[Applause] I want you all to think about what you were doing at 18. Learning to drive, planning that holiday to Magalof with your mates, falling in love. At 18, my patient was told they had just months to live.and that they'd never walk again. Cancer had crept from their lungs to their bones and into their spine, stealing their movement and bodily functions inch by inch. The unspoken message was clear.Stay in bed. Keep comfortable. This is the beginning of the end.But that's not what happened. They stood. T ...

Core Insights - The studies published in The Lancet Oncology and Cancer Medicine reveal that cancer patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections compared to non-cancer patients, highlighting the urgent need for improved infection control measures in this vulnerable population [1][2][4]. Study Findings - The studies are the first large, multi-center investigations quantifying AMR among cancer patients in the U.S., providing strong evidence that superbugs pose a substantial risk across various healthcare settings [2][6]. - AMR rates among key pathogens were found to be 1 to 3 times higher in outpatient cancer patients, with some specific pathogen-source combinations showing up to 5 times greater rates compared to non-cancer patients [6][8]. - Hospitalized cancer patients were found to be 1.5 to 2 times more likely to encounter AMR infections than their non-cancer counterparts [6][8]. Implications for Cancer Care - The emergence of AMR threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics, which are crucial for treating infections and preventing complications during cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery [3][4]. - The findings suggest that the rapid rise of AMR could undermine new cancer therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and other immunotherapies, due to the associated risks of immunosuppression and opportunistic infections [3][4]. Recommendations - The studies emphasize the need for enhanced infection prevention programs, focused antibiotic stewardship, and the increased use of rapid diagnostic tools to better manage AMR risks in cancer patients [4][6].