Reducing infectious complications in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Currently available treatments for acute myeloid leukemia, uniformly lead to severe and prolonged periods of neutropenia and a substantial risk for infectious complications. Disruptions to the mucosal barrier, presence of implanted lines, and the immunomodulatory effect of the malignancy itself also contribute to the risk for infectious complications. Mortality rates for febrile neutropenic episodes range between 4% to 20%. A top priority for our KPNC regional leukemia and lymphoma treatment centers is to reduce infection-related deaths by optimizing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for these high-risk patients. Data produced in this study will standardize key aspects of care across KPNC and inform national guidelines.

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