Epidemiology of febrile neutropenia

How Asian Breast Cancer Patients Experience Unequal Incidence of Chemotherapy Side Effects: A Look at Ethnic Disparities in Febrile Neutropenia Rates

The majority of published findings on chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) are restricted to three ethnic groups: Asians, Caucasians, and African Americans. In this two-part study, we examined FN incidence and risk factors in Chinese, Malay, and Indian chemotherapy-treated breast cancer (BC) patients. Hospital records or ICD codes were used to identify patients with FN. In both the Singapore Breast Cancer Cohort (SGBCC) and the Joint Breast Cancer Registry (JBCR), the time of the first FN from the start of chemotherapy was estimated using Cox regression. Multinomial regression was used to evaluate differences in various characteristics across ethnicities. FN was observed in 170 of 1014 patients in SGBCC. The Cox model showed that non-Chinese were at higher risk of developing FN (HR_Malay [95% CI]:2.04 [1.44-2.88], p < 0.001; HR_Indian:1.88 [1.11-3.18], p = 0.018). In JBCR, FN was observed in 965 of 7449 patients. Univariable Cox models identified ethnicity, a lower baseline absolute neutrophil count, non-luminal A proxy subtypes, and anthracycline-containing regimens as risk factors. Disparities across ethnicities' risk (HR_Malay:1.29 [1.07-1.54], p = 0.006; HR_Indian:1.50 [1.19-1.88], p < 0.001) remained significant even after further adjustments. Finally, an age-adjusted multinomial model showed that Malays (p = 0.006) and Indians (p = 0.009) were significantly more likely to develop multiple episodes of FN during treatment. Ethnic differences in chemotherapy-induced FN among BC patients exist. Further studies can focus on investigating pharmacogenetic differences across ethnicities.

Effectiveness of biosimilar pegfilgrastim in patients with multiple myeloma after high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the main indication for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Novel supportive therapies (e.g., granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) have significantly improved post-ASCT-related mortality; however, data on biosimilar pegfilgrastim-bmez (BIO/PEG) in this setting is lacking. This prospective cohort study compared Italian patients with MM who received BIO/PEG post-ASCT with data collected retrospectively from historical control groups from the same center who received either filgrastim-sndz (BIO/G-CSF) or pegfilgrastim (PEG; originator). The primary endpoint was time to neutrophil engraftment (three consecutive days with an absolute neutrophil count ≥ 0.5 × 10⁹/L). Secondary endpoints included incidence and duration of febrile neutropenia (FN). Of the 231 patients included, 73 were treated with PEG, 102 with BIO/G-CSF, and 56 with BIO/PEG. Median age was 60 years and 57.1% were male. Neutrophil engraftment was reached after a median of 10 days in the BIO/PEG and PEG groups and 11 days in the BIO/G-CSF group. Among patients who achieved neutrophil engraftment earlier than this (i.e., day 9), 58% (29/50) were on PEG; of those who achieved it later (i.e., day 11), 80.8% (59/73) were on BIO/G-CSF. FN incidence was higher with BIO/G-CSF (61.4%) versus PEG (52.1%) or BIO/PEG (37.5%) (p = 0.02 among groups). Patients on BIO/PEG had less frequent grade 2-3 diarrhea (5.5%) compared with BIO/G-CSF (22.5%) or PEG (21.9%); grade 2-3 mucositis was most frequent in the BIO/G-CSF group. In conclusion, pegfilgrastim and its biosimilar displayed an advantageous efficacy and safety profile compared with biosimilar filgrastim in patients with MM post-ASCT.

The Dutch Working Party on Antibiotic Policy (SWAB) Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Febrile Neutropenia in Patients with Cancer

INTRODUCTION

This guideline was written by a multidisciplinary committee with mandated members of the Dutch Society for Infectious Diseases, Dutch Society for Hematology, Dutch Society for Medical Oncology, Dutch Association of Hospital Pharmacists, Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology, and Dutch Society for Pediatrics. The guideline is written for adults and pediatric patients.

METHOD

The recommendations are based on the answers to nine questions formulated by the guideline committee. To provide evidence-based recommendations we used all relevant clinical guidelines published since 2010 as a source, supplemented with systematic searches and evaluation of the recent literature (2010-2020) and, where necessary, supplemented by expert-based advice.

RESULTS

For adults the guideline distinguishes between high- and standard-risk neutropenia based on expected duration of neutropenia (> 7 days versus ≤ 7 days). Where possible a distinction has been made between pediatric and adult patients.

CONCLUSION

This guideline was written to aid diagnosis and management of patients with febrile neutropenia due to chemotherapy in the Netherlands. The guideline provides recommendation for children and adults. Adults patient are subdivided as having a standard- or high-risk neutropenic episode based on estimated duration of neutropenia. The most important recommendations are as follows. In adults with high-risk neutropenia (duration of neutropenia > 7 days) and in children with neutropenia, ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam are all first-choice options for empirical antibiotic therapy in case of fever. In adults with standard-risk neutropenia (duration of neutropenia ≤ 7 days) the MASCC score can be used to assess the individual risk of infectious complications. For patients with a low risk of infectious complications (high MASCC score) oral antibiotic therapy in an outpatient setting is recommended. For patients with a high risk of infectious complications (low MASCC score) antibiotic therapy per protocol sepsis of unknown origin is recommended.

Treatment patterns and burden of myelosuppression for patients with small cell lung cancer: A SEER-medicare study

PURPOSE

To depict the treatment journey for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and evaluate health care resource utilization (HCRU) associated with myelosuppression, a complication induced by chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus radiation therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive, retrospective study of patients with SCLC aged ≥65 years, identified from linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data curated between January 2012 and December 2015. Treatment types (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery) were classified as first, second, or third line, depending on the temporal sequence in which regimens were prescribed. For each year, the proportions of patients completing 4- or 6-cycle chemotherapy regimens, with hospital admissions associated with myelosuppression, or who used granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs), blood/platelet transfusions, or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), were calculated.

