Colony-stimulating factors for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
Current treatment for febrile neutropenia (FN) includes hospitalization for evaluation, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics, and other supportive care. Clinical trials have reported conflicting results when studying whether the colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) improve outcomes in patients with FN. This Cochrane Collaboration review was undertaken to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CSFs in patients with FN.


METHODS
An exhaustive literature search was undertaken including major electronic databases (CANCERLIT, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, SCI, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register). All randomized controlled trials that compare CSFs plus antibiotics versus antibiotics alone for the treatment of established FN in adults and children were sought. A meta-analysis of the selected studies was performed.


RESULTS
More than 8,000 references were screened, with 13 studies meeting eligibility criteria for inclusion. The overall mortality was not influenced significantly by the use of CSF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.08; P = .1). A marginally significant result was obtained for the use of CSF in reducing infection-related mortality (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.00; P = .05). Patients treated with CSFs had a shorter length of hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.82; P = .0006) and a shorter time to neutrophil recovery (HR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.46; P < .00001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the CSFs in patients with established FN caused by cancer chemotherapy reduces the amount of time spent in hospital and the neutrophil recovery period. The possible influence of the CSFs on infection-related mortality requires further investigation.
Clark
Otavio A C
OA
Hospital Celso Pierro/PUC-Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Lyman
Gary H
GH
Castro
Aldemar A
AA
Clark
Luciana G O
LG
Djulbegovic
Benjamin
B
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors