The clinical and microbiological efficacy, cost-per-patient and tolerability of teicoplanin were compared with those of vancomycin as empirical or second-line treatment of febrile neutropenic episodes in patients with hematologic malignancy or solid tumors. In terms of efficacy and cost teicoplanin and vancomycin were found equivalent, while teicoplanin is better tolerated and may be used effectively for treatment of out-patients.