Next-Gen Sequencing Identifies Cause of Febrile Neutropenia in Chemotherapy Patients

By Tom Rosenthal

SAN FRANCISCO—Next-generation sequencing (NGS) might be useful in reducing the amount of antimicrobials given to cancer patients with febrile neutropenia (FN), according to research presented at IDWeek 2018 (abstract 2294).

The researchers tested the Karius NGS plasma test to see whether it could identify the etiology of FN. Given its sensitivity and ability to detect a breadth of pathogens, the test may provide useful data for diagnosing and targeting antimicrobial therapy