Single Dose Of Pegfilgrastim Research Articles

Same day administration of pegfilgrastim with dose dense doxorubicin in early breast cancer patients

671 Background: Pegfilgrastim is indicated to decrease the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In licensing studies, patients received a single dose of pegfilgrastim on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle, which added an extra visit for day 2 administration. We administered pegfilgrastim to a series of early breast cancer patients on the same day of chemotherapy. We reviewed charts retrospectively to assess both efficacy and safety. Methods: Data on blood counts, toxicity and chemotherapy dosing was collected from July 1, 2003 to May 6, 2005 for all patients with early breast cancer who received sequential or combination doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel on a 14 day schedule. Herceptin was given with paclitaxel and/or cyclophosphamide in 2 patients. Results: 64 patients with a median age of 50 years (range 22–67 years) were treated. 14 patients had stage I disease, 39 stage II and 11 stage III disease. Forty-one patients were treated postoperatively and 23 preoperatively. 211 cycles of doxorubicin were administered. After administration of doxorubicin, pegfilgrastim 6 mg s.c. was given on the same day. The lowest absolute neutrophil count on day 14 after doxorubicin was 1693/mm3 with no episodes of febrile neutropenia. The highest absolute neutrophil count was 23,671/mm3. The only dose reductions were five doxorubicin doses for grade 1–2 mucositis. Grade 1–2 nausea and vomiting was the most common toxicity seen after doxorubicin. Grade 1 bone pain was the most common side effect seen after pegfilgrastim occurring in 13/64 patients. There was no grade 3 or 4 toxicity of any kind. Conclusion: Pegfilgrastim administered on the same day as doxorubicin on a 14 day schedule was both safe and effective. Side effects were mild and included bone pain most likely attributable to pegfilgrastim. Neither granulocytopenia nor febrile neutropenia were seen and no treatments were delayed or postponed. Pegfilgrastim given on the same day as chemotherapy was effective in maintaining adequate granulocyte counts to allow treatment 14 days later and to avoid infection from granulocytopenia. Toxicity from pegfilgrastim was mild and tolerable. [Table: see text]

Pegfilgrastim compared with Filgrastim after autologous hematopoietic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

In order to assess the effect of Pegfilgrastim on the duration of neutropenia and clinical outcome of patients after autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation, we compared 20 consecutive patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma receiving a single 6-mg dose of Pegfilgrastim on day 1 posttransplant to an historical control group of 60 patients receiving daily Filgrastim 5 microg/kg starting on day 1 posttransplant. The duration of neutropenia was similar in the Pegfilgrastim group compared with the control group. There were no differences in time to neutrophil, erythroid, or platelet engraftment nor in the incidence of fever and infections. The duration of antibiotic therapy, transfusion support, and time to hospital discharge were similar in the two groups. However, after initial hematopoietic reconstitution, we observed significantly higher values of lymphocytes (e.g., 1,660+/-1,000 versus 970+/-460 on day 80, p=0.0002), neutrophils (e.g., 3,880+/-2,030 versus 2,420+/-1,500 on day 25, p=0.0004), reticulocytes (e.g., 148,160+/-90,590 versus 87,140+/-65,920 on day 25, p<0.0001), and platelets (e.g., 210,700+/-116,090 versus 150,240+/-58,230 on day 55, p=0.0052) up to day 100 in the Pegfilgrastim group compared with the Filgrastim group. These observations had no impact on clinical outcome of the patients after day 30 due to the low incidence of infectious events after engraftment in autologous PBSC transplantation. We conclude that the effect of Pegfilgrastim administrated on day 1 posttransplant is comparable to that of daily Filgrastim on initial hematopoietic reconstitution. The possibly superior effect of Pegfilgrastim on cell counts we observed after initial engraftment should be further tested in a prospective randomized trial.

