GRANULOCYTE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR
Granulocyte
colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a blood growth factor (special proteins
produced by the body) that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more
infection-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils. Granulocyte
colony-stimulating factor causes cells from the bone marrow to become mature
and activated. These cells then circulate into the bloodstream. Other types of
growth factors called granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors affect
the growth of other types of white blood cells along with neutron-phil.
Granulocyte
colony-stimulating factor is produced naturally by the body and is also
available as an injection for patients with low white blood cell counts at risk
of infection. The March 1, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about the experimental
use of G-CSF in patients who have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Chemotherapy
(drugs used to kill cancer cells) can damage rapidly dividing normal cells, such
as the hair follicle cells that grow hair and the bone marrow cells that
produce white blood cells, in addition to killing cancer cells. This causes low
white blood cell counts. When patients have low white blood cell counts, they
are at risk of infection. A low neutron-Phil count is called neutron-Pena.
Doctors carefully monitor the blood counts of patients receiving chemotherapy
and also watch for signs of infection, including fevers. They may prescribe
G-CSF to increase the number of neutron-Phil and reduce the risk of infection.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is also used for patients who are
receiving a bone marrow transplant and for some blood cell cancers. Not all chemotherapy
requires G-CSF treatment.
HOW G-CSF IS GIVEN
Therapy
usually begins 1 to 3 days after chemotherapy ends. Granulocyte colony stimulating
factor is injected into the fatty portion of the skin, usually in the upper
arm, thigh, or abdomen. To avoid infection, you should wash your hands before
and after the injection and clean the injection site. Each needle should be
used only once and disposed of properly. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
is stored in the refrigerator but should be injected when at room temperature.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN RECEIVING
G-CSF
Generally
G-CSF is well tolerated although some patients experience bone pain or
slight
redness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and go away
once the injections are stopped. A patient receiving G-CSF injections should
seek medical attention if any serious adverse effects occur, especially any
signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, difficulty breathing, chest
tightness, or rash. Patients should have regular follow-up with their doctors
as well as monitoring of blood counts.