Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39775436›Full record

ReviewAnaesthesia2025

Anaesthetic management of oncological disease in pregnancy: a narrative review.

Ben Sharif, Melanie Nana, Rachel Kearns, Queenie Lo, Yavor Metodiev

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Anaesthesia, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ben SharifDepartment of Anaesthesia, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6845-7523
Melanie NanaDepartment of Obstetric Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7908-8986
Rachel KearnsDepartment of Anaesthesia, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6156-6858
Queenie LoDepartment of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5781-8717
Yavor MetodievDepartment of Anaesthesia, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0347-4693

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionCancer complicates approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies, with increasing incidence due to factors such as increased maternal age, obesity and advancements in antenatal testing. Anaesthetists play a crucial role in managing pregnant patients with cancer, both during delivery and in providing anaesthesia for oncological treatments. This review explores the challenges in anaesthetic management and specific considerations for common cancers encountered in pregnant patients.

methodsAn electronic literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English from 1 January 1990 to 30 July 2024.

resultsTwo main areas were identified: anaesthetic management related to pregnancy and the peripartum period in patients with cancer; and oncological management during pregnancy. Current data suggest that pregnancy does not worsen cancer prognosis, but diagnosis and treatment are complicated by the overlap of cancer symptoms with physiological changes of pregnancy and concerns about the safety of diagnostic procedures and treatments. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are preferred imaging modalities, while careful use of ionising radiation is advised. Treatment during pregnancy, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is possible, with specific timing and modality considerations to ensure maternal and fetal safety. Anaemia, poor nutrition and preterm birth are significant concerns in managing pregnant patients with cancer. For operative births, neuraxial techniques are preferred, though general anaesthesia may be required in complex cases. Comprehensive multidisciplinary support, including psychosocial care, is essential for optimal outcomes. Oncological surgery during pregnancy should preferably be scheduled for the second trimester, with consideration for fetal monitoring and steroids. Regional anaesthesia should be utilised if possible and uteroplacental perfusion maintained. Increased risks of thromboembolism should be addressed postoperatively, along with psychological support. DISCUSSION: Effective and safe anaesthetic management of cancer in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach to balance maternal and fetal safety, with a focus on careful planning and individualised care.

Indexed as

AnesthesiaAnesthesia, ObstetricalNeoplasmsPregnancy Complications, NeoplasticFemaleHumansPregnancyanaesthesiacanceroncological diseasepregnancy

Identifiers

PMID39775436
PMCPMC11744413

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.