Pegfilgrastim effectively mobilizes PBSC in a poor mobilizer multiple myeloma patient

Studies performed on mice and healthy human volunteers have shown that a single dose of pegfilgrastim (Peg-GCSF) is effective in stimulating peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) mobilization. This prompted us to try the stimulation with pegfilgrastim in a patient previously non-mobilizing with a combination of chemotherapy and filgrastim. In December 2003, a 65-yr-old man was diagnosed as having stage III A IgG/k multiple myeloma. He received three courses of polichemotherapy (DC-IE) obtaining a stable response. Afterwards, the patient was treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide (CPM; 7 g/sqm) plus daily 10 mcg/kg filgrastim in order to mobilize PBSC, without success. After 2 months off therapy, the disease progressed and the patient received alternate cycles VAD (vincristine, dexamethasone, adriblastine)/high-dose dexamethasone. A second attempt to mobilize PBSC, using daily 10 mcg/kg filgrastim after the second and third VAD cycle, failed. In a further attempt to mobilize PBSC, we administered a single dose of 12 mg pegfilgrastim on day 5 after a fourth VAD course. Daily evaluation of circulatory CD34+ cells was started from day 8 after the end of chemotherapy. On day +10 postchemotherapy the CD34+ cell count was 24/microL and two aphaeresis were performed, harvesting 1.6 x 10(6) and 0.89 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg respectively (total 2.49 x 10(6) cells/kg). The only side effect was moderate skeletal pain. The patient underwent successful transplantation. The median times necessary to recover 0.5 x 10(9) PMN/L and 20 x 10(9) platelets/L after PBSC reinfusion were 9 and 12 d respectively. The patient did not need red blood cell or platelet transfusions. He experienced a sustained engraftment and maintains complete remission 9 months after the reinfusion. In conclusion, a single dose of pegfilgrastim was able to mobilize a sufficient number of CD34+ in a multiple myeloma patient not responsive to two previous attempts with high or standard dose chemotherapy followed by filgrastim. This approach, if confirmed on larger series and other diseases, could open new opportunities in stem cell mobilization for poor or non-mobilizers.

Pegfilgrastim administered in a single fixed dose is effective in inducing neutrophil count recovery after paclitaxel and topotecan chemotherapy in patients with relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pegfilgrastim is a pegylated form of a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with a long half-life allowing for a single administration per chemotherapy cycle. The efficacy of a single dose of pegfilgrastim in supporting severely myelosuppressive regimens in previously treated cancer patients is unknown. Patients included in the present study had recurrent or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), had received two to three prior treatment regimens, and had good performance status and marrow reserve. Patients received intravenous paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 on day 1 and topotecan 1 mg/m2 daily for 5 days, repeated every 21 days for at least two cycles. On day 6, patients were given a single fixed dose of pegfilgrastim (6 mg) subcutaneously. Twenty patients were evaluable for analysis. After the first course of therapy, grade 4 neutropenia developed in all 20 patients. The median time to the neutrophil nadir was 9 days. The mean ± SD duration of grade 4 neutropenia was 3.8 ± 1.7 days. Nineteen (95%) patients received cycle 2 on time, on day 22. Five patients developed neutropenic fever (25%), which was associated with infection in one patient. In these previously treated patients with NHL, a single dose of pegfilgrastim was effective in promoting neutrophil count recovery after paclitaxel and topotecan, and allowed patients to receive the next planned dose on time.

Good Efficacy of Single Dose PEG-Filgrastim in Enhancing the Mobilization of CD34+ Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) in Aggressive Lymphoma Patients Treated with Cisplatin-Containing Regimens.

