On World Cancer Day, ESA launches Working Group on Sepsis and Cancer: an integrated response to two major global killers
On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the European Sepsis Alliance, together with leading professional societies, research institutions, and industry partners, is pleased to announce the launch of a new Working Group on Sepsis and Cancer.
This initiative has been convened following the leadership and impetus of The Jibraan Chaudhary Sepsis Research Foundation, whose mission highlights the urgent and often overlooked intersection between cancer, immunosuppression, and sepsis.
Why sepsis and cancer?
Sepsis remains one of the most serious and underestimated complications affecting people living with cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy—particularly those experiencing neutropenia—are at increased risk of infection, rapid deterioration, and recurrent sepsis episodes.
Neutropenic patients are several times more likely to develop sepsis than the general population, with infections often progressing rapidly and atypically.
Sepsis is a leading cause of unplanned hospitalisation and ICU admission among patients with haematological malignancies.
Cancer survivors who experience one episode of sepsis face a significantly higher risk of recurrence, long-term morbidity, treatment interruptions, and mortality.
Despite advances in oncology, infection prevention and sepsis management have not kept pace, often falling between medical specialties and health system responsibilities.
As cancer survival improves, addressing sepsis prevention, early recognition, and optimal management must become a core pillar of cancer care, rather than a reactive response to complications.
Purpose of the Working Group
The Working Group on Sepsis and Cancer aims to bring together expertise across disciplines to:
Elevate awareness of sepsis as a major, preventable threat to cancer patients
Identify gaps in clinical pathways, research, and policy related to infection and sepsis in oncology and haematology
Promote better integration of sepsis prevention, early detection, and response within cancer care pathways
Support research, data generation, and advocacy efforts that improve outcomes for immunocompromised patients
The Working Group will serve as a collaborative platform, connecting clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, policymakers, and industry to identify shared solutions at national and European levels.
Founding organisations
The Working Group is founded by the following organisations:
An open and growing initiative
The Working Group is open to additional organisations—including patient groups, professional societies, academic institutions, and business partners—who share an interest in addressing this critical and under-recognised aspect of cancer care. Should you be interested in joining the working group, please contact Simone Mancini at Simone.Mancini@global-sepsis-alliance.org or Nveed Chaudhary at Nveed@jcsr.org.uk.
As the Working Group develops its priorities, workplan, and activities, we will share updates on progress, outputs, and opportunities for engagement.