Myeloid Growth Factor Therapy for Prophylaxis of Febrile Neutropenia in Non-Myeloid Malignancies: Appropriate Doses and Schedules

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Betsy L. AlthausFrom the UCSF National Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California.

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Myeloid growth factors (MGFs) are used for the prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia and maintenance of scheduled dose delivery in the treatment of patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. To spare cost and for patient convenience, in adults MGFs are used at schedules, doses, and durations that differ from the approved prescribing information of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These variations include rounding doses to convenient sizes, fewer days of treatment, a shorter interval between cycles, and same-day administration with chemotherapy. Some of these variations are supported by clinical trial results and practice guidelines.

Correspondence: Betsy L. Althaus, PharmD, BCOP, UCSF National Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero Street, #1712, San Francisco, CA 94115. E-mail: betsy.althaus@ucsfmedctr.org
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