Aggressive treatments are presently being prescribed for an increasingly diverse population of persons with cancer. Severe myelosuppression is an expected adverse event for many chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens. In this paper, neutropenia is presented and explained in the context of haematopoiesis. Management strategies within the context of specialist in-patient units, out-patient departments and the community are reviewed. Assessment of risk factors, prevention measures, vigilant observations and an awareness of the psychosocial implications are highlighted as areas of importance.
