Non-invasive Ventilation in Reducing the Need for Intubation in Patients With Cancer and Respiratory Failure

Inclusion Criteria: * Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2):fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio =\< 300 mmHg OR a peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SaO2):FiO2 =\< 357 * Have a diagnosed malignancy * Chest radiograph or computed tomography (CT) scan within =\< 3 months prior to study enrollment rules out primary or metastatic malignancy in the lungs or pleural space as a significant cause of respiratory insufficiency * Probability of survival is at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of do not resuscitate (DNR)/do not intubate (DNI) orders at study entry * Clinical evidence of left heart failure as the main etiology for respiratory compromise * Evidence of active intrathoracic malignancy (primary or metastatic) in the lungs or pleural space that is a significant cause of respiratory insufficiency * Patients with acute chronic obstructive disease exacerbation as the primary etiology for respiratory failure * Evidence of accessory respiratory muscle use with breathing * Shock (need for vasopressor therapy or mean arterial pressure \[MAP\] \< 60 despite fluid administration) * Oliguric acute renal failure (urine output \< 500 ml/day) unless already on hemodialysis * Patient already on NIPPV at the time of screening * pH \< 7.30 or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) \> 50 (if available) * Fixed upper airway obstruction * Airway or facial trauma that would hinder the use of a NIPPV mask * Uncontrolled tachy or bradyarrhythmia or active myocardial…