The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation.
Publication Title
J Oncol Pharm Pract
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2020
Keywords
Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Infective Agents; Chemoradiotherapy; Cohort Studies; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: National guidelines do not recommend the routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors, yet prophylactic agents are still sometimes prescribed for head and neck cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of prophylactic antimicrobials on the incidence of infection in patients undergoing chemoradiation for head and neck cancer.
METHODS: Between 2013 and 2016, patients receiving chemoradiation for head and neck cancer at three outpatient oncology clinics were identified by retrospective review. Cohorts were based on administration or absence of prophylactic antimicrobials. The primary outcome of this study was incidence of infection. Secondary outcomes included incidence of hospitalization and length of hospital stay.
RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were analyzed, 47% (n = 36) were not prescribed antimicrobial prophylaxis and 53% (n = 41) were prescribed prophylaxis. Infection occurred in 31 patients in the no prophylaxis cohort and in 34 patients in the prophylaxis cohort (86.1% vs. 82.9%,
CONCLUSION: The use of antimicrobial prophylaxis did not significantly impact the incidence of infection when compared to patients who were not prescribed prophylaxis. There was no difference in the incidence of hospitalization, however, the patients in the prescribed prophylactic group had longer length of hospital stay.
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
Specialty/Research Institute
Pharmacy
