Maximizing the outcomes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy through optimal use of colony-stimulating factor

To discuss clinical data on the utility of 2 colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), filgrastim and pegfilgrastim, in reducing the risk and incidence of neutropenic complications with chemotherapy.

This article reviews the data from the clinical studies for both pegfilgrastim and filgrastim. Additionally, data from large, population-based retrospective analyses on the clinical and economic consequences of chemotherapy- induced neutropenia (CIN) are reviewed.

CIN remains an undertreated condition despite the evidence of its danger. Pivotal trials show that CSFs like pegfilgrastim and filgrastim are safe and effective in reducing both the incidence and duration of CIN and febrile neutropenia in patients who have been treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Approximately 11 daily injections of filgrastim per chemotherapy cycle are required to achieve this clinical end point. Pegfilgrastim provides all the clinical benefits of daily filgrastim for managing CIN with a single dose per chemotherapy cycle.