Use of G-CSF to Sustain Dose Intensity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is frequently accompanied by neutropenia requiring dose reduction or treatment delay that can potentially compromise therapeutic effectiveness. Recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces the duration and severity of neutropenia. METHODS: Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer receiving adjuvant systemic chemotherapy met criteria for dose reduction or treatment delay due to neutropenia. All were treated with G-CSF. The mean duration of G-CSF therapy was five days. RESULTS: An increase in mean absolute neutrophil count was seen in cycles with G-CSF. Chemotherapy treatment was delayed less often following the use of G-CSF. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy who face treatment delays or dose reductions can continue on full-dose intensity therapy using supportive G-CSF. Prospective trials are needed to accurately measure the impact of G-CSF on dose intensity and long-term disease control.