RESULTS

Chemotherapy was administered as initial treatment in 7,807/11,907 (65.6%) patients whose treatment journey was recorded. Approximately one-third (n = 3,985) subsequently received radiation therapy. In total, 5,791 (57.8%) patients completed the guideline-recommended 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy. Among all chemotherapy-treated patients, 10,370 (74.3%) experienced ≥1 inpatient admission associated with myelosuppression (anemia, 7,366 [52.8%]; neutropenia, 4,642 [33.3%]; thrombocytopenia, 2,375 [17.0%]; pancytopenia, 1,983 [14.2%]). Supportive care interventions included G-CSF (6,756 [48.4%] patients), ESAs (1,534 [11.0%]), and transfusions (3,674 [26.3%]).

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of care for patients with SCLC. Slightly over half of patients completed the recommended number of cycles, underscoring the frailty of patients and aggressiveness of SCLC. HCRU associated with myelosuppression was prominent, suggesting a substantial burden on older patients with SCLC.

Trends in Use of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Following Introduction of Biosimilars Among Adults With Cancer and Commercial or Medicare Insurance From 2014 to 2019

IMPORTANCE

The introduction of biosimilars and novel delivery devices between 2014 and 2019 may have changed the utilization of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF).

OBJECTIVE

To assess utilization trends of G-CSFs for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN) among patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy with commercial or Medicare insurance.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study assessed G-CSF utilization trends overall and stratified by regimen febrile neutropenia risk level. Associations between patient characteristics and G-CSF use were evaluated. Patients with cancer, including breast, lung, colorectal, esophageal and gastric, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, initiating myelosuppressive chemotherapy courses were included from the 2014 to 2019 commercial insurance and 2014 to 2018 Medicare fee-for-service claims databases. Data were analyzed from March to June 2021.

EXPOSURES

Year of chemotherapy initiation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were use and trends of G-CSFs for primary prophylaxis, from completion to 3 days after in the first chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS

In total, 86 731 chemotherapy courses (mean [SD] age, 57.7 [11.5] years; 57 838 [66.7%] women and 28 893 [33.3%] men) were identified from 82 410 patients in the commercial insurance database and 32 398 chemotherapy courses (mean [SD] age, 71.8 [8.3] years; 18 468 [57.0%] women and 13 930 [43.0%] men) were identified from 30 279 patients in the Medicare database. Among the commercially insured population, 39 639 patients (45.7%) received G-CSFs, and 12 562 patients (38.8%) received G-CSFs among Medicare insured patients. Overall G-CSF use increased significantly throughout the study period in both populations, from 45.1% (95% CI, 44.4%-45.7%) of patients in 2014 to 47.5% (95% CI, 46.5%-48.5%) of patients in 2019 (P = .001) in the commercially insured population and from 36.0% (95% CI, 34.2%-38.0%) of patients in 2014 to 39.1% (95% CI, 38.1%-40.1%) of patients in 2018 (P < .001) in the Medicare population. The greatest increases in G-CSF use were observed among patients with high FN risk, from 75.0% (95% CI, 74.1%-76.0%) of patients to 83.2% (95% CI, 82.0%-84.2%) of patients (P < .001) among the commercially insured population and 75.3% (95% CI, 71.8%-78.6%) of patients to 86.2% (95% CI, 84.7%-87.6%) of patients (P < .001) among the Medicare population. Use of G-CSFs decreased in the commercially insured population among patients with intermediate FN risk (from 27.5% [95% CI, 26.4%-28.5%] of patients to 20.4% [95% CI, 19.1%-21.7%] of patients; P < .001) or low FN risk (from 19.3% [95% CI, 18.3%-20.4%] of patients to 16.3% [95% CI, 14.7%-18.0%] of patients; P < .001) and remained stable in the Medicare population (intermediate risk: from 26.4% [95% CI, 23.8%-29.2%] of patients to 28.4% [95% CI, 27.0%-29.8%] of patients; P = .35; low risk: from 19.6% [95% CI, 17.0%-22.4%] of patients to 20.9% [95% CI, 19.6%-22.3%] of patients; P = .58). Factors associated with increased odds of G-CSF use included older age (commercial insurance: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.50 [95% CI, 1.41-1.59]; Medicare: aOR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.08-1.71]), receiving a regimen with high FN risk (commercial insurance: aOR, 16.01 [95% CI, 15.17-16.90]; Medicare: aOR, 17.17 [95% CI, 15.76-18.71]), and history of neutropenia (commercial insurance: 3.90 (3.67-4.15); Medicare: 3.82 (3.50-4.18).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cross-sectional study found that utilization of G-CSFs increased among patients with cancer with high FN risk in both a commercially and Medicare-insured population, but 14% to 17% of patients still did not receive preventive treatment.

Risk factors for neutropenic fever in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients with primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Febrile neutropenia (FN) interferes with the proper chemotherapy dose density or intensity in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) ± rituximab has an intermediate FN risk. Prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support is recommended for patients with other host-related risk factors.

METHODS

We evaluated the risk factors for FN-related admission in NHL patients who have received primary G-CSF (lenograstim) prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Data from 148 patients were analyzed. The incidence of neutropenic fever was 96 events (12.2%), and the median period was 3.85 days (range, 0 to 5.9); the median duration of neutropenia was 4.21 days (range, 3.3 to 5.07). Eighty-three FN-related admissions were reported. Advanced age (> 60 years), female sex, a low albumin level, and prednisone use were associated with FN-related admission in multivariable analysis (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, and p = 0.010, respectively). A comparison between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP and pegylated G-CSF and those treated with R-CHOP and lenograstim did not reveal significant differences in the FN-related admission rate between the two groups, although the lenograstim-treated group had a higher incidence of severe neutropenia.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients, female patients, and patients with low albumin levels need to be actively followed-up for FN even when primary prophylaxis with G-CSF has been used.