Background. Pegfilgrastim is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated form of G-CSF in which filgrastim is bound covalently to a 20kDa PEG molecule; this formulation increases serum half-life of G-CSF due to decreased renal elimination. Following the subcutaneous injection of a 6 mg single dose of pegfilgrastim, serum levels of G-CSF are maintained over a period of 2 weeks. In patients with lymphoma, pegfilgrastim is as effective as filgrastim in shortening the time of neutropenia after cytotoxic chemotherapy; however, the ability of pegfilgrastim to mobilize stem cells after chemotherapy is poorly understood and the optimal mobilization strategy remains controversial.Aims. We evaluate the efficacy of a single fixed 6 mg dose of pegfilgrastim after salvage therapy with cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens in mobilizing peripheral blood stem cells in aggressive lymphoma patients. Moreover the possibility of a sufficient collection of CD34+ PBSC (cell dose > 2,5 x106/Kg) in a single procedure was tested.Methods. Between July 2004 and July 2005 twenty two pretreated patients with aggressive lymphoma (8 Hodgkin's lymphoma, 11 diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 3 anaplastic lymphoma) received salvage chemotherapy with cisplatin-based regimens: (R)-DHAP, dexametasone, cisplatin, cytarabine, or (R)-IPAD idarubicin, dexametasone, cisplatin, cytarabine, with or without Rituximab. A 6 mg single dose of pegfilgrastim was given from day +1 or +2 after chemotherapy completion. Duration of grade 4 neutropenia, adverse events, time to neutrophil and CD34+ cell recovery were recorded. Stem cell collection was started when the absolute number of CD34+ was not less than 20/μL. Leukapheresis was daily performed until the minimum target cell dose of 2.5 x 10 6 CD34+ cells /kg was reached.Results. Following the administration of either (R)-DHAP or (R)-IPAD regimens, 21/ 22 pts (95%) were able to harvest a median of 14,2 x 10 6/Kg CD34+ cell (range 2,4– 45,8), after a median of 9 days from stimulation (range 8–12). A single apheresis procedure was sufficient to obtain a median of 14,8 x 10 6/kg CD34+ cell (range 5,2–45,8) in 18/21 pts (86%) Grade 4 neutropenia was present in all pts with a median duration of 3 days (range 1–7). Pegfilgrastim determined mild bone pain as only adverse event. Seven patients underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation and all of them showed a rapid and sustained engraftment after high-dose chemotherapy.Conclusions. In aggressive lymphoma patients a single dose of pegfilgrastim following chemotherapy completion was safe and highly effective in enhancing the mobilization of CD34+ PBSC. Stem cell collection was performed in a single procedure in most of patients (86%) obtaining a stem cell harvest of a median of 14,8 x 106/Kg CD34+ cells. In 7 autologous bone marrow transplanted patients these results determined early engraftment and sustained hematological reconstitution.

Successful Engraftment of Autologous CD34+ Stem Cells after High-Dose Therapy and Fixed Dose (6 mg) Pegfilgrastim.

High-dose (HD) therapy plus Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) is a milestone treatment program for most hematologic malignancies. Daily subcutaneous injections of G-CSF (filgrastim/lenograstim) until ANC > 500/μl are routinely administered following ASCT, in order to accelerate hematopoietic recovery and reduce neutropenic complications. Pegfilgrastim has been shown to have similar efficacy when compared to G-CSF for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, but little is known about its use in the ASCT setting. We used a 6 mg fixed dose of Pegfilgrastim on day +4 following ASCT in 46 patients (22 M/24 F; median age 56 yrs; r 22-70 yrs) with multiple myeloma (25 pts) and relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (21 pts). Patients received peripheral CD34+ stem cells (median number 4.4 x 106/Kg; r 1.8 – 11.8) harvested after mobilizing chemotherapy (cytoxan, vinorelbine/cytoxan, R-IEV, IGEV, R-ICE) and G-CSF. Standard conditioning regimens (HD-Melphalan or BEAM) were used. Engraftment results were compared to those from a historical control group of 182 patients (median age 56 yrs; r 16-74 yrs) who had received HD-Melphalan or BEAM and ASCT (median CD34+ cells 7.6 x 106/Kg, r 1.8–4.6) supported by G-CSF (5 μg/kg/day from day +5 until ANC>500/μl). Median number of days to ANC>500/μl were comparable between the Pegfilgrastim (10, r 8-15) and G-CSF (11, r 7–22) groups, as well as the median number of days to PLT>20,000/μl (Pegfilgrastim = 12, r 9–20 vs G-CSF= 12, r 7–29). Overall infectious rates, including FUO and documented infections, were of 48% and 39% for Pegfilgrastim and G-CSF groups, respectively (p=NS). Median number of days on i.v. antibiotics were 0 (r 0–18) and 6 (r 0–13) for the Pegfilgrastim and G-CSF groups, respectively. No significant differences in the incidence of bone pain, intensity of transfusion support and length of hospital stay were documented between the two groups. These data indicate that a fixed (6 mg) single-dose of Pegfilgrastim is safe and effective to accelerate engraftment after ASCT. No significant differences with G-CSF were apparent as to engraftment times and overall infectious complications. Growth factor costs were however in favor of Pegfilgrastim (Euro 690 vs 892 for a median of 10.5 G-CSF doses).

