Advances in the supportive treatment of patients with lymphoid and myeloid malignancies

Abstract

Treatment outcomes may be improved by advances achieved in supportive care for patients with hematological malignancies, thereby favourably impacting the quality of life for those surviving. This review focuses on recent progress in such care for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Latest study results are presented on the role of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in patients with lymphoid malignancies. Also discussed, are the function of primary and secondary cardio-protection in patients treated with anthracyclines, as well as the protective effect of gonadotropin-releasing analogues on fertility and gonadal function in female survivors after treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition, the specific palliative care targeted at the elderly are presented.