Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Growth factors, particularly hematopoietic growth factors such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; e.g., filgrastim, pegfilgrastim) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), are widely used to support patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often suppresses bone marrow function, leading to neutropenia (a dangerous drop in white blood cells), which increases the risk of infection and can necessitate dose reductions or delays in cancer treatment. The use of growth factors has been extensively studied in randomized controlled trials and is endorsed by leading oncology guidelines (such as ASCO and NCCN) to reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of neutropenia.

Scientific evidence shows that administering G-CSF or GM-CSF after chemotherapy accelerates neutrophil recovery, decreases the risk of febrile neutropenia, reduces infection-related hospitalizations, and allows patients to maintain planned chemotherapy dose intensity. These benefits are most pronounced in patients receiving chemotherapy regimens with a high risk of neutropenia. Adverse effects are generally mild, with bone pain being the most common. Their use is not based on tradition but on robust clinical trial evidence and meta-analyses. Thus, the use of growth factors to reduce chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and its complications is scientifically validated and represents a key supportive care strategy in modern oncology.

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