This clinical guideline provides an overview of the prevention and empiric management of neutropenic sepsis in children, young people and adults with cancer. The clinical questions have focussed on areas of uncertainty and aimed to provide support to clinicians where there is a wide variation in practice.

The Guideline Development Group (GDG) are pleased that the guideline relates to the whole of the patient pathway with particular emphasis on issues of importance to patients, carers and their families and that the remit covers patients of all ages.

The recommendations in this guideline were developed after discussion of the relevance of the evidence to children, young people, and adults with cancer. The recommendations are intended for use in patients of any age. Where age-limited or disease-specific recommendations are made they are clearly indicated as such.

The guideline development process involved close consultation with stakeholders, including patients, carers and many different professional groups and organisations. The GDG comprised a hugely informed and enthusiastic group of people whose dedication, sense of humour and thoughtfulness have inspired this guidance. The GDG would particularly acknowledge Janie Thomas who made a significant contribution to this guideline. Despite serious illness she shared her patient experience for the benefit of others with dedication and enthusiasm.

We hope that this guideline will improve the care of patients having treatment for cancer who are at risk of this potentially life-threatening complication.

• Professor Barry W Hancock OBE
  GDG Chair
• Dr John Graham
  Director, NCC for Cancer
• Dr Robert S Phillips
  GDG Clinical Lead