Can kids with cancer stop antibiotics sooner? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT04948463

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether children with cancer and a fever caused by low white blood cells can safely stop antibiotics earlier than usual. 55 children took part, and half stopped antibiotics once their fever was gone for 48 hours, while the other half continued until their white blood cells recovered. The goal was to see if early stopping leads to similar or better outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: antibiotics (piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, vancomycin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow children with cancer to stop antibiotics sooner, reducing side effects and hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 55 participants, so results may not apply to all children. Early stopping could lead to fever or infection returning.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia acute myeloid leukemia Febrile Neutropenia lymphoblastic lymphoma neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Royal Children's Hospital

Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia

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