Final answer:
Chemotherapy for leukemia can have adverse effects on leukocytes, including neutrophils. A blood test called an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is used to determine if chemotherapy treatment can proceed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for leukemia, which involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. One of the adverse effects of chemotherapy is the destruction of leukocytes, including neutrophils. Before proceeding with chemotherapy, a blood test called an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is performed to assess the neutrophil count. If the neutrophil count is too low, the healthcare team may postpone or adjust the chemotherapy treatment to avoid further compromising the patient's immune system.