A European perspective on haematopoietic growth factors in haemato-oncology: Report of an expert meeting of the EORTC

A prospective randomised evaluation of G-CSF or G-CSF plus oral antibiotics in chemotherapy-treated patients at high risk of developing febrile neutropenia

“…Human G-CSF promotes the proliferation, differentiation and maturation of neutrophils both in vivo and in vitro. It also enhances the functional properties of mature cells by increasing phagocytic activity, anti-microbial-killing and antibody-dependant cell-mediated cytotoxicity [7,11]. Trials conducted in Europe and the United States have demonstrated the ability of filgrastim, in primary prevention, to reduce the risk of febrile neutropenia after systemic chemotherapy.…”

Prolonged administration of erythropoietin increases erythroid response rate in myelodysplastic syndromes: a phase II trial in 281 patients

“…Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) is a potent stimulator of normal erythropoiesis and may also improve anaemia in some MDS patients. Several studies indicate that erythroid response is observed in approximately 10% to 30% of patients, mainly in those who have the refractory anaemia (RA) subtype of MDS, who are not transfusion dependent and who have low endogenous erythropoietin levels (Hellstrom‐Lindberg, 1995; Rose et al , 1995; Croockewit et al , 1997; Italian Cooperative Study Group for rHuEpo in Myelodysplastic Syndromes, 1998; Seipelt et al , 2000). The suggested dose of rHuEpo in most studies was 150 U/kg three times weekly for 4–8 weeks; the dose was doubled to 300 U/kg if no erythroid response had occurred and the total administration period ranged between 12 and 18 weeks.…”