Myeloprotective Effects of Trilaciclib Among Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer at Increased Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression: Pooled Results from Three Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Studies

Purpose

Trilaciclib is an intravenous cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor indicated to decrease the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM) by protecting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and immune system function from chemotherapy-induced damage (myeloprotection). Here, we investigated the myeloprotective effects of trilaciclib among patients at increased risk of CIM.

Patients and Methods

Data were pooled from three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical studies of trilaciclib administered prior to chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Myeloprotective outcomes were evaluated in patient subgroups based on age (<65 or ≥65 years), risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN), and risk of anemia or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. For the FN and anemia analyses, risk factors were identified from published literature and used to classify patients into FN and anemia risk categories. Subgroup analysis based on age was also performed on patient reported outcome (PRO) measures.

Results

In total, 123 patients received trilaciclib and 119 patients received placebo. Myeloprotective benefits of trilaciclib were observed regardless of age, with greater effects observed among patients aged ≥65 years. Across FN risk factors and categories, trilaciclib had beneficial effects on neutrophil-related endpoints vs placebo, with greater effects observed in patients at higher risk of FN. Effects on RBC-related endpoints favored trilaciclib vs placebo, regardless of anemia risk factors and categories. Improvements in PROs with trilaciclib were observed irrespective of age group, but with greater improvements and less deterioration from baseline observed in older patients.

Conclusion

By both decreasing the incidence of CIM and improving quality of life, trilaciclib has the potential to allow patients receiving chemotherapy for ES-SCLC, including patients who are older or more vulnerable to CIM, to receive chemotherapy on schedule and at standard-of-care doses, and to improve the experience for patients receiving chemotherapy to treat ES-SCLC.

Clinical Trial Numbers

NCT02499770; NCT03041311; NCT02514447.

Trilaciclib prior to chemotherapy and atezolizumab in patients with newly diagnosed extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial

Trilaciclib is an intravenous CDK4/6 inhibitor administered prior to chemotherapy to preserve haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and immune system function from chemotherapy-induced damage (myelopreservation). The effects of administering trilaciclib prior to carboplatin, etoposide and atezolizumab (E/P/A) were evaluated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study in patients with newly diagnosed extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) (NCT03041311). The primary endpoints were duration of severe neutropenia (SN; defined as absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109 cells per L) in Cycle 1 and occurrence of SN during the treatment period. Other endpoints were prespecified to assess the effects of trilaciclib on additional measures of myelopreservation, patient-reported outcomes, antitumour efficacy and safety. Fifty-two patients received trilaciclib prior to E/P/A and 53 patients received placebo. Compared to placebo, administration of trilaciclib resulted in statistically significant decreases in the mean duration of SN in Cycle 1 (0 vs 4 days; P < .0001) and occurrence of SN (1.9% vs 49.1%; P < .0001), with additional improvements in red blood cell and platelet measures and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Trilaciclib was well tolerated, with fewer grade ≥3 adverse events compared with placebo, primarily due to less high-grade haematological toxicity. Antitumour efficacy outcomes were comparable. Administration of trilaciclib vs placebo generated more newly expanded peripheral T-cell clones (P = .019), with significantly greater expansion among patients with an antitumour response to E/P/A (P = .002). Compared with placebo, trilaciclib administered prior to E/P/A improved patients' experience of receiving treatment for ES-SCLC, as shown by reduced myelosuppression, and improved HRQoL and safety profiles.

Incidence and predictive risk factors of neutropenic sepsis in post-chemotherapy febrile patients in emergency department: A single-center retrospective longitudinal study

Introduction:

Neutropenic sepsis is an emergency sequela in post-chemotherapy fever. Its definition comprises of spectrums of diseases with variable quoted mortality. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis, with a more stringent definition employed. Predictive risk factors toward occurrence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis among Chinese patients would also be explored.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in a medium-sized regional hospital in Hong Kong. All patients with diagnoses of post-chemotherapy fever fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Baseline characteristics and outcome variables of each case subject were collected. Six potential predictive risk factors were chosen for further analysis. Case subjects were followed up for the inpatient progress and outcomes. Relative risks of each risk factor to “modified” neutropenic sepsis were calculated.

Results:

A total of 135 case subjects were recruited. Five developed “modified” neutropenic sepsis, that is, incidence 3.70% (95% confidence interval = 1.59%–8.38%). Only background hematological malignancy was found to be significantly associated with the outcome of “modified” neutropenic sepsis (Relative Risk [RR] 13.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.56–115.70, p = 0.010), with an incidence of 12.9% (95% confidence interval = 5.14%–28.85%). Hematological malignancy was also found to be significantly associated with lower median absolute neutrophil counts (0.95 × 109/L vs 2.3 × 109/L, p = 0.005) and longer median hospital stay (8 days vs 6 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Incidence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis is low. Hematological malignancy is associated with significantly higher rate of “modified” neutropenic sepsis.

Protroca: A Noninterventional Study on Prophylactic Lipegfilgrastim against Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia in Nonselected Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Protroca evaluated the efficacy and safety of primary and secondary prophylaxis of neutropenia with lipegfilgrastim (Lonquex®) in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy (CT).

Patients and Methods

Of the 255 patients enrolled, 248 patients were evaluable for the intent-to-treat (ITT) and 194 patients for the per-protocol set. Primary and secondary end points after lipegfilgrastim treatment were assessed.