Pegfilgrastim (6mg or 12mg) Mobilizes CD34+ Cells Similarly to Filgrastim (5mcg/kg/day) When Administered Following Chemotherapy in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Introduction: This phase 2, randomized, double-blind, dose-finding study assessed peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) yields using 2 pegfilgrastim doses plus chemotherapy (CT) in patients (pts) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma considered suitable for high-dose CT and autologous PBPC transplant.Methods: Pts were given standard mobilizing CT (ICE: etoposide 100mg/m2 days 1, 2, 3; carboplatin AUC 5 day 2; ifosfamide 5 g/m2 day 2) followed by single-dose pegfilgrastim (6 or 12mg) or daily filgrastim (5 mcg/kg). Leukapheresis began when the peripheral CD34+ count was ≥10/mcL and white blood cell count was ≥2.5x109/L and continued until a CD34+ yield of ≥5x106/kg was obtained or a maximum of 5 aphereses were performed. Daily filgrastim was discontinued after the last apheresis. Pts with sufficient PBPC yields (≥2x106/kg) then received high-dose CT (BEAM: BCNU 300mg/m2, etoposide 800mg/m2, cytarabine 1600mg/m2, melphalan 140mg/m2) followed by PBPC transplantation and subsequent filgrastim until absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) recovered. Successful engraftment post-transplant was defined as 2 consecutive ANCs >0.5x109/L and platelet counts of >20x109/L independent of transfusions. Pts who did not have a collection were assigned a CD34+ yield of 0. Non-parametric descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were generated.Results: A total of 92 pts were randomized, and 90 received study medication (29 pegfilgrastim 6mg or 12mg, 32 filgrastim). Baseline demographics and medical characteristics were balanced across groups. A similar number of pts per group had at least one leukapheresis (21 pegfilgrastim 6mg; 20 pegfilgrastim 12mg; 25 filgrastim). The median (range) for mean harvest per leukapheresis was 1.18x106 CD34+ cells/kg (0.0 to 11.4) for pegfilgrastim 6mg, 1.44 x106 (0.00 to 9.45) for pegfilgrastim 12mg,and 1.59x106 (0.00, 10.37) for filgrastim. Twenty (69%) pegfilgrastim 6mg, 17 (59%) pegfilgrastim 12mg, and 23 (72%) filgrastim pts had a harvest of ≥2x106 CD34+ cells/kg. Seventeen (85%) pegfilgrastim 6mg, 16 (94%) pegfilgrastim 12mg, and 18 (78%) filgrastim pts who achieved a yield of ≥2x106 CD34+ cells/kg reached this target yield in 1–2 leukaphereses. Median (range) number of days of filgrastim use in the collection phase was 12 (8 to 25). All pts who received a transplant on-study successfully engrafted except for 1 pt (pegfilgrastim 6mg) who died 4 days post-transplant. Median (95% CI) time to ANC recovery of at least 0.5x109/L was 12 (10,13), 11 (10,13), and 11 (10,12) days for the pegfilgrastim 6mg, pegfilgrastim 12 mg, and filgrastim groups, respectively. Time to platelet recovery of at least 20x109/L was 11 days for all groups. Safety profiles were similar for each group, and both treatments were well tolerated.Conclusions: This study suggests pegfilgrastim is similar to filgrastim in the setting of CT mobilization. Pegfilgrastim 6mg appears as effective as pegfilgrastim 12mg with respect to PBPC mobilization, collection, and engraftment. Further study with pegfilgrastim 6mg compared with filgrastim 5mcg/kg in this setting is warranted.

