DGI-076 Use of Colony Stimulating Factors (CSF-G) in Febrile Neutropenia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Chemotherapy. (12th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cascone, V; Caruso, F; Sammatrice, D; Rizza, G
• Is Part Of: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Volume 20(2013)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A124
• Page End: A124
• Publication Date: 2013-03-12
• Subjects: Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Hospital pharmacies -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2013-000276.342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-9956

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The hematopoietic growth factors are a fundamental tool for medical oncologists in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced cytopenia. The proper use of these therapeutic aids plays an important role in terms of reduction of morbidity, mortality and costs. Purpose: To evaluate whether clinical practise follows national guidelines on colony stimulating factors (CSF-G) in the management of hematopoietic toxicity in oncology (AIOM 2010); to investigate the incidence of certain parameters involved in the overall assessment of the risk factors for febrile neutropenia (FN). Materials and Methods: In the first half of 2012, we analysed the CSF-G requirements in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. We selected patients treated with cancer chemotherapy, older than 60 years with a risk factor of FN > 20%, calculated on factors related to the chemotherapy regimen, patient age and type of tumour. Results: We identified 57 patients treated with chemotherapy and CSF-G. Of these, 27 were treated with lenograstim, 24 with pegfilgrastim and 6 with filgrastim. Evaluating the appropriateness of prescribing, according to the parameters identified, showed that only in 12 patients undergoing chemotherapy was a risk factor of FN greater than 20% observed; of these, 4 were treated with pegfilgrastim, 3 with lenograstim and 5 were not treated (3 of which were older than 65 years). We observed that most patients were treated for ovarian, breast or lung cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, whereas only a small percentage were treated for other cancers such as endometrial, colon, bladder, thymus or biliary tract cancer. Conclusions: The comparison between clinical practise and the AIOM guidelines showed that the use of CSF-G is higher than the level required by the guidelines, when referring exclusively to the 3 major risk factors considered. Therefore, the use of CSF-G in chemotherapy regimens with a low score for febrile neutropenia seems very influenced by additional factors related to the treatment, the patient and the disease. No conflict of interest.