Leukaemia update. Part 2: managing patients with leukaemia in the community

SUMMARY POINTS Neutropenic fever is a medical emergency and should be suspected in all unwell patients with leukaemia Leukaemia and its treatment can affect all organ systems Chemotherapy can cause psychological disturbances that require a multidisciplinary approach Optimal support for patients with leukaemia involves a balance of community and hospital based care Most intercurrent drugs can be continued throughout leukaemia treatment. Warfarin is usually changed to low molecular weight heparin and antihypertensives may be stopped during septic episodes; antiplatelet drugs are usually stopped if safe