Transplantation of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Mobilized by Chemotherapy and Single Dose Pegylated G-CSF in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Equivalence of 6 mg and 12 mg Pegfilgrastim.

To date the most effective treatment for patients (pts) with multiple myeloma consists of conventional induction chemotherapy followed by either single or tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous blood stem cell transplantation. Collection of sufficient numbers of hematopoietic stem cells is essential for high-dose chemotherapy. Current regimens for stem cell mobilization are based on daily subcutaneous injections of human recombinant G-CSF starting shortly after cytotoxic therapy. Here we examined the use of polyethyenglycole (PEG)-conjugated G-CSF (pegfilgrastim) at two different doses in patients with stage II or III multiple myeloma. Patients received induction therapy with 2–4 cycles ID or VAD. Following cytotoxic therapy with cyclophosphamide (4g/m2) we administered either a single dose of 6 mg pegfilgrastim (n=10 pts; median age: 55 years), 12 mg pegfilgrastim (n=12 pts; median age: 51 years) or daily doses of 8,5 μg/kg unconjugated G-CSF (filgrastim) (n=12 pts; median age: 51 years). The growth factor was given on day 4 (range 2–5 days) in the “6 mg pegfilgrastim group”, on day 5 (range 2–7 days) in the “12 mg pegfilgrastim group” and on day 4 (range 3–6 days) in the “filgrastim group” after cyclophosphamide. Numbers of CD34+ cells were determined during leukocyte recovery and harvested by large volume apheresis using a cobe spectra blood cell separator.Pegfilgratim was associated with an earlier leukocyte recovery both at the 6mg dose (median 12 days, range 8–16 days) and the 12mg dose (median 12 days, range 7–16 days) as compared to filgrastim (median 14 days, range 11–15 days, p=0.04). Similarily, the peripheral blood CD34+ cell peak occurred earlier in patients who received pegfilgrastim (median 12 days, range 11–18 days versus median 15 days, range 12–18). On the other hand the peripheral blood CD 34+ peak did not differ significantly between the three groups (median 129/μl with 6 mg pegfilgrastim, range 30–433, median 78/μl with 12 mg pegfilgrastim, range 20– 1055 and median 111/μl with filgrastim, range 28–760, p=0.95). With a median of 1.0x10E7 CD34+ cells per kg (range 5.8x10E6-1.9x10E7) in the “6 mg pegfilgrastim group”, 7.4x10E6 CD34+ cells per kg (median, range 4.9x10E6- 3.8x10E7) in the “12 mg pegfilgrastim group” and 10.8x10E6 CD34+ cells per kg (median, range 5.0x10E6-8.7x10E7) in the “filgrastim group” there were no significant differences in the total number of harvested CD34+ cells. Following high-dose therapy with melphalan (200 mg/m2) and autografting leukocyte and platelet reconstitution was similar within all groups. In summary, a single dose of pegfilgrastim after high dose cyclophosphamide is capable of mobilizing a sufficient number of CD 34+ cells for succesful autografting and sustained hematological reconstitution in patients with multiple myeloma. No difference could be observed between 6 mg and 12 mg of pegfilgrastim. Our data provide the basis for randomized studies evaluating the optimal dose and timing of pegfilgrastim as well as long-term outcome in larger cohorts of patients.

Single-Dose Pegfilgrastim after Chemotherapy Is Highly Effective in Enhancing the Mobilization of Autologous CD34+ Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in Patients with Lymphoid Malignancies and Solid Tumors.

The administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy followed by daily injections of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the common procedure to mobilize autologous CD34+ peripheral blood stem cells (PBPC). Pegfilgrastim (NeulastaTM, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, USA) is a covalent conjugate of filgrastim and polyethylene glycol with an increased elimination half-life due to decreased serum clearance. Whereas a single injection of pegfilgrastim (PEGFIL) has been shown to be equivalent to daily filgrastim in enhancing neutrophil recovery after chemotherapy, the experiences with PEGFIL in mobilization of PBPC are limited.We report 40 pts (22 male, 18 female, median age 53 years) who had a PBPC mobilization treatment for Hodgkin′s lymphoma (n=3), non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma (n=13), multiple myeloma (n=16), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n=3) or solid tumors (n=5). The mobilization regimen consisted of disease specific chemotherapy and a single subcutaneous injection of 6 mg PEGFIL administered 48 hours after the end of cytotoxic treatment (day 0). CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood (PB-CD34) were measured if white blood cells (WBC) exceeded 1.0 Gpt/L after nadir. PBPC collections started at a PB-CD34 cell count >10/μl and were performed as large-volume apheresis (4x blood volume) using a Cobe Spectra (Gambro BCT Inc.). Additional conventional filgrastim (FIL) was given at a dose of 2x5μg/kg if PB-CD34 count was found to be <10/μl. Blood samples for pharmacokinetics were taken in 9 pts.The median start of aphereses was on day +9 after the administration of PEGFIL and on day +15 after start of chemotherapy regimen, respectively. Median PB-CD34 peak was 74/μl (range 9–565/μl). The median PBPC yield was 7.6 x 10^6 CD34+ cells/kg (range 1.5–88.1). The target cell dose to be collected (≥ 2.5 x 10^6 CD34+ cells/kg) was achieved in 36 (90 %) pts, in 29 pts (72.5 %) ≥ 4.0 x 10^6 CD34+ cells/kg could be obtained with a single collection. Additional FIL administrations were necessary in 7 patients (17.5 %) for 2 to 6 days. All of them were heavily pretreated including a previous autologous transplant in two of these patients. PEGFIL was well tolerated except for moderate bone pain which occurred in all patients.The mean values (± SD) for peak plasma concentration of PEGFIL (cmax), time to reach the maximum plasma level (tmax) and elimination half-life (t1/2) were 154 (± 83) ng/ml, 56 (±21) hours and 23 (± 9) hours, respectively.We conclude that a single dose of 6 mg PEGFIL after chemotherapy is safe and highly effective in enhancing the mobilization of CD34+ PBPC for stem cell collection. Further investigations are warranted, including comparison with non-pegylated G-CSFs and in combination with antiadhesive agents.

Successful transplantation of peripheral blood stem cells mobilized by chemotherapy and a single dose of pegylated G-CSF in patients with multiple myeloma

Following induction therapy and 4 g/m(2) cyclophosphamide, a single dose of 12 mg polyethyleneglycol-conjugated G-CSF (pegfilgrastim; n=12) or daily doses of unconjugated G-CSF (8.5 mug/kg/day) (n=12) were administered to myeloma patients. Pegfilgrastim was associated with an earlier leukocyte recovery (12 vs 14 days) and peripheral blood CD34+ cell peak (12 vs 15 days). The peripheral blood CD34+ cell peak was lower in the pegfilgrastim group (78 vs 111/mul). Following high-dose melphalan (200 mg/m(2)) and autografting, leukocyte and platelet reconstitution was similar in both groups and stable blood counts were observed 100 days post transplant. In summary, a single dose of pegfilgrastim after chemotherapy is capable of mobilizing a sufficient number of CD34+ cells for successful autografting with early engraftment and sustained hematological reconstitution in patients with myeloma. These data provide the basis for randomized studies evaluating the optimal dose and time of pegfilgrastim as well as long-term outcome in larger cohorts of patients.

Comparison of pegfilgrastim vs. lenograstim in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

6669 Background: Two phase III trials in breast cancer patients treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy showed that a single dose of pegfilgrastim provides neutrophil support comparable with tha...