Results

Nine patients of the ITT set receiving lipegfilgrastim as primary prophylaxis (n = 222) had febrile neutropenia of grade 3-4 (5 patients) or infection of grade 3-4 (4 patients); 1/26 of those receiving secondary prophylaxis had an event. Dose reductions were performed in 9.5% of the patients. Postponement of cancer CT cycles for >3 days occurred in <15% of patients; 10.8% (92/851 AEs) and 8% (2/25 SAEs) of documented adverse events and serious adverse events, respectively, were related to lipegfilgrastim.

Conclusions

Application of lipegfilgrastim was effective as primary and secondary prophylaxis in the prevention of CT-induced neutropenia in breast cancer.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in children with acute leukaemia

AIMS

This open-label, phase I study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in children with acute leukaemia.

METHODS

PEG-rhG-CSF was administered as a single 100 mcg/kg (3 mg maximum dose) subcutaneous injection at the end of each chemotherapy period when neutropenia occurred. Blood samples were obtained from patients treated with PEG-rhG-CSF. PEG-rhG-CSF serum concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Population pharmacokinetic (PPK) analysis was implemented using the nonlinear mixed-effects model. Short-term safety was evaluated through adverse events collection (registered at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 03844360).

RESULTS

A total of 16 acute leukaemia patients (1.8-13.6 years) were included, of whom two (12.5%) had grade 3 neutropenia, six (37.5%) had grade 4 neutropenia, and eight (50.0%) had severe neutropenia. For PPK modelling, 64 PEG-rhG-CSF serum concentrations were obtainable. A one-compartment model with first-order elimination was used for pharmacokinetic data modelling. The current weight was a significant covariate. The median (range) of clearance (CL) and area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) were 5.65 (1.49-14.45) mL/h/kg and 16514.75 (6632.45-54423.30) ng·h/mL, respectively. Bone pain, pyrexia, anaphylaxis and nephrotoxicity were not observed. One patient died 13 days after administration, and the objective assessment of causality was that an association with PEG-rhG-CSF was "possible".

CONCLUSIONS

The AUC of PEG-rhG-CSF (100 mcg/kg, 3 mg maximum dose) in paediatric patients with acute leukaemia were similar to those of PEG-rhG-CSF (100 mcg/kg) in children with sarcoma. PEG-rhG-CSF is safe, representing an important therapeutic option for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in paediatric patients with acute leukaemia.

Prospective cohort study of febrile neutropenia in breast cancer patients administered with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies: CSPOR-BC FN study

Background

As Asians are more vulnerable to febrile neutropenia (FN) than Caucasians, evaluations of FN incidence and risk factors in Asians are important for the appropriate use of primary pegfilgrastim (PEG-G).

Patients and methods

Japanese breast cancer patients receiving standard adjuvant chemotherapies were prospectively enrolled in multicenter institutions from August 2015 to July 2017. FN was evaluated from 2 treatment policies: true FN (T-FN): ≥37.5 °C, grade 4 neutropenia, mandatory hospital visit (visiting); surrogate FN (S-FN): ≥37.5 °C, oral antibiotic, no mandatory visit (non-visiting). PEG-G was used at the physicians’ discretion. The primary endpoint was FN incidence during all cycles. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify T-FN risk factors.

Results

Of 1005 enrolled patients, 980 women treated with FEC, E(A)C, and TC were analyzed. The FN incidence proportions in all patients were 22.5%, 27.5%, and 33.9% for FEC, E(A)C, and TC, respectively. Those of T-FN were 27.7%, 22.4%, and 36.6%; those of S-FN were 17.3%, 32.4%, and 31.5% with more frequent primary PEG-G usage. The relative dose intensity (RDI) of the 3 regimens was ≥0.85 in both groups. In the analysis of risk factors, TC (odds ratio = 2.67), age ≥ 65 years (2.24), and pretreatment absolute neutrophil count (ANC)/1000 μl (0.8) remained significant.

Conclusions

FN incidences were above 20% in the 3 regimens, with TC showing the highest. RDI was maintained at a high level in both visiting and non-visiting groups. Patient-related risk factors were age and pretreatment ANC.

•

This study compared febrile neutropenia (FN) incidences of 3 breast cancer regimens.

•

FN incidences were >20% in the 3 regimens (FEC, E(A)C; TC); TC showed the highest.

•

The relative dose intensities in visiting and non-visiting groups were at high level.

•

Age and pretreatment absolute neutrophil count were found as significant FN factors.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Hematopoietic Growth Factors, Version 1.2020

Management of febrile neutropenia (FN) is an integral part of supportive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Growth Factors provide suggestions for appropriate evaluation, risk determination, prophylaxis, and management of FN. These NCCN Guidelines are intended to guide clinicians in the appropriate use of growth factors for select patients undergoing treatment of nonmyeloid malignancies. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight important updates to the NCCN Guidelines regarding the incorporation of newly FDA-approved granulocyte-colony stimulating factor biosimilars for the prevention and treatment of FN.

Risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with metastatic cancer not receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis in US clinical practice

Objectives

To evaluate the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis in US patients with selected metastatic cancers and chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) incidence and associated outcomes among the subgroup who did not receive prophylaxis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at four US health systems and included adults with metastatic cancer (breast, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL]) who received myelosuppressive chemotherapy (2009–2017). Patients were stratified by FN risk level based on risk factors and chemotherapy (low/unclassified risk, intermediate risk without any risk factors, intermediate risk with ≥ 1 risk factor [IR + 1], high risk [HR]). G-CSF use was evaluated among all patients stratified by FN risk, and FN/FN-related outcomes were evaluated among patients who did not receive first-cycle G-CSF prophylaxis.

