Cornet et al [5] reported an ICU mortality rate of 60% for haemato-oncological patients compared with a rate of 27% for general critically ill patients. They also highlighted the poor long-term prognosis, with a 1 year mortality of 88% for haemato-oncological patients. However, such patients may not fare so badly on ICU if organ support facilitates administration of a specific therapy for a treatable condition. Benoit et al [6] have recently described successful outcomes in severely ill patients with haematological malignancies who receive intravenous chemotherapy in intensive care. Hence admission to ICU for specific therapy can be lifesaving.