Current issues in the antibiotic primary management of the febrile neutropenic cancer patient: a perspective from the National Cancer Institute.

In summary, the overall approach to the treatment of neutropenic cancer patients is to bridge the neutropenic gap. Empirical therapy serves as an important pillar of support, and a rational programme for modifications of the initial therapy, according to the evolving clinical course of the patient, forms another pillar in bridging this gap (Pizzo & Meyers, 1989). The incorporation of biologicals that might shorten the duration of neutropenia could potentially lead to greater improvements in outcome and greater success for therapy for the febrile neutropenic cancer patient.