Management of fever in patients with cancer and treatment-induced neutropenia

Article Abstract:

Cancer patients who receive chemotherapy may develop neutropenia, which can increase their risk of developing an infection. Neutropenia is a drop in blood levels of a certain white blood cell. In the 1960s and 1970s, gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli were the predominant infectious organisms in chemotherapy patients. However, in the 1980s, gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus have become predominant. Fungal infections such as candidiasis and aspergillosis also became more common in the 1980s. Fortunately, diagnostic methods have improved and newer, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cephalosporins and quinolones have improved the management of infections in chemotherapy patients. Acyclovir and ganciclovir are active against herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus, respectively. Fluconazole and itraconazole have joined amphotericin B as effective antifungal drugs. Hematopoietic growth factors may reduce the duration of neutropenia, which would allow patients to be treated with simpler drug regimens for a shorter period of time.

Health aspects, Drug therapy, Bacterial infections, Neutropenia

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Inflammation of the ears, anemia, and fever 21 years after treatment for Hodgkin's disease

Article Abstract:

A man was admitted to a hospital with fever, swelling and tenderness of his ears, anemia, fluid around his lungs, and neck pain. He had received chemotherapy, radiation, and spleen removal 21 years before for Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph system. He had no evidence of infection, and did not respond to antibiotics. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with erythroleukemia, another malignant blood disease, which was probably related to the chemotherapy and radiation from his previous treatment. The patient ultimately died from infectious complications of a bone marrow transplant.

Causes of, Blood diseases, Hematologic diseases

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Side effects of adjuvant treatment of breast cancer

Article Abstract:

The side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer include bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, peripheral nerve disease, weight gain, ovarian failure, heart damage, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and poor quality of life. Radiation treatment can also damage the heart, lungs, and lymphatic system.

Breast cancer, Adjuvant chemotherapy

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