Researchers developed additional guidance for using granulocyte colony-stimulating factors to optimize pegfilgrastim use in clinical practices for patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia.
Additional trials of targeted therapies, including the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF), are needed to optimize pegfilgrastim use in clinical practices, according to a new study.
Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN), a side effect of cancer treatment, can potentially result in fatal consequences. Guidelines currently exist that recommend the use of G-CSF for preventing FN; however, the guidance does not extend to short- and long-acting G-CSF. A paper published in Supportive Cancer Care develops additional guidance recommendations following a literature review, survey, evaluation of current practice, and a meeting of experts.
“In November 2015, a group of experts in the management of chemotherapy-induced FN, with experience in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, convened to develop a consensus document to direct the appropriate use of pegfilgrastim in clinical practice,” the authors explained. “The aim was to establish clear guidance recommendations on the appropriate use of pegfilgrastim for prevention of chemotherapy-induced FN, considering different situations and patient populations encountered in clinical practice.”
The main statements and recommendations of the experts included:
The authors did note that the recommendations should be used as a guide along with current guidelines and are not absolute recommendations.
“The expert panel suggests that the guidance statements in this publication should be used in parallel with existing guidelines to optimize the appropriate use of G-CSF and of pegfilgrastim in cancer patients in clinical practice,” the authors concluded.
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