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Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is a condition where a person's white blood cell count, specifically their neutrophil count, is reduced as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight off bacterial and fungal infections.
Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but unfortunately, they can also affect other rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as bone marrow cells that produce white blood cells. This can lead to a decrease in the number of neutrophils in the bloodstream, which puts patients at risk for developing infections.
Symptoms of CIN can include fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, and skin infections. In severe cases, CIN can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where an infection spreads throughout the body.
To manage CIN, patients may receive medications such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to stimulate the production of neutrophils. Patients may also be advised to take precautions to prevent infection, such as avoiding crowded areas, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick.
It's important for patients undergoing chemotherapy to monitor their symptoms and communicate with their healthcare team about any concerns they may have regarding CIN.