Aim: Characterize febrile neutropenia in the real-world and explore potentially modifiable risk factors.

Patients & methods: Characteristics of patient presenting with febrile neutropenia after systemic cancer treatment were investigated, with a thorough evaluation of potential risk factors.

Results: The rate of febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalization was comparable with clinical trials (mean absolute difference 2%, 95% CI: -1-4%; p = 0.29). The in-hospital mortality rate was 6%. Most cases resulted from low-risk regimens (50%) and 18.2% presented no apparent risk factors. 42.4% of patients presented modifiable factors potentially involved in the occurrence of febrile neutropenia.

Conclusion: Febrile neutropenia rate in contemporary real-world evidence is comparable with clinical trials. Appropriate G-CSF administration and avoidance of potentially harmful drug-interactions represent potential areas for improvement.