Evaluation of primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for epithelial ovarian cancer

Purpose: Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF has been used to minimize myelosuppression caused by anticancer agents and to avoid severe neutropenia. The authors retrospectively examined the value of primary prophylaxis using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for epithelial ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001 to 2010, 105 patients with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy in the present hospital were divided into two groups: one received primary prophylaxis with G-CSF and the other did not receive it in compliance with the guidelines for G- CSF usage. The incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), degree of neutropenia, frequency of G-CSF administration, number of days of hospitalization, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: Neutrophils decreased almost equally and the length of hospitalization was not significantly lower between the groups. Five-year PFS or OS showed no significant difference either. Conclusions: Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF in chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer could be of low significance.

Epithelial ovarian cancer; Primary prophylaxis; Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; Febrile neutropenia.

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