Comparison of pegfilgrastim vs. lenograstim in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

6669 Background: Two phase III trials in breast cancer patients treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy showed that a single dose of pegfilgrastim provides neutrophil support comparable with that provided by an average of 11 daily injections of filgrastim. In acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) data are sparse regarding the recovery of neutrophil counts (NC) after therapy with G-CSF in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. We compared the effects of pegfilgrastim vs. lenograstim by these patients (pts). Methods: Retrospective analysis of unselected pts with AML, 18–75 yrs of age, ECOG ≤ 2, excluding pregnancy received at least one cycle of chemotherapy. On day 1 after chemotherapy treatment either pegfilgrastim 6 mg/once per cycle or lenograstim 5 micg/kg b.w. was administered. Primary objective was the time to recovery (TTR) of NC ≥ 1.0 G/L in each treatment group after injection of G-CSF if NC nadired < 1.0 G/L temporarily. Secondary objectives were the rate of transfusion of packed red blood (PRB) and pooled platelets (PLT). Results: 29 pts, 11 m + 18 f, aged median 61.4 yrs (range: 27–75) received 47 cycles. In 5 pts (3 pts in the pegfilgrastim and 2 pts in the lenograstim group) treatment failed to elevate NC ≥ 1.0 G/L. There was a difference in the TTR of NC between pegfilgrastim 11.1 ± 6.2 days (range: 6–28) and lenograstim 13.3 ± 3.6 days (range: 6–22). Detailed characteristics are summarized in table 1. Conclusions: Both G-CSF showed adequate recovery of NC with a faster increase in those patients where pegfilgrastim was administered. Less frequently blood products were transfused in the pegfilgrastim group. According to the whole-sale pharmacy prices in Germany, G-CSF treatment per cycle for a median of 13 vials of lenograstim was about € 2,321/US $ 2,785 (range: € 1,071–3,928/US $ 1,285–4,714) compared with 1 syringe of pegfilgrastim € 1,762/US $ 2,114. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Neulasta (pegfilgrastim): a once-per-cycle option for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Neutropenia is a significant hematologic complication induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy. The clinical consequences of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia are often severe and can be potentially life-threatening. Patients who develop febrile neutropenia often need to be hospitalized, reducing their quality of life and increasing costs. Neutropenia can also compromise the ability to deliver chemotherapy at the full dose and on schedule. To help prevent the occurrence of neutropenia, patients with a high risk of developing chemotherapy-related infections may be given prophylactic colony-stimulating factors. Filgrastim is a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor that has been widely used (in over 3 million patients) for over 12 years in the management of neutropenia. Pegfilgrastim is an approved, long-acting, next generation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor that has similar clinical benefits to filgrastim but has novel pharmacokinetic properties. Pegfilgrastim shows at least comparable safety and efficacy to filgrastim, with the added benefit of simplified once-per-chemotherapy-cycle dosing. In addition, two randomized, controlled pivotal trials have shown that a single dose of pegfilgrastim given once per cycle led to a lower observed incidence of febrile neutropenia following myelosuppressive chemotherapy, compared with daily injections of filgrastim. Clinical trials are currently expanding the clinical experience with pegfilgrastim in a variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In addition to prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in 21- and 28-day regimens, future studies are examining the suitability of pegfilgrastim in dose-dense therapy and other cancer settings.

Pegfilgrastim, a sustained-duration form of filgrastim, significantly improves neutrophil recovery after autologous marrow transplantation in rhesus macaques.

Daily administration of filgrastim decreases the duration of severe neutropenia in the clinical setting. A sustained-duration form of filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, significantly reduces scheduling protocols to a single injection per chemotherapy cycle while maintaining therapeutic efficiency. We examined the ability of a single injection of pegfilgrastim to significantly improve neutrophil recovery following autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) in rhesus macaques. On day 1, postmyeloablation (920 cGy x-irradiation) and AuBMT, animals received either 0.1% autologous serum for 18 consecutive days (n=13), or single doses of pegfilgrastim via the subcutaneous (s.c.) or intravenous (i.v.) route (300 or 100 micro g/kg), or a single dose of filgrastim at 300 micro g/kg via the s.c. or i.v. route, or filgrastim at 10 micro g/kg via the s.c. route (n=4) on a daily basis (range=days 12-17). Pharmacokinetic parameters and neutrophil recovery were assessed. A single dose of pegfilgrastim via the i.v. or s.c. route was as effective as daily filgrastim administration, resulting in significant improvement of neutrophil recovery after myeloablation and ABuMT. Effective pegfilgrastim plasma concentrations were maintained in neutropenic animals until after the onset of hematopoietic recovery. Enhanced pharmacokinetics in AuBMT cohorts are consistent with self-regulating, neutrophil-mediated clearance.

