Myeloid growth factor therapy in malignant lymphomas--a 5-year retrospective study from Hungary

Myeloid growth factors help to prevent and cure neutropenic events in malignant lymphoma patients treated by chemotherapeutical regimens. Administering either filgrastim or pegfilgrastim, treatment schedule can be kept well and less dose reductions are needed, which results in better survival rates. The aim of this study was to examine the indications and the outcome of myeloid precursor therapy among our malignant lymphoma patients. Between 2003 and 2007, 249 malignant lymphoma patients received 1,655 cycles of different polychemotherapies. Myeloid growth factor therapy was administered in 138 cases by 65 patients, which meant 8.33% of all treatment cycles and 26.1% of all patients, respectively. As for the indications, prevention was more common than intervention (71.7% vs. 28.3%). By preventive usage of growths factors, two-thirds of threatening neutropenic events could be avoided. Side effects were uncommon and mild: grades I-II toxicity was observed in 31% of all treatments. Analyzing the risk factors for febrile neutropenia among patients who received myeloid growth factor therapy compared to those who did not, we found the incidence of comorbidities, hypoalbuminemia, advanced stage disease, and aggressive chemotherapies significantly different in the two groups. Interestingly, there was no significant difference regarding the median age and the incidence of low body surface area. Our observations support that myeloid precursor therapy is an effective and safe implement to prevent or treat neutropenia in high-risk malignant lymphoma patients.