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Ceftizoxime was used as initial antibiotic therapy in 38 neutropenic cancer patients with 53 febrile episodes. Patients with infections were found in 21 of the febrile episodes and responded in 71% of instances. Sites of infection included soft tissue, blood, urinary tract, lung, and multiple sites. Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci comprised 62% and 38% of organisms, respectively, and responded in 69% and 80% of instances, respectively. Patients with a high initial neutrophil count or a neutrophil count that rose during therapy tended to respond to therapy better than those with an initial lower neutrophil count. Response was higher when organisms were sensitive in vitro. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the only organism not showing in-vitro susceptibility, and patients with infections caused by Ps. aeruginosa responded infrequently (33%). Most patients showed excellent response to ceftizoxime used alone; however, patients with Ps. aeruginosa infection (because of its in-vitro resistance) may require another antibiotic in conjunction with ceftizoxime as initial therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]