Neutropenia: A nursing perspective

Neutropenia is the most common dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy. It is considered an unpreventable side effect of many types of cancer treatment. It may be a side effect of therapy or a planned aspect of a conditioning regimen for bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).1 The definition of neutropenia differs among institutions, ranging from an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 500 cells/mm3 to less than 1500 cells/mm3.2–4 Neutropenia can lead to infection, increased length of stay (LOS), delay, reduction, or discontinuation of cancer treatment, and increased morbidity and mortality.
Source: Current Problems in Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research