Why you should read this article:

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To understand how and when neutropenia may develop in patients with cancer receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT)

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To be able to recognise the risk factors for and signs and symptoms of neutropenic sepsis

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To appreciate the importance of urgent assessment and management of patients with neutropenic sepsis

As cancer diagnoses rise, and more treatment options become available, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will increasingly encounter more patients with acute oncological emergencies in the emergency department (ED). Neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils in the blood) is a common side effect of systemic anti-cancer therapy, particularly chemotherapy, and has a negative effect on patients’ immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Patients who develop neutropenia are at increased risk of developing neutropenic sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent assessment and treatment within an hour of presentation. This article describes the risk factors for and signs and symptoms of neutropenic sepsis and outlines assessment and management of patients who present to the ED with this condition.