Once-per-cycle pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Filgrastim (r-metHuG-CSF) was approved in the United States in 1991 for use in decreasing the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Colony-stimulating factors such as filgrastim are a significant advance in the supportive care of patients with cancer. However, because of its short half-life, filgrastim requires daily dosing by injection to maintain its effects on the bone marrow. Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta; Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA) is a longer-acting, self-regulating form of filgrastim created by the covalent linkage of a 20-kd polyethylene glycol molecule to the N-terminal of the filgrastim molecule. The molecular characteristics of pegfilgrastim result in a longer terminal half-life, making once-per-chemotherapy-cycle administration possible. The results from two randomized double-blind phase III clinical trials in patients with breast cancer treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy showed that a single dose of pegfilgrastim provides neutrophil support comparable with that provided by an average of 11 daily injections of filgrastim. Pegfilgrastim has also been shown to be comparable to filgrastim in reducing neutropenic complications in patients treated with chemotherapy for lymphoma. Data from three clinical trials have been presented: a randomized controlled trial in elderly patients treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone) for relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; a randomized controlled trial in patients treated with ESHAP (etoposide/methylprednisolone/cisplatin/cytarabine) for relapsed or refractory lymphoma; and a study in patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The safety profile of pegfilgrastim is comparable to that of filgrastim in the clinical settings studied to date. The once-per-cycle administration of pegfilgrastim may improve patient quality of life because it is less disruptive to patients and caregivers, and increase adherence because no doses are missed, thus further advancing the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and its consequences.

Single-dose pegfilgrastim is as effective as daily filgrastim for the management of neutropenia in patients receiving chemotherapy

Single-dose pegfilgrastim is as effective as daily filgrastim for the management of neutropenia in patients receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Abstract

Pegfilgrastim

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has proven efficacy in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy induced neutropenia and is associated with a reduction in the duration of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotic use. It is an effective mobiliser of peripheral blood progenitor cells and is used in many countries to mobilise and provide a source of stem cells for autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The longevity of G-CSF action is limited by its short half-life, necessitating daily injections. Pegfilgrastim (NeulastaTM, Amgen, Inc.) is a novel form of filgrastim (G-CSF) with a sustained duration of action. Single dose pegfilgrastim has been shown to be as safe and effective as daily filgrastim in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Pegfilgrastim provides clinical and quality of life benefits for patients as a result of its once per cycle administration. It is licenced in the US for use in the prophylaxis and treatment of chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Clinical trials to evaluate its ability to mobilise peripheral blood progenitor cells are ongoing.

Pegfilgrastim

Pegfilgrastim is a covalent conjugant of filgrastim (a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol. It is administered as a single dose per myelosuppressive chemotherapy cycle to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifest by febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid cancer. Pegfilgrastim increases the terminal elimination half-life and decreases the apparent serum clearance of the drug in patients with nonmyeloid cancer. Serum concentrations of pegfilgrastim remain elevated during neutropenia but decline when the neutrophil count increases. In phase III trials in patients with breast cancer and in a phase II trial in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease, the mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia and the time to absolute neutrophil recovery during cycle 1 of chemotherapy was similar in recipients of single-dose pegfilgrastim or daily filgrastim. In the larger of two phase III trials in patients with breast cancer, the incidence of febrile neutropenia over four cycles of chemotherapy was significantly lower in recipients of single-dose pegfilgrastim than that in recipients of daily injections of filgrastim. Moreover, the mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia in cycles 2 to 4 of chemotherapy was significantly lower in recipients of pegfilgrastim than that in recipients of daily filgrastim. In comparative trials, there were no differences in the incidence and severity of adverse events, including skeletal pain, between single-dose pegfilgrastim and daily filgrastim in patients with nonmyeloid cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.