How do you deal with chemo-induced neutropenia?

Treat or observe: Depends on the setting. I was taught in fellowship to treat neutropenia aggressively in a curative situation, and less aggressively in the palliative setting. Gcsf (neupogen) and depot-gcsf (neulasta) are the main meds used, Leukine (sargramostim) (gm-csf) is more toxic and seldom used. Prolonged severe neutropenia (anc<500) can increase risk of infection so is usually treated, except perhaps in leukemia.

Following : Myelosuppressive chemotherapy, the bone marrow will be compromised in its ability to make neutrophils (a type of WBC that protects against bacterial infections). Since a neutrophil only lasts 24hrs after its made, you quickly run out if you arent making them efficiently. To facilitate recovery after chemo, we use a gcsf, which stimulates neutrophil production to mitigate infection risk.