Optimal use of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with chemotherapy for solid tumors. Issue 8 (August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Danova, Marco; Barni, Sandro; Del Mastro, Lucia; Danesi, Romano; Pappagallo, Giovanni L
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 11:Issue 8(2011)
• Page Start: 1303
• Page End: 1313
• Publication Date: 2011-08
• Subjects: antineoplastic agents -- bone-marrow compartments -- chemotherapy-induced neutropenia -- international guidelines -- prophylaxis -- recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1586/era.11.72
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

Neutropenia is a frequent complication of anticancer chemotherapy (CT) often associated with life-threatening infections, hospitalization, dose reduction and/or delay in the administration of CT. Administration of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) reduces the duration and the degree of CT-neutropenia. rG-CSF that stimulates both neutropoiesis and neutrophil function, has become an integral part of supportive care during cytotoxic CT, to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN), particularly in patients with a risk of FN ≥20%. International guidelines have standardized conditions for rG-CSF administration, however, some 'gray zones'' still exist around optimal timing and tailoring of this therapy. We report here the results of a research project aimed to extend the consensus on the optimal use of rG-CSF in association with CT in patient with solid tumours. We also propose a recently developed pharmacodynamic model, based on the biological effects of CT and rG -CSF on bone marrow compartments that clearly indicates within the prophylactic rather than therapeutic setting the better way of rG-CSF administration.