Subcutaneous (SC) vs. Intravenous (IV) Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factors (G-CSF) for the Treatment of Neutropenia in Hospitalized Haemato-oncological Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs) stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells, improve cell survival and affect some end-cell functions, through binding to G-CSF receptors present on all cells of the neutrophilic granulocyte lineage. Filgrastim (recombinant G-CSF) is frequently used among patients with cancer including those with haematological malignancies. In-vivo studies and studies in healthy people show that SC administration of CSF results in lower peak but more prolonged and stable levels of G-CSF as compared with Intravenous (IV) administration, with similar or higher neutrophil counts. It is safe to assume that IV administration of G-CSFs would be more comfortable to patients when hospitalized, especially during or after chemotherapy when most patients have a central catheter and are thrombocytopenic. However, it is necessary to ensure that the same effects are obtained with both methods of administration.

Objectives: To compare the time to neutropenia resolution with Intravenous (IV) versus Subcutaneous (SC) filgrastim administration among patients with acute leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma in hospital. Secondarily, the investigators aim to assess comparative rates of infection, adverse effects and patients' satisfaction.

Methods: The investigators plan a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of IV versus SC filgrastim (Neupogen®) given as per clinical indication on neutrophil counts in hospitalized patients. The investigators will include patients hospitalized in haemato-oncology ward starting filgrastim for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The investigators will compare SC vs. IV filgrastim, both given as a single daily dose of 5 mcg/kg (rounded to 300 mcg or 480 mcg). No blinding will be used. Patients will be approached to obtain informed consent and randomized to the mode of filgrastim administration after the decision to administer the drug has been made. Patients will be crossed over to the alternative study arm on the subsequent chemotherapy course, if filgrastim is clinically indicated.

Outcomes:

Primary efficacy: Time to stable neutrophil recovery, defined as the number of days from start of filgrastim (day 1) until the neutrophil count has reached >500/mcL for 3 consecutive days.