Infection continues to rank as a primary cause of treatment-related mortality in patients with
cancer. For patients with neutropenic
fevers, immediate empiric treatment with
antibiotics is standard care. However, which specific
antibiotic is best for initial treatment of high-risk patients has been much debated without consensus. Many major health centers use intravenous
ceftazidime as first-line
therapy for these patients. Yet updates to guidelines published by the
Infectious Diseases Society of America and the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network suggest that
ceftazidime may no longer be an optimal choice. This article reviews the literature regarding
ceftazidime therapy for the treatment of high-risk neutropenic patients with
fevers. This critical analysis of existing research reveals significant pharmacologic, physiologic, social, and financial implications, and recommendations for further studies are made.