Continuous infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is associated with an advantage in neutrophil recovery in pediatric oncologic disorders
In brief
Continuous growth-factor infusion shortened pediatric neutrophil recovery by 1.4 days
In a randomized, single-center study, children receiving continuous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor infusion recovered neutrophils in an average of 6.2 days, versus 7.6 days with intravenous injection. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 15% versus 50%, with similar adverse effects, but only 20 participants were analyzed; larger studies are needed to confirm the benefit.
- Journal
- Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology (Q1)
- Published
- 3 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Yi-Lun Wang, Tsung-Yen Chang, Shih-Hsiang Chen, Yi-Wen Hsiao, Yu-Chuan Wen, Tang-Her Jaing
- PMID
- 42827181
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00280-026-04966-x
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Hematology (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): IV G‑CSF infusion improves neutrophil recovery
- Picked for Pediatrics and Child Health (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): Continuous G‑CSF infusion improves neutrophil recovery in pediatric oncology
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of intensified chemotherapy has significantly improved overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in cancer patients. However, it also increases the risk of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used to hasten neutrophil recovery, but limited research has focused on the superiority of different routes of G-CSF administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective, single-institution study. Twenty-eight participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to experimental and control arms in a 1:1 ratio. At the end of the study, 20 cases were eligible for statistical analysis. The primary endpoint was the duration from the onset of neutropenia to steady neutrophil recovery. Secondary endpoints included the safety profile, 7-day emergency return rate, and the occurrence of infectious or febrile events. RESULTS: The mean duration from CIN to neutrophil recovery was 6.2 days in the intravenous drip (IVD) group and 7.6 days in the intravenous injection (IVI) group (P = 0.0068). The mean difference between the two groups was 1.4 days. A significantly lower incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) was observed in the IVD group compared to the IVI group (15% vs. 50%, P = 0.0407). Adverse effects (AEs) were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The IVD route of G-CSF administration leads to faster neutrophil recovery and reduces the risk of FN. All evaluable AEs are comparable between the two groups. These findings suggest that the IVD route may be a preferable option for optimizing supportive care in cancer patients with CIN.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.