Comparison of the Effects of Different Schedules of rG-CSF Administration after Chemotherapy in Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract

rG-CSF is administered with antineoplastic drugs in patients with lung cancer in order to increase the level of white blood cell (WBC) counts or shorten the duration of leukocytopenia. However, it has not been determined when it is best to commence to administer rG-CSF. In this study, we investigated WBC counts at the nadir and the duration of leukocytopenia in three different chemotherapy regimens among four groups classified by commencement of rG-CSF administration, namely, Group A : without rG-CSF, Group B : commencement from the day when WBC counts decreased below 2000/ mm3, Group C : commencement from day 2, Group D : commencement from day 5. In group D, WBC counts at the nadir were significantly increased compared with group A and were maintained above 2000/mm3 in all cases. In groups B and C, the duration of leukocytopenia was shortened compared with group A in the patients given the same chemotherapy regimens. Our results support recommending starting rG-CSF administration from day 5 in these chemotherapy regimens to increase WBC counts at the nadir and shorten the duration of leukocytopenia. © 1993, The Japan Lung Cancer Society. All rights reserved.