Chemotherapy is a common and often effective cancer treatment, but it can lead to various side effects. One significant concern is a decrease in the number of certain white blood cells, a condition known as neutropenia. Maintaining healthy neutrophil levels is important during cancer treatment to help the body fight off infections.
Understanding Neutropenia and Chemotherapy
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow and are a primary component of the immune system. They actively combat infections by engulfing and destroying harmful bacteria and fungi.
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including healthy cells in the bone marrow responsible for producing neutrophils. This damage to the bone marrow, called myelosuppression, can lead to a reduction in neutrophil count. When neutrophil levels fall below the normal range, typically below 1,500 cells per microliter of blood, the condition is called neutropenia. A severe reduction, below 500 cells per microliter, significantly increases the risk of infection and may even necessitate delays or reductions in chemotherapy dosage.
Medical Approaches to Increase Neutrophils
To help mitigate chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, medical interventions are available, primarily involving Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors (G-CSFs). These medications are synthetic versions of a protein naturally produced by the body. G-CSFs stimulate the bone marrow to produce and release more neutrophils into the bloodstream.
Common G-CSF medications include filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Filgrastim is a short-acting medication often administered daily for several days, while pegfilgrastim is a longer-acting version, typically given as a single dose per chemotherapy cycle. Pegfilgrastim’s longer duration of action is due to an added polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule, which allows it to remain in the body for an extended period. These medications are usually given as subcutaneous injections.
G-CSFs are typically prescribed when there is a high risk of febrile neutropenia, which is a fever accompanied by a low neutrophil count. By boosting neutrophil production, G-CSFs help reduce the risk of serious infections and can prevent treatment delays. While generally well-tolerated, side effects can include bone or muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and headache.
Everyday Strategies for Managing Neutrophil Levels
Everyday strategies can support overall health and manage risks associated with low neutrophil counts. Maintaining a balanced diet is important, with a focus on food safety to reduce foodborne illnesses. This includes thoroughly cooking meats, poultry, and eggs, avoiding raw or undercooked foods, and consuming only pasteurized dairy products. Proper hand hygiene before handling food and cleaning cooking surfaces is essential.
Adequate hydration and light physical activity, if approved by a healthcare provider, are beneficial during chemotherapy. A consistent routine for personal hygiene, such as daily bathing and regular oral care, helps prevent infections. Avoiding crowded places and individuals who are sick reduces exposure to germs. Frequent hand washing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a primary way to prevent the spread of infections.
Report any signs of infection to the medical team. Symptoms such as a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, sore throat, new cough, or any unusual pain or redness should be reported. These supportive measures are complementary to medical treatments and are not a substitute for prescribed medications or professional medical advice.