Evidence-based use of hematopoietic growth factors for optimal supportive care of patients with cancer

Abstract

Hematopoiesis, the production and maintenance of blood elements, is critical to life. Many of the complications of cancer and anticancer therapies can be clinically damaging to patients as a result of adverse effects on normal hematopoietic mechanisms. Since the early 1990s, it has been possible for physicians to intervene with genetically engineered biotherapies, such as hematopoietic growth factors to mitigate the hematopoietic dysfunction of cancer patients. In this chapter, the evidence is examined upon which physicians and other caregivers may base rational clinical decision making to provide patients with optimal supportive care to improve the hematopoietic problems associated with cancer. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.