Makoto Yoshiya

Clinical trial of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients with oral cancer

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in reducing neutropenia in patients with oral cancer undergoing intensive chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (< 1 x 10(9)/L) were divided into two groups: control group (n = 13) and rhG-CSF administration group (n = 16). rhG-CSF was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 75 micrograms/day on consecutive days. Peripheral blood cell counts and oral complications were investigated in each group. RESULTS The duration of neutropenia and absolute neutrophil nadir counts were significantly improved by administration of G-CSF. No consistent effect on thrombocytopenia was noted. Administration of rhG-CSF also reduced the duration and degree of oral complications associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Intolerable side effects associated with administration of rhG-CSF were not observed. CONCLUSION It was concluded that rhG-CSF is effective in shortening the duration of neutropenia after chemotherapy at a dose of 75 micrograms/day.