methicillin-resistant isolates, Gram-negative bacilli such as the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and some anaerobes. Candida species are also frequently isolated, but their role in this infection is unclear. Most patients are treated with broad spectrum antimicrobial regimens directed against the pathogens outlined above. Despite such therapy, responses are often slow, and complete defervescence generally does not occur, with persistent or recurrent infections being common. Approximately 10–15% of patients with chronic or progressive post-obstructive pneumonia develop serious complications such as lung abscess, hemorrhage, empyema, and fistula formation (broncho-pleural or trachea-esophageal). A vicious cycle often ensues, as these complications frequently cause delays in the administration of antineoplastic therapy, which can lead to worsening of the obstruction. Consequently, full attention should be focused on treating the lesion(s) causing obstruction. Several options to accomplish this are available including low- or high-dose-rate brachytherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, electro-cautery, and the placement of airways stents [27, 28]. Unfortunately, despite these measures, progressive, ultimately fatal, disease is the norm [14].

Infections Associated with Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and its frequency has been increasing in recent years [1, 29–31]. Most of these patients undergo some surgical procedure of the involved breast along with ipsilateral lymph node dissection. Several forms of breast reconstruction are also frequently performed. These include autologous reconstruction using a transverse rectus abdominis musculo-cutaneous flap, or a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap [31]. Prosthetic reconstruction using silicone or saline implants is also widely used. Although a detailed discussion of the various surgical/reconstruction procedures is beyond the scope of this review, all these procedures are associated with an infection rate that ranges between 2.5% and 24% [32, 33]. Infection is a leading cause of hospital admission in such patients, and can result in devastating medical/surgical, psycho-social, and financial consequences. Factors that increase the risk of infection include increased body mass index, radiation therapy (which also retards healing), axillary lymph node dissection, the use of surgical drains, adjuvant chemotherapy, and possibly tobacco use [34–37]. Staphylococci (CoNS and S. aureus) are involved in almost all such infections, with the majority of isolates being methicillin-resistant. However, several recent studies indicate that a small but significant proportion of these infections are caused by Gram-negative bacilli such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and Klebsiella species [38–40]. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial and polymicrobial infections are less common but are difficult to manage [41]. With a significant rate of, and changing epidemiology of, infection in this setting, infection prevention has become extremely important. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is an important infection prevention strategy. Breast surgery is considered clean surgery by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Surgical Care Improvement Project, and current guidelines suggest a maximum of 24 h of peri-operative antibiotics [42]. Agents commonly used for antimicrobial prophylaxis (predominantly first- and second-generation cephalosporin) were chosen several decades ago and do not provide adequate coverage against organisms (MRSA, P. aeruginosa) mentioned above [39, 43]. Several investigators have recommended alternative regimens based on local epidemiology and susceptibility/resistance patterns [44–46]. Since most of the procedures are elective, some recommend screening patients for MRSA and P. aeruginosa and providing targeted prophylaxis when these organisms are detected, or using agents with activity against these organisms in empiric regimens [47–49].

Hepato-biliary Infection

Obstruction of the biliary tract as a result of hepato-biliary or pancreatic tumors results in the development of ascending cholangitis [50]. Less frequently, single or multiple liver abscesses develop, especially in patients with persistent obstruction [51]. These are being documented with increasing frequency due to improved imaging techniques. As with lung neoplasms and post-obstructive pneumonia, ascending cholangitis may be the initial manifestation of local neoplastic disease, and may lead to its discovery during evaluation. Hepatic abscesses have also been reported after invasive procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma, such as the administration of intra-arterial chemotherapy [52, 53]. Most of these infections are polymicrobial, with enteric Gram-negative bacilli, Enterococcus species (including VRE), and anaerobes being predominant [54]. Broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy and percutaneous drainage are often necessary in order to achieve adequate responses. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic head tumors often develop obstructive jaundice, which can progress to hepatic failure. In this setting, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) has been used to treat obstructive jaundice [55]. More recently, endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) is replacing PTBD as the treatment of choice in this setting [56]. Several studies have shown that internal biliary drainage increases microbial colonization of stents and the formation of sludge which also contains intestinal microorganisms [57]. The frequency of cholangitis appears to be increased in such circumstances [57, 58].

