Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in lung cancer patients: The role of antibiotic prophylaxis

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia can cause fatal bacterial infections. Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are usually recommended as prophylaxis, while routine use of prophylactic antibiotics remains controversial. Based on our literature search in PubMed, quinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were the most frequently used prophylaxis, while CSFs were administered in 22.1% of patients. Lung cancer patients who received prophylactic antibiotics exhibited significantly fewer episodes of febrile neutropenia, fewer documented infections as well as shorter duration of related hospitalisations. Prophylactic use of wide spectrum antibiotics seems effective and should be considered as an alternative strategy in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in lung cancer patients.

► We performed a PubMed literature search of manuscripts published until May 2011.
► Quinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were most frequently used.
► Episodes of febrile neutropenia and documented infections were fewer.
► Duration of hospitalisation was shorter.
► Prophylactic wide-spectrum antibiotics are an alternative preventive strategy.