Hematologic Toxicities Clinical Resource Area - Neutropenia

White blood cells protect us from infection. Several kinds of white cells exist, and each has a special function. The two most most common types are

Neutrophils, which surround and destroy bacteria in the body, and

lymphocytes, which are the key part of the body’s immune system and defend against viruses.

Neutropenia occurs when the number of neutrophils circulating in the blood is too low.

Neutrophils are very important in defending the body against bacterial infections. Patients with too few neutrophils are more susceptible to infections. Neutropenia affects as many as one in three patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

The resources in this section will help you learn more about neutropenia and its treatment.