Glycoproteins that bind to specific cell surface receptors and stimulate proliferation, differentiation and some degree of end-cell functional activation.
Myeloid growth factors reduce the incidence and risks of neutropenia in some patients treated with chemotherapy.
Growth factors are recommended for patients at increased risk of febrile neutropenia.
Generally benefits from prophylactic administration demonstrated only after administration of intensive chemotherapy.
Guidelines suggest use as primary prophylaxis when incidence of chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia is greater than 20-40%.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage colon stimulating factor (GM-CSF) utilized after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation result in faster neutrophil recovery.