Optimal use of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor in patients with cancer who are at risk for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the risks for and occurrence of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients with cancer and its optimal prophylactic management with recombinant human granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).


METHODS
Original research, review articles, conference presentations, and published guidelines.


RESULTS
Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is a common serious adverse event, and the risks for it can be predicted on the basis of patient characteristics and the chemotherapy regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Optimal, cost-effective prophylactic management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia with G-CSF requires the assessment of patient factors and the myelotoxicity of the chemotherapy regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Neutropenia and its complications can be serious adverse events in patients who are treated with chemotherapy. Nurses should be familiar with how to identify patients who are at risk for neutropenia and its complications and should be prepared to discuss the need for first-cycle use of G-CSF with the other members of the treatment team as necessary.
Cappozzo
Carrie
C
New York Oncology Hematology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA. carrie.cappozzo@usoncology.com
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000069585:Filgrastim; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; C455861:pegfilgrastim; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D000069585:Filgrastim