In oncology, what does the acronym “ANC” represent?

The acronym "ANC" stands for Absolute Neutrophil Count. This is a critical laboratory measurement in oncology, indicating the number of neutrophil white blood cells in a given volume of blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections, and their count is particularly important for patients undergoing chemotherapy, as these treatments can lead to neutropenia, a dangerously low level of neutrophils.

Monitoring the ANC helps healthcare providers assess a patient's risk for infection, guide decisions regarding chemotherapy administration, and determine the need for supportive measures such as growth factor therapy or antibiotics. The absolute neutrophil count provides a clearer picture than just the total white blood cell count because it specifically reflects the neutrophil component, which is vital for understanding a patient's immune status in the context of cancer treatment.