Nadir

Nadir - In cancer treatment, nadir commonly refers to the lowest point that an individual's blood cell count will reach as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The nadir for each blood cell type occurs at different times. The nadir for white blood cells and platelets normally occurs around day seven to 14 following the last day of treatment. Red blood cells, which live longer, will typically not reach a nadir for several weeks. Because the immune system is weak during this time period, patients are advised to avoid situations which could lead to an increased risk of infection. The nadir usually resolves and counts approach normal levels within about four weeks.

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