Rational basis for the choice of regimens for empirical therapy of sepsis in granulocytopenic patients.

The three therapeutic trials of the EORTC International Antimicrobial Therapy Project Group are reviewed, demonstrating the efficacy of synergistic combinations of aminoglycosides with beta-lactam compounds in the initial empirical therapy of febrile episodes in granulocytopenic patients. Large numbers of patients are required in order to have sufficient evaluable cases in small but important subgroups to draw any valid and statistically significant conclusions. At present this can be achieved only by co-operative groups engaging in multicentre trials.