The fields of solid organ and haematological oncology have seen remarkable progress, with many malignancies having survival rates which could scarcely have been imagined just a few decades ago 1. These advances, and the beneficial impact they have had on individuals, families and society, have been driven by a greater understanding of the biology of cancers, and thus the development of new and better treatments. As survival has improved, often due to increasingly aggressive therapies, the role of critical care in supporting patients with malignancy has grown 2 and has become a key foundation for these improved outcomes.