Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Patients with Cancer

There has been increased survival of cancer patients due to advancement in chemotherapy and conditioning regimes, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and general ICU care. However, challenges in cancer are still present such as increasing incidence rates and continued low survival for some cancers. Moreover, increased cancer survivorship and the use of new and stronger anti-cancer agents have left more patients with abnormalities of fluid and electrolyte balance. In this chapter we will discuss the delicate balance of electrolytes and water that the kidney maintains and the disturbances that can occur in the setting of cancer and cancer therapy.