Infections Involving the Intestinal Tract

The intestinal tract is a common site of infection in patients with solid tumors. Several well-recognized syndromes have been described in such patients, including appendicitis, intestinal perforation with peritonitis and/or local abscess formation, Clostridium difficile-associated colitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, and typhlitis or neutropenic enterocolitis [20]. The clinical manifestations associated with most of these syndromes are similar, and include abdominal symptoms (cramping, pain, tenderness, distension), fever, diarrhea, and intestinal hemorrhage. These manifestations are not typical nor pathognomonic of any single entity. Therefore, clinical features, radiographic imaging findings, microbiologic, serologic, and histopathologic data need to be considered in order to make a specific diagnosis. Conservative medical management (fluid and electrolyte support, bowel rest, broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy) is generally effective. Surgical intervention is usually needed when complications such as intestinal perforation or bleeding develop.

In years gone by, neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC) was seen primarily in patients with acute leukemia receiving intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy with agents such as cytosine arabinoside or idarubicin [59–61]. NEC was documented much less often in patients with solid tumors. Recent reports have highlighted an association between NEC and therapy with taxanes (docetaxel, paclitaxel) and vinorelbine [62–64]. These agents are often used to treat solid tumors such as breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. Pre-existing bowel abnormalities such as diverticulosis/diverticulitis, bowel infiltration with the underlying tumor, and prior surgery or radiation may also increase the risk of development of NEC following cytotoxic chemotherapy. The onset of NEC usually occurs in the third week of neutropenia (median 17 days) and coincides with maximal mucosal damage. However, there are reports suggesting earlier or later onset, sometimes even after resolution of neutropenia. In patients with the abdominal symptoms outlined above, imaging studies are the most reliable and accurate tools for making a diagnosis of NEC. Computerized tomography (CT) is the imaging option of choice [65]. The most characteristic CT finding is bowel wall thickening, usually around 7 mm (range 4–15 mm). An important prognostic finding is the presence of bowel wall thickening of >10 mm which is associated with severe disease and poorer outcomes [66]. As mentioned previously, general supportive measures such as bowel rest with nasogastric suction and parenteral nutrition if necessary, along with fluid and electrolyte replenishment, are generally effective, with surgical intervention being reserved for more serious complications.

Risk factors associated with C. difficile colonization and disease include antibiotic usage, proton-pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, previous hospitalization, and antineoplastic chemotherapy [67]. Up to 6% of patients receiving cisplatin therapy for ovarian carcinoma develop C. difficile-associated colitis [68]. Such therapy should subsequently be avoided since relapse or recurrent infection can occur [69]. Recent data suggest that vancomycin is superior to metronidazole therapy for moderate to severe infection. Fidaxomicin, a new macrocyclic agent, is similar to vancomycin with regards to clinical response, but produces more sustained responses and fewer relapses [70–72]. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to be efficacious in patients with multiple recurrences [73].

CMV disease has not been well studied in solid tumor patients. Although infrequently reported, CMV testing is not routinely performed in such patients, consequently reactivation of CMV or active disease is probably often unrecognized and underreported. One retrospective analysis reported that at least 50% of patients with solid tumors with a positive CMV polymerase chain reaction also had clinically relevant CMV disease requiring antiviral therapy [74]. Although gastrointestinal CMV disease is uncommon in patients with solid tumors, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality [75].

Hepatitis

Hepatitis virus infections (both hepatitis B virus, HBV, and hepatitis C virus, HCV) are relatively common worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that more than 350 million individuals globally have HBV infection and 130–170 million are infected with HCV [76–78]. In oncology settings, HBV reactivation rates vary between 30% and 80% depending on the HBV serologic status and the specific chemotherapy regimen [79]. Whilst reactivation can be asymptomatic, it can lead to severe hepatitis, liver failure and death [80]. It often leads to delays in antineoplastic chemotherapy which can result in increased tumor-related mortality. Patients with solid tumors who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)- or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive are at risk for HBV reactivation after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The CDC recommends universal screening of individuals prior to the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy [81]. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of HBV reactivation and prophylaxis during chemotherapy for solid tumors concluded that, in patients with chronic HBV receiving such chemotherapy, the risk of reactivation was similar to other types of immunosuppressive therapy, and that there was strong support for HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis prior to initiating such therapy [82]. Other studies/groups have confirmed these findings [83, 84]. Preferred agents for HBV prophylaxis include lamivudine, entecavir, and tenofovir. Additionally, monitoring of viral load and hepatic transaminases is recommended for patients who do not have active HBV infection and are not receiving prophylaxis [85].

