A composition and method for promoting neutrophil survival and activation suchas the treatment of neutropenia arising as an undesirable side effect ofchemotherapy and radiation therapy. A composition containing medium-chainfatty acids, such as capri acid or caprylic acid, or salts or triglyceridesthereof, or mono- or diglycerides or other analogues thereof or medium-chaintriglycerides (MCT) is administered to a human or animal needing treatment inan amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate neutropenia. The composition isadministered in an amount effective to treat the disorder. The methods arealso useful in the management of bone narrow transplantation and in thetreatment of various neutropenic diseases.
