Colony-stimulating factors in the management of neutropenia and its complications

Ann Hematol. 2005 Oct;84(11):697-708. doi: 10.1007/s00277-005-1087-4. Epub 2005 Jul 27.

Abstract

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage CSF are potent drugs used to increase neutrophil counts after myelosuppressive chemotherapy. However, in various indications, the use of CSFs has no clinical benefit with regard to morbidity or mortality from infectious complications, frequency of antibiotic use, or rate of hospitalization. Thus, the application of CSFs should be limited to indications with proven clinical benefits or evidence of cost-effectiveness. This review will provide an overview of the state-of-the-art use of CSFs in chemotherapy-associated neutropenia, transplantation, and bone marrow failure syndromes. In addition, recently developed drugs for accelerated hematopoietic recovery will be presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Colony-Stimulating Factors / adverse effects*
  • Colony-Stimulating Factors / economics
  • Colony-Stimulating Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Humans
  • Motor Neuron Disease / drug therapy
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neutropenia / drug therapy*
  • Neutropenia / etiology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Colony-Stimulating Factors