Novel biomarkers to identify complicated course of febrile neutropenia in hematological patients receiving intensive chemotherapy

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common consequence of intensive chemotherapy in hematological patients. More than 90% of the patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develop FN, and 5%-10% of them die from subsequent sepsis. FN is very common also in autologous stem cell transplant recipients, but the risk of death is lower than in AML patients. In this review, we discuss biomarkers that have been evaluated for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in hematological patients with FN. In general, novel biomarkers have provided little benefit over traditional inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. The utility of most biomarkers in hematological patients with FN has been evaluated in only a few small studies. Although some of them appear promising, much more data is needed before they can be implemented in the clinical evaluation of FN patients. Currently, close patient follow-up is key to detect complicated course of FN and the need for further interventions such as intensive care unit admission. Scoring systems such as q-SOFA (Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) or NEWS (National Early Warning Sign) combined with traditional and/or novel biomarkers may provide added value in the clinical evaluation of FN patients.