Results

Among 1457 metastatic cancer patients, 20.5% and 28.1% were classified as HR and IR + 1, respectively. First-cycle G-CSF prophylaxis use was 48.5% among HR patients and 13.9% among IR + 1 patients. In the subgroup not receiving first-cycle G-CSF prophylaxis, FN incidence in cycle 1 was 7.8% for HR patients and 4.8% for IR + 1 patients; during the course, corresponding values were 16.9% and 15.9%. Most (> 90%) FN episodes required hospitalization, and mortality risk ranged from 7.1 to 26.9% across subgroups.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, the majority of metastatic cancer chemotherapy patients for whom G-CSF prophylaxis is recommended did not receive it; FN incidence in this subgroup was notably high. Patients with elevated FN risk should be carefully identified and managed to ensure appropriate use of supportive care.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00520-020-05715-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Duration of short-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for primary prophylaxis and risk of neutropenia-related hospitalization in older patients with cancer

PURPOSE

Evaluate the relationship between duration of primary prophylactic short-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PP-sG-CSF) and risk of neutropenia-related hospitalization (NRH) in older patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

METHODS

Using the Medicare claims database, we conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of patients aged ≥66 years with breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, or prostate cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma who initiated a first cycle of any myelosuppressive chemotherapy January 1, 2008-September 30, 2016, and received PP-sG-CSF. We matched up to four controls to each NRH case by age, cancer type, regimen febrile neutropenia (FN) risk category, and year using incidence density sampling. We used conditional logistic regression adjusted for race, sex, and modified Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) to estimate relative risk of NRH related to duration of PP-sG-CSF categorized as <5 and ≥ 5 days.

RESULTS

Of 2148 patients receiving PP-sG-CSF, 108 (5%) experienced NRH in the first cycle. We matched 333 controls to 96 cases. Cases were similar to controls in mean age, tumor type, and intermediate/high-risk regimen, but were more likely to have CCI ≥5 and less likely to use PP-sG-CSF ≥5 days (31% vs. 39%). Adjusted ORs (95% CI) for NRH were 0.69 (0.40-1.19) for ≥5 vs. <5 days of PP-sG-CSF among patients receiving any myelosuppressive chemotherapy, 0.43 (0.21-0.89) for intermediate/high-risk regimen, and 0.42 (0.19-0.89) for any myelosuppressive chemotherapy with all agents given on cycle day one only.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older patients with cancer who are receiving PP-sG-CSF, ≥5 days of use was associated with substantial reduction in NRH risk.

Trends in use of primary prophylactic colony stimulating factors and neutropenia-related hospitalization in commercially insured patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in the United States: 2005-2017

PURPOSE

Describe temporal changes in use of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, primary prophylactic colony-stimulating factor, and neutropenia-related hospitalization, in commercially insured patients.

METHODS

Using a large commercial administrative database, we identified annual cohorts of adult patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma and initiating myelosuppressive chemotherapy during 2005-2017. We described yearly changes in proportions of myelosuppressive chemotherapy by febrile neutropenia risk category (high, intermediate, unclassified) and proportion of prophylactic colony-stimulating factor use and unadjusted incidence of neutropenia-related hospitalization in the first cycle of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Annual cohorts included 4383-5888 eligible patients during 2005-2017. The proportion of eligible patients aged ≥ 65 years increased from 26.0% in 2005 to 58.2% in 2017. Myelosuppressive chemotherapy use with regimens with high risk for febrile neutropenia increased from 15.1% in 2005 to 31.0% in 2017; and regimens with intermediate risk for febrile neutropenia decreased from 63.7% to 48.1% in 2017. Prophylactic colony-stimulating factor use increased from 41.6% in 2005 to 54.3% in 2017. Crude incidence of neutropenia-related hospitalization for all cancers increased from 2.0% to 3.1%, with a substantial increase in neutropenia-related hospitalization observed among non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients (2.8% to 8.5%) during 2005-2017.

CONCLUSION

Among adult patients with breast and lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, use of regimens with high risk for febrile neutropenia increased, as did the use of prophylactic colony-stimulating factors after 2005. Incidence of neutropenia-related hospitalization increased slightly, particularly among non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Further studies are required to understand this increasing trend of neutropenia-related hospitalization, changing patient-level risk factors, and febrile neutropenia management.

Predicting in-hospital mortality of patients with febrile neutropenia using machine learning models

BACKGROUND

Febrile neutropenia (FN) has been associated with high mortality among adults with cancer. Current systems for early detection of inpatient FN mortality are based on scoring indexes that require intensive physicians' subjective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we leveraged machine learning techniques to build a FN mortality risk evaluation tool focused on FN admissions without physicians' subjective evaluation.

METHODS

We used the National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) that included mortality data among adult inpatients who were diagnosed with FN during a hospital admission. Machine learning techniques that we compared included linear models (ridge logistic regression and linear support vector machine) and non-linear models (gradient boosting tree and neural network). The primary outcome for this study was death among individuals with a recorded FN admission. Model comparison was evaluated based on areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and model performance was estimated using 30 % test set created via stratified split.

RESULTS

Our analysis detected 126,013 adult admissions within the NIS data that were diagnosed with FN, among which 5,856 were declared as deceased (4.6 %). Our machine learning results demonstrate linear models and non-linear models achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) around 92 % in survival prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed machine learning models that do not require physicians' subjective evaluation for FN mortality risk prediction.

Prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia with colony-stimulating factors: the first 25 years

Filgrastim prophylaxis, both primary and secondary, was rapidly incorporated into clinical practice in the 1990s. When pegfilgrastim became available in 2002, it quickly replaced filgrastim as the colony-stimulating factor (CSF) of choice for prophylaxis. Use of prophylaxis increased markedly in the first decade of this century and has stabilized during the present decade. Data concerning real-world CSF prophylactic practice patterns are limited but suggest that both primary and secondary prophylaxis are common, and that use is frequently inappropriate according to guidelines. The extent of inappropriate use is controversial, as are issues concerning the cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis and the cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis versus secondary prophylaxis. Nevertheless, CSF prophylaxis is firmly established as a valuable adjunct to chemotherapy and will almost certainly continue to be widely used for the foreseeable future. In this article, we chronicle the use and impact of CSF prophylaxis in US patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for non-myeloid malignancies. We emphasize the interplay of expert opinion, clinical evidence, and economic factors in shaping the use of CSFs in clinical practice over time, and, with the recent introduction of new CSF agents and options, we aim to provide useful clinical and economic information for healthcare decision makers.

Patterns of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis in patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy

Purpose

To evaluate patterns of primary prophylactic (PP) granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF) use following chemotherapy by cancer type and febrile neutropenia (FN) risk.

Methods

Using a commercial administrative database, we identified adult patients diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who initiated chemotherapy with high risk (HR) or intermediate risk (IR) for FN between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2017. We describe use of PP-G-CSF, proportion completing all their cycles with pegfilgrastim, timing of pegfilgrastim, and duration of short-acting G-CSF.

Results

Among 22,868 patients (breast 11,513; colorectal 3765; lung 4273; ovarian 1287; and NHL 2030), 36.8% received HR and 63.2% received IR (64.4% of whom had ≥ 1 risk factor [RF] for FN). Proportions of patients receiving PP-G-CSF in the first cycle were 76.1%, 28.2%, and 26.4% among patients receiving HR, IR, and IR plus ≥ 1 RF, respectively. Among breast cancer patients receiving HR regimens and initiating PP-pegfilgrastim, 60.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57.2–63.6%) initiating via on-body injector (OBI) and 51.9% (95% CI 48.0–55.8%) initiating via prefilled syringe (PFS) completed all their cycles with OBI and PFS, respectively. Among all cycles with PP-PFS, 8.5% received PFS on the same day as chemotherapy completion. Mean administrations/cycle were 3.2 (standard deviation [SD] 2.3) for filgrastim, 3.0 (SD 1.6) for filgrastim-sndz, and 4.3 (SD 2.5) for tbo-filgrastim.

Conclusions

There is under- and mistimed use of PP-G-CSF among patients at HR for FN. Novel pegfilgrastim delivery devices could help breast cancer patients at HR for FN complete all their cycles with timely prophylaxis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00520-020-05295-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Predicting risk of chemotherapy-induced severe neutropenia: A pooled analysis in individual patients data with advanced lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Neutropenia is associated with the risk of life-threatening infections, chemotherapy dose reductions and delays that may compromise outcomes. This analysis was conducted to develop a prediction model for chemotherapy-induced severe neutropenia in lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individual patient data from existing cooperative group phase II/III trials of stages III/IV non-small cell lung cancer or extensive small-cell lung cancer were included. The data were split into training and testing sets. In order to enhance the prediction accuracy and the reliability of the prediction model, lasso method was used for both variable selection and regularization on the training set. The selected variables was fit to a logistic model to obtain regression coefficients. The performance of the final prediction model was evaluated by the area under the ROC curve in both training and testing sets.

RESULTS

The dataset was randomly separated into training [7606 (67 %) patients] and testing [3746 (33 %) patients] sets. The final model included: age (>65 years), gender (male), weight (kg), BMI, insurance status (yes/unknown), stage (IIIB/IV/ESSCLC), number of metastatic sites (1, 2 or ≥3), individual drugs (gemcitabine, taxanes), number of chemotherapy agents (2 or ≥3), planned use of growth factors, associated radiation therapy, previous therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery), duration of planned treatment, pleural effusion (yes/unknown), performance status (1, ≥2) and presence of symptoms (yes/unknown).

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a relatively simple model with routinely available pre-treatment variables, to predict for neutropenia. This model should be independently validated prospectively.

A comparative effectiveness study of lipegfilgrastim in multiple myeloma patients after high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant

G-CSF administration after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been shown to expedite neutrophil recovery. Several studies comparing filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in the post-ASCT setting concluded that the two are at least equally effective. Lipegfilgrastim (LIP) is a new long-acting, once-per-cycle G-CSF. This multicentric, prospective study aimed to describe the use of LIP in multiple myeloma patients receiving high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and compare LIP with historic controls of patients who received short-acting agent (filgrastim [FIL]). Overall, 125 patients with a median age of 60 years received G-CSF after ASCT (80 patients LIP on day 1 post-ASCT and 45 patients FIL on day 5 post-ASCT). The median duration of grade 4 neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] < 0.5 × 10 [9]/L) was 5 days in both LIP and FIL groups, whereas the median number of days to reach ANC ≥ 0.5 × 10 [9]/L was 10% lower in the LIP than in the FIL group (10 vs 11 days), respectively. Male sex was significantly associated with a faster ANC ≥ 0.5 × 10 [9] L response (p = 0.015). The incidence of FN was significantly lower in the LIP than in the FIL group (29% vs 49%, respectively, p = 0.024). The days to discharge after ASCT infusion were greater in patients with FN (p < 0.001). The study indicates that LIP had a shorter time to ANC recovery and is more effective than FIL for the prevention of FN in the ASCT setting.

Overuse and underuse of pegfilgrastim for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend pegfilgrastim for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia after highly myelosuppressive chemotherapy. While deviations from guidelines could result in overuse and increased costs, underuse is also a concern and could compromise quality of care. Our objectives were to evaluate guideline adherence and quantify the extent to which physician heterogeneity may influence pegfilgrastim use.

METHODS

We randomly sampled 550 patients from a retrospective cohort of those who received infusions at an academic cancer center between 1 September 2013 and 1 September 2014. Electronic medical and drug dispensing records provided information on patient characteristics, chemotherapy characteristics, prescribing physician, and pegfilgrastim administration.

