Chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cancer cells.
As a result of chemotherapy treatments,WBC countsusually temporarily fall.
Often when chemotherapy affects WBC levels, it also affects red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets.
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When Do WBC Counts Fall?
As the bone marrow recovers from the effects of chemotherapy, WBC counts start rising again.
Are Low WBC Counts Dangerous?
One of the main roles of WBCs is protecting the body from infections.
When WBC counts are low, the risk of serious infections increases.
However, low counts do not always lead to infections.
Nearly all people on chemotherapy have low WBC counts during chemotherapy.
But only some people develop serious infections.
How Do Healthcare Providers Check for Low WBC Counts?
At regular intervals during chemotherapy, blood tests to check cell counts are required.
These tests are called CBCs or Hemograms.
The results include RBCs, platelets, WBCs, and the number and percentage of different types of WBCs.
A more specific count is theabsolute neutrophil count (ANC).
Signs of Infection During Chemotherapy
The most telltale sign of infection is a fever.
When fever occurs in the presence of a low neutrophil count, it is calledfebrile neutropenia.
However, each persons situation may be different.
How Low WBC Counts Are Managed
In the majority of cases, low counts are temporary.
Counts should start rising soon after chemotherapy treatment, and they usually reach normal levels without causing infections.
At that point, further chemotherapy may be continued.
Experts have developed guidelines for the use of bone marrow stimulating agents.
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