Geriatric neutrophils: implications for older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To review the intersection of immunosenescence and neutropenia, focusing on innate immunity, and implications for research and practice for neutropenic older adults with cancer.


METHODS
Research studies, journal articles, and web sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunosenescence, age-related changes within the immune system renders older adults more vulnerable to infection. This vulnerability is magnified by cancer and its treatment. Unfortunately, there has been little consideration of immunosenescence as it relates to supportive care for this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies detailing the impact of immunosenescence on neutropenia and outcomes for neutropenic older adults are necessary to advance clinical research and practice.
Crighton
Margaret H
MH
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. crighton@pitt.edu
Puppione
Alicia A
AA
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000276:immunology; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D015399:Nursing Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006133:Growth Substances