Infectious complications of febrile leukopenia

Despite progress in anticancer therapeutic manipulations, neutropenic patients are still at risk for infectious complications. Current epidemiological features and the assessment of risk factors, as well as infecting microorganisms in the new millenium, are discussed in this article, with particular emphasis placed on gram positives and the new fungal array. The contemporary laboratory diagnosis of infections, although improved, requires further efforts based mainly on the molecular approach and advanced radiologic techniques. Current steps of therapy and the appropriate modifications are presented, including antifungal manipulations. Finally, the indications for at-home therapy of febrile neutropenia and efficacious interventions for infection prophylaxis in the afebrile neutropenic patient are discussed.