Febrile Neutropenia in women treated for early breast cancer

This article presents guidelines on preventing and managing febrile neutropenia in women receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy to treat early-stage breast cancer. The recommendations, developed by a consensus group of senior oncology nurses, take account of breast cancer epidemiology, practice, guidelines and perceived barriers to the routine implementation of good practice. They consider the changes required in the governance of patient care, the education of health professionals, patients and carers, and the way information is communicated across the NHS.