Introduction to the 2024 Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Neutropenic Fever in Patients with Cancer: Principles & Practice of Neutropenic Fever

This is the introductory chapter to the 2024 Australasian Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Neutropenic Fever in Patients with Cancer, an update of the Australian consensus guidelines published in 2011. These guidelines reflect the new treatment paradigms for cancer care (such as immunotherapy, bispecific antibodies, oral targeted therapies and CAR T) given the changing risks of neutropenic fever and sepsis, the emerging challenges of antimicrobial resistance and the new models of care for managing neutropenic fever. The scope of these guidelines has been broadened to include paediatrics for the first time. Further, chapters are dedicated to antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention, and consumer engagement and education. Recognising the longstanding challenges about decision-making in the setting of recurrent or persistent neutropenic fever, a new chapter provides guidance about antimicrobial management and investigations. This current chapter introduces the rationale for these guidelines, defines key terms used, including risk assessment, provides an overview of the key principles suitable for a systems approach to the prevention and management of infections in neutropenic patients with cancer, defines the target audience and scope of each chapter, and helps readers navigate the guidelines. We also outline the approach to guideline development, review and feedback.