Borinstein, S.C., Pollard, J., Winter, L., & Hawkins, D.S. (2009). Pegfilgrastim for prevention of chemotherapy-associated neutropenia in pediatric patients with solid tumors. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, 53, 375–378.
To provide information about organizational experience with use of pegfilgrastim following dose intensive chemotherapy for solid tumors in pediatric patients with cancer.
Medical records of patients receiving myelosuppressive therapy supported with pegfilgrastim were reviewed (cases from 2007–2008). By protocol, pegfilgrastim was given in the outpatient clinic by subcutaneous injection at 0.1 mg/kg to a maximum does of 6 mg 24–48 hours after completion of chemotherapy. Complete blood counts (CBCs) were routinely monitored every 7–10 days during therapy cycles, then every 2–5 days until neutrophil recovery. Analysis was limited to the first four courses of chemotherapy.
Retrospective descriptive
There were no significant adverse effects observed with pegfilgrastim. Leukocytosis was observed in 73% of patients, with no adverse sequelae. Severe neutropenia occurred in 57% of chemotherapy courses, and febrile neutropenia was seen in 28% of courses. Course delay occurred in 9% of courses, with a mean duration of two days of delay.
This report provides evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of pegfilgrastim among a pediatric cancer population.
Findings suggest that pegfilgrastim is effective and can be safety given to pediatric patients.