The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Restrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of early vs. delayed initiation of G-CSF after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in patients with lymphoid malignancies.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used after AHSCT to accelerate stem cell engraftment to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with prolonged neutropenia. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of G-CSF after HSCT.

A total of 117 patients with lymphoid malignancies who underwent AHSCT were included. All patients received G-CSF (filgrastim 5 μg/kg s.c.) daily after AHSCT (43 patients on day 6-8 and 74 patients on day 3 or 4). All patients received standard conditioning regimen for the underlying disease, and standard supportive treatment, including treatment of febrile neutropenia.

The incidence of severe neutropenia was 81 % vs 17 %, and very severe neutropenia 61 % vs 4 % in the delayed and early G-CSF groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The rate of fungal infection was higher in the group of patients who received delayed G-CSF (p < 0.005).

An early administration of G-CSF after AHSCT (on day 3 or 4) accelerates neutophil engraftment; decreases the incidence of severe neutropenia and the risk of infectious complications (especially fungal infections) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22).