LOW MORTALITY RISK IN THE TREATMENT OF SOLID PATIENTS TUMOR WITH NEUTROPENIA

Between 1991 and 1998, 84 febrile neutropenia attacks due to chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated in 61 patients at Oncology Institute of University of Istanbul. In the majority of patients (%85), the empirical antibiotherapy regimen consisted of ceftazidime and amikacin. The empirical regimen was modified according to the clinical findings and blood cultures in 23% of attacks. Blood cultures were positive in 7 (8.2%) attacks. Microorganisms detected in blood cultures were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in five and Candida albicans in two of the attacks. Hemopoietic growth factor was used in the treatment of 35 (42%) attacks. No statistical difference was found between groups treated with or without hemopoietic growth factor with respect to the duration of neutropenia, fever and hospitalization. Five patients (8.2%) died, and all were resistant to the primary cancer therapy. We concluded that febrile neutropenia seen in patients with solid tumors could be treated successfully with the rapid institution of empirical therapy; the mortality was associated with the treatment-resistance of the underlying cancer.

Keywords: febril neutropenic, solid tumors, chemotherapy