RESULTS

We included 154 patients treated by 25 physicians. About half of patients were male and mean age was 61.3 years. Forty (26.1%) patients had no febrile neutropenia risk factors, 62 (40.5%) had one, and 51 (33.3%) had two or more. Thirty patients (19.5%) received pegfilgrastim, of which 12 (40%) received palliative chemotherapy. Nine (60%) of 15 patients on a regimen with a febrile neutropenia risk  ≥ 20% received pegfilgrastim. Pegfilgrastim use significantly varied by cancer type (p < 0.01), chemotherapy regimen (p < 0.001), and regimen febrile neutropenia risk (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis reaffirmed the association between chemotherapy regimen febrile neutropenia risk ≥ 20% and pegfilgrastim use (odds ratio (OR) = 10.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-62.7) and suggested that 31% (95% CI: 8%-71%) of the variation in use was attributable to physician characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Pegfilgrastim was potentially overused for palliative chemotherapy and underused for chemotherapy regimens with febrile neutropenia risk ≥ 20%. Successful interventions to modify prescribing practices likely require an understanding of the relationship between specific physician characteristics and pegfilgrastim use.

Value of incorporating newly identified risk factors into risk prediction for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia

Several comorbidities have recently been shown to affect risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN). Here, we evaluated the added predictive value of these comorbidities beyond established FN risk factors. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients diagnosed with cancer and treated with chemotherapy at Kaiser Permanente Southern California between 2000 and 2009. The study cohort was equally split into training and validation datasets to develop and evaluate the performance of FN risk prediction models in the first chemotherapy cycle. A reference model was developed based on the model proposed by Lyman et al (Cancer 2011;117:1917). A new model was developed by incorporating the newly identified comorbidities such as rheumatoid conditions and thyroid disorders into the reference model. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC), risk reclassification, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the potential improvement of FN risk prediction by incorporating comorbidities. A total of 15 279 patients were included; 4.2% experienced FN in the first chemotherapy cycle. Including comorbidities in FN risk prediction did not improve AUROCC (reference model 0.71 vs new model 0.72). A significant improvement in individual-level FN risk prediction was indicated by IDI (P = .02). However, significant improvement in risk reclassification was not observed overall (although 6% of all patients were more accurately classified for their FN risk level, 5% were less accurately classified) or when examining predicted FN risk among patients who did and did not develop FN. Incorporating several new comorbidities into FN prediction led to improved FN risk prediction in the first chemotherapy cycle, although the observed improvements were small and might not be clinically relevant.

Incidence of neutropenia and use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in multiple myeloma: is current clinical practice adequate?

Although immunomodulatory drugs, alkylating agents, corticosteroids, protease inhibitors, and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies improve multiple myeloma outcomes, treatment burden is still an issue. Neutropenia is a known complication of cytotoxic cancer therapy and is often associated with infections; it is an important consideration in myeloma given the fact that patients often have a weakened immune system. The risk of febrile neutropenia increases with severe and persisting neutropenia. Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are commonly used to reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of febrile neutropenia. Here, we review the risk and management of neutropenia associated with new and commonly used anti-myeloma agents. Few papers report the use of G-CSF in patients with multiple myeloma receiving anti-cancer treatments, and fewer describe whether G-CSF was beneficial. None of the identified studies reported G-CSF primary prophylaxis. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the need for G-CSF prophylaxis in multiple myeloma. Prophylaxis may be particularly useful in patients at high risk of prolonged severe neutropenia.

Antimicrobial stewardship in paediatric oncology: Impact on optimising gentamicin use in febrile neutropenia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) intervention, involving introduction of new guidelines on the treatment of febrile neutropenia (FN), on improving the use of gentamicin in paediatric oncology patients.

DESIGN AND INTERVENTION

Updated guidelines for gentamicin usage in paediatrics with FN were implemented at a tertiary children's teaching hospital, in Brisbane, Australia. Data on gentamicin usage before and after the guideline change were collected retrospectively from children with cancer admitted to hospital with FN between January 2012 and December 2013. Gentamicin use, duration of gentamicin therapy and therapeutic monitoring practice were compared against bacterial culture status for admissions before and after the guideline change to assess the impact on practice.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 227 children corresponding to 453 separate admissions, 195 preguideline and 257 post-guideline change. Following guideline change, the proportion of admissions in which gentamicin was administered reduced from 79.0 to 20.9% (P-value < 0.001) and administrations not associated with a cultured Gram-negative organism dropped from 87.2 to 58.2% (P-value < 0.001), indicating a change in practice according to the new guideline. Following guideline change, admissions in which gentamicin was used for >48 hr despite the absence of a confirmed Gram-negative infection decreased from 85.6 to 46.9% (P-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Guideline changes driven through an AMS initiative involving paediatric oncology patients significantly improved targeted- and nontargeted-antimicrobial use potentially reducing the risk of emergence of resistance against gentamicin in this cohort.

Predicting neutropenia risk in patients with cancer using electronic data

Objectives

Clinical guidelines recommending the use of myeloid growth factors are largely based on the prescribed chemotherapy regimen. The guidelines suggest that oncologists consider patient-specific characteristics when prescribing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis; however, a mechanism to quantify individual patient risk is lacking. Readily available electronic health record (EHR) data can provide patient-specific information needed for individualized neutropenia risk estimation. An evidence-based, individualized neutropenia risk estimation algorithm has been developed. This study evaluated the automated extraction of EHR chemotherapy treatment data and externally validated the neutropenia risk prediction model.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort of adult patients with newly diagnosed breast, colorectal, lung, lymphoid, or ovarian cancer who received the first cycle of a cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen from 2008 to 2013 were recruited from a single cancer clinic. Electronically extracted EHR chemotherapy treatment data were validated by chart review. Neutropenia risk stratification was conducted and risk model performance was assessed using calibration and discrimination.

