Infectious complications of febrile leukopenia

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