What is neutropenia during chemotherapy?

Neutropenia is a condition in which there is a low number of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, and white blood cells help your body fight infection.

Some types of cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy may increase your risk of infection because they lower the number of white blood cells. During chemotherapy, there are times in your treatment cycle when neutrophils are particularly low, and you are at increased risk of infection during those times.

You will have blood tests to check for neutropenia. Medicine may sometimes be given to help prevent infection or to increase the number of white blood cells. Because infections during cancer treatment can be life threatening, it's important to call your healthcare team if you notice signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher. Your team can tell you when your risk is highest and what steps can help protect you.