Effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration time on pain

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of administration time of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the level of pain related to G-CSF. METHODS: This study was carried out with 48 cancer patients divided into A and B groups. In the first stage of the study, the groups A and B were planned to be administered with G-CSF at 10: 00 and 14: 00, respectively. In the second stage, patients in groups A and B were asked to self-administer filgrastim at 14: 00 and 10: 00, respectively. Patients were also asked to assess their pain level after G-CSF administration for a total of 4 times. RESULTS: According to the findings, the incidence of pain related to G-CSF was 91.7 %. The pain score after G-CSF being administered at 10: 00 was significantly higher compared to administration at 14: 00 in both groups (group A after 4, 8, and 12 hours: p < 0.05; group B after 4 and 8 hours: p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have demonstrated that the pain score related to G-CSF administration at 14:00 p.m. was significantly reduced. Thus, in order to minimize the pain, it will be more beneficial to administer G-CSF at 14: 00.