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Pegfilgrastim for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenic complications, with dosing once per chemotherapy cycle

Publication ,  Journal Article
Crawford, J
Published in: Today's Therapeutic Trends
December 1, 2002

In the past 10 years, colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) such as filgrastim have been used successfully to reduce the clinical impact of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The recent availability of pegfilgrastim (Neulasta™), a next-generation pegylated filgrastim molecule with a sustained duration of action, is a significant advance in the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. In contrast to repeated daily injections of filgrastim, pegfilgrastim is given only once per chemotherapy cycle in a single 6-mg fixed dose. Clinical data from two randomized trials demonstrated the equivalence of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim in reducing the duration of severe neutropenia following myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In addition, a retrospective analysis of both trials suggested an improved (approximately 50% greater) reduction in the overall incidence of febrile neutropenia with pegfilgrastim compared to filgrastim. A review of recent data on the cellular effects of CSFs provides insight into the possible mechanisms by which pegfilgrastim might produce this enhanced clinical benefit. The availability of pegfilgrastim, along with a greater understanding of the risk factors for neutropenic complications and their economic and quality-of-life consequences, offers simplified and possibly more cost-effective management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Today's Therapeutic Trends

ISSN

0741-2320

Publication Date

December 1, 2002

Volume

20

Issue

4

Start / End Page

393 / 418

Related Subject Headings

  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM

Published In

Today's Therapeutic Trends

ISSN

0741-2320

Publication Date

December 1, 2002

Volume

20

Issue

4

Start / End Page

393 / 418

Related Subject Headings

  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy