Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Managing neutropenia in older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy in a community setting.
Older patients with cancer who may be more susceptible than younger patients to the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapy undergo dose delays and reductions that can compromise treatment outcomes. Incidence of neutropenic complications and suboptimal chemotherapy delivery can be reduced with prophylactic colony-stimulating factors; however, their use in older patients with cancer has not been well studied. ⋯ The study showed that older patients with cancer can be treated safely with optimal doses of chemotherapy with appropriate supportive care. Nurses, key collaborators in providing supportive care, can take an active role in identifying older patients who may benefit from pegfilgrastim in all cycles of chemotherapy.