Use of G-CSF to Sustain Dose Intensity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study

Background Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is frequently accompanied by neutropenia requiring dose reduction or treatment delay that can potentially compromise therapeutic effectiveness. Recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces the duration and severity of neutropenia. Methods Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer receiving adjuvant systemic chemotherapy met criteria for dose reduction or treatment delay due to neutropenia. All were treated with G-CSF. The mean duration of G-CSF therapy was five days. Results An increase in mean absolute neutrophil count was seen in cycles with G-CSF. Chemotherapy treatment was delayed less often following the use of G-CSF. Conclusions Breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy who face treatment delays or dose reductions can continue on full-dose intensity therapy using supportive G-CSF. Prospective trials are needed to accurately measure the impact of G-CSF on dose intensity and long-term disease control.