Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia can cause additional burden and risk for cancer patients, pan-European survey reveals

Results from a new European study have shown that 33% of patients in the UK experienced an infection as a result of chemotherapy, with 57% of those infections being associated with neutropenia or febrile neutropenia (FN). These survey findings, presented at the 7th Annual European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) Spring Convention, suggest that despite the widespread availability of prophylactic treatments, a significant number of patients continue to be affected by neutropenia and its consequences.

The Preventing Febrile Neutropenia ' Staying on Track with Chemotherapy survey, found that 69% of UK patients with an infection required hospitalization, while 43% had to have their chemotherapy delayed or changed as a result of neutropenia, infection or febrile neutropenia. Alongside this, 85% of UK nurses questioned agreed that preventing infections, including febrile neutropenia, is extremely important to achieve a successful outcome for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

'The risk of neutropenic infections poses an additional threat to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, at a time when a patient's emotional and physical energy has to be focused on coping with cancer. The survey results suggest that the risk of neutropenia and the impact this can have on patients' clinical care and quality of life must be taken even more seriously,' said Kay Leonard, European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) board member. 'It is important to ensure patients are receiving the most effective and appropriate prophylactic therapies as early as possible to help achieve positive treatment outcomes and prevent related complications before they develop,' she added.