Febrile neutropenia management in cancer patients receiving anti-cancer agents' treatment: Deepening the search to offer the best care. A critical review follow-up

Abstract

Introduction: Febrile neutropenia is a common complication in cancer patients. Emergency departments are in most countries the unique entry point to tertiary care. However, some challenges restrain emergency department professionals from complying with the protocol.

Objective: To update the published review in 2018: "Critical review of emergency department management of chemotherapy complications in cancer patients", and explore improvement opportunities.

Methods: MEDLINE, TROVE and SCOPUS databases were used to conduct a broad electronic literature search. Out of 74 articles yielded, nine responding to our questions were selected.

Conclusions: Febrile neutropenia management in cancer patients still represents a challenge for emergency departments that have difficulties to comply with international guidelines. It is critical to identify the best venue and which professionals to manage the target population. Appropriate care pathways and a more efficient tool to classify low and high risk patients, would improve clinical outcomes, while costs would be reduced.

Keywords: Chemotherapy secondary effects; Clinical pathway; Emergency department; Management guidelines; febrile neutropenia.