Results

Chemotherapy treatment data electronically extracted from the EHR were verified by chart review. The neutropenia risk prediction tool classified 126 patients (57%) as being low risk for febrile neutropenia, 44 (20%) as intermediate risk, and 51 (23%) as high risk. The model was well calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test = 0.24). Discrimination was adequate and slightly less than in the original internal validation (c-statistic 0.75 vs 0.81).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy treatment data were electronically extracted from the EHR successfully. The individualized neutropenia risk prediction model performed well in our retrospective external cohort.

Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Monitoring in Pediatric Patients with Febrile Neutropenia

BACKGROUND

The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia is described, and the adequacy of initial dosing of once-daily gentamicin assessed at Queensland's largest Children's Hospital.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from all pediatrics with febrile neutropenia admitted over a 2-year period who had at least 2 gentamicin concentration-time measurements (a paired set within 1 dosing interval). Gentamicin clearance, volume of distribution, area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours postdose (AUC0-24), and maximum concentration values were estimated with log-linear regression using each paired set. The percentage of paired sets associated with gentamicin exposure within predefined hospital targets was calculated, and exposure was examined in relation to the bacterial culture status.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 69 patients [median (interquartile range) age 3.7 years (2.2-8.9)] and comprised 121 paired concentration sets characterizing 80 separate admissions. Median (interquartile range) gentamicin clearance and volume of distribution were 8.1 L·h·70 kg (5.8-12.4) and 21.8 L/70 kg (16.9-29.5), respectively. Predefined hospital exposure targets were achieved for both AUC0-24 and maximum concentration for 10% of paired sets; one or the other of these targets were met for 36% of paired sets, and neither target was achieved for 54% of paired sets. Achievement of targets improved with repeated monitoring during the same admission. Median AUC0-24 achieved was significantly higher in patients with a confirmed Gram-negative infection compared with those without 71 (50-91) mg·h·L versus 55 (40.8-67.5) mg·h·L, respectively (P = 0.003). Over the study period, a median gentamicin dose of 10.8 and 6.4 mg/kg was estimated to be necessary to achieve an AUC target of 80 mg·h·L in children ≤10 years and >10 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a log-linear method of analysis, current dosing seems to be consistently producing gentamicin exposure below predefined pharmacokinetic targets, suggesting that an increase in the recommended starting dose of gentamicin may be required.

Analysis of Factors Associated With In-hospital Mortality in Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Patients With Neutropenia

Lung cancer, compared with other solid tumors, is associated with high mortality rates from febrile neutropenia. The risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified and compared for patients with lung cancer and patients with other solid tumors. Hospitalization data from the University Health Consortium database inclusive of 2004 to 2012 were analyzed. The study population included all adult patients with solid tumors who developed neutropenia. Cancer type, the presence of neutropenia, and further subgroups were determined using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes. The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality in lung cancer patients versus those with other solid tumors. Further analysis concentrated on comparisons of the 2 groups. The analysis included data from 11,111 lung cancer patients and 49,975 patients with other solid tumors. Overall, 4290 patients (7.0%) died. Lung cancer was associated with highest mortality (11.2% compared with other solid tumors, 6.1%; P < .0001). The lung cancer patients were older and more likely to have multiple comorbidities, and the risk of mortality was directly related to the number of comorbidities. Four additional risk factors for mortality were identified: pneumonia, sepsis, any infection, and intensive care unit stay. Pneumonia occurred more commonly in the lung cancer patients (26.4% vs. 10.3%) and was associated with comorbid pulmonary disease, which also occurred more often in the lung cancer patients (52.1% vs. 24.0%). We found that lung cancer patients presenting with febrile neutropenia were older, had more comorbidities, had a greater incidence of comorbid pulmonary disease, and were more likely to have pneumonia. Awareness of these risk factors for mortality should guide clinicians for more personalized approaches to chemotherapy, supportive care decisions, pneumonia and comorbidities.

The association of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus and the risk of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia among cancer patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis

AIM

Conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the association between incident chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) and either diabetes mellitus (DM) or hyperglycemia in patients with cancer.

METHODS

Observational studies in cancer patients of any age receiving chemotherapy and having diabetes or hyperglycemia either during or before chemotherapy induction were included. Studies were retrieved by searching four databases (PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, and Cochrane) and cross-referencing. The metric for combining studies was the odds ratio (OR). Results were pooled using a random-effects model, while heterogeneity and inconsistency were assessed using the Q and I2 statistic, respectively. Potential small-study effects were assessed using the funnel plot.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, the odds of having CIN were 32% higher among cancer patients with either DM or hyperglycemia compared with those without DM or hyperglycemia (OR=1.32, 95% CI, 1.06-1.64). Statistically significant heterogeneity and inconsistency were found (Q=33.15, p<0.05, I2=72.9%). Funnel plot asymmetry reflecting potential small-study effects was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia may be associated with an increased risk for CIN among cancer patients. However, additional well-designed studies are needed before any final and definitive recommendations can be made.

Costo- Efectividad Del Uso Profiláctico Del Factor Estimulante De Colonias De Granulocitos En Adultos Con Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda en Colombia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic administration of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) compared with no use of it, during the induction phase of chemotherapy in Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Colombia.

METHODS

A decision tree with a time horizon of 30 days was built under colombian health system perspective including only direct costs. The costs of procedures and medications were taken from official sources and an institution of national reference of oncology services. The safety and effectiveness data were taken from the literature and two Colombian cohorts with patients older than 15 years. The unit of outcome was the proportion of deaths avoided.

RESULTS

Base-case results on a clinical trial indicate that using factor is