A survey of the management of neutropenic fever in oncology units in the UK

Abstract A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was performed to define the different practices in managing febrile neutropenia in oncology units and the use of antimicrobial chemotherapy prophylaxis. A 69.7% response rate was obtained from a total of 165 units. Fifty percent of the responding oncologists used combination therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam plus gentamicin as a first-line treatment in febrile neutropenia. When response to initial empirical therapy does not occur after 24–48 h, 51.3% of oncology units add a glycopeptide (vancomycin or teicoplanin) and 39.2% change to a carbapenem and a glycopeptide. The role of oral antibiotics in managing febrile neutropenia is still low. Approximately 30% of studied units might consider using an oral antibiotic in this setting. When response to initial empirical therapy does not occur after 3–7 days, 46.1% of oncologists preferred liposomal amphotericin to conventional amphotericin (28.7%) in treating persistent febrile neutropenia. The antimicrobial chemotherapy treatment of febrile neutropenia in oncology patients and the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis varies significantly across the UK. This survey is the first to examine the prescribing practices of UK oncology units in this area and could help in the formulation of practice guidelines.