HCV reactivation in cancer patients has not been as well studied as HBV reactivation. The overall prevalence of HCV infection in cancer patients ranges from 1.5% to 32% [86, 87]. However, very little is known about its natural history, prophylaxis, treatment, and outcomes in this patient population. HCV-positive patients with cancer have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis, progress to fibrosis more rapidly, and have poorer virologic responses [88]. Increased mortality has been reported in patients with cancer who have HCV infection compared to those who do not [89]. Additionally, increased risk of reactivation has also been reported in patients receiving targeted therapies [90]. Although treatment and outcomes data in cancer patients are limited, in the general population HCV therapy can cure infection, prevent reactivation, delay progression to cirrhosis, and reduce overall mortality [91, 92]. Guidelines recently issued by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network state that all patients receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for HCV [85]. Although no specific treatment guidelines for cancer patients exist, HCV therapy in this setting has been shown to be feasible and to prevent or decrease progression of liver disease. An algorithm for the management of patients with cancer and HCV infection has recently been published [86].

Obstructive Uropathy/Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Obstructive uropathy is common in patients with solid tumors [16]. The resultant urinary stasis leads to bacterial colonization and can progress to the development of complicated urinary tract infection and urosepsis. Acute or chronic ureteral obstruction (most often unilateral but occasionally bilateral) is a complication of advancing retroperitoneal or pelvic malignancy. Prompt decompression of the obstruction is required. Ureteral stents have been used for the management of ureteral obstruction in this setting. Silicone or polyurethane stents are most often used but may be associated with significant failure rates. Metallic stents have also been evaluated and are considered to be effective [16, 93–95]. Alternatively, obstructions can be dealt with the placement of percutaneous nephrostomy tubes. The use of stents and nephrostomy tubes is associated with a significant rate of pyelonephritis [16]. Organisms causing these infections include Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. maltophilia, Klebsiella species, and Candida species [16]. Eradication of such infections is difficult to accomplish and recurrent infections are the norm. Long-term suppressive antibiotic therapy may be necessary in patients who develop frequent bouts of urosepsis.

Infections Mimicking Cancer

Occasionally, certain infections produce clinical manifestations and/or radiographic images that cannot be readily distinguished from those produced by neoplasms. When such lesions are detected, the most common suspicion is that of metastatic or recurrent neoplasm, but, in a small proportion of patients, are caused by an infection. These lesions also need to be evaluated promptly and a specific etiology established, since the management of recurrent neoplastic disease is totally different from that of infection.

Summary

Patients with hematologic malignancies often develop infections, especially during episodes of neutropenia. Since this is a relatively homogenous group of patients compared to patients with solid tumors, it has been well studied. Several societies have developed and published guidelines for the management of neutropenic patients [8, 9, 85, 96]. Infections also represent a significant problem in patients with solid tumors and this is a much more heterogenous group. These infections are quite different from the infections seen in patients with hematologic malignancies, especially those with neutropenia, and have generally been less well studied. Many of these infections are related to the tumor itself, due mostly to obstruction or disruption of natural anatomic barriers. Others are related to various treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapies). Recent data regarding many aspects of such infections are scant. This review provides an update and discusses in detail syndromes such as NEC, post-obstructive pneumonia, breast cancer surgery-related infections, and reactivation of hepatitis virus infections, which have either become more common or are being newly described/studied in solid tumor patients (Table 3). The changing epidemiology of infections, with the emergence of resistant organisms has been highlighted, and the role of infection control in preventing the spread of such infections, as well as the role of antimicrobial stewardship in preserving the useful life of antimicrobial agents, has been stressed. Very rarely, certain infections may mimic cancer. These conditions need to be differentiated promptly so that appropriate therapy can be delivered.

Table 3 Infection-related clinical syndromes commonly seen in patients with solid tumors