Guidelines for standardizedmanagement of neutropenia induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Abstract

Neutropenia is the most common hematologic toxicity of myelosuppressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The degree and duration of neutropenia are directly related to the risk of infection and even death, which can also affect the relative dose intensity of chemotherapy and the prognosis of patients. At present, clinicians tend to underestimate the harm of neutropenia, and are in lack of knowledge on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF), especially on prevention and treatment of neutropenia. Based on clinical evidence, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) develops guidelines on the assessment, prevention and treatment of neutropenia and the application of G-CSF. It suggests a hierarchical management concept for neutropenia and establishes a clinical path of prevention and treatment, in order to provide guidance for standardized management of neutropenia and the rational use of G-CSF.