Prophylaxis of infectious complications with colony-stimulating factors in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy—evidence-based guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Working Party AGIHO of the German Society for Haematology and Medical ...

We found convincing evidence from numerous randomised controlled trials that G-CSF, biosimilar G-CSF and pegfilgrastim reduce the risk to develop febrile neutropenia and infections. As a rule of thumb, it seems the relative benefit is highest for patients with an intermediate risk of infections. Compared to other guidelines, we rated the evidence for growth factors during AML induction chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim use in haematological malignancies lower.Background Current evidence on myelopoietic growth factors is difficult to overview for the practicing haematologist/oncologist. International guidelines are sometimes conflicting, exclude certain patient groups, or cannot directly be applied to the German health system. This guideline by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) gives evidence-based recommendations for the use of G-CSF, pegylated G-CSF, and biosimilars to prevent infectious complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, including those with haematological malignancies. Methods We systematically searched and evaluated current evidence. An expert panel discussed the results and recommendations. We then compared our recommendations to current international guidelines. Results We summarised the data from eligible studies in evidence tables, developed recommendations for different entities and risk groups. Conclusion Comprehensive literature search and expert panel consensus confirmed many key recommendations given by international guidelines. Evidence for growth factors during acute myeloid leukaemia induction chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim use in haematological malignancies was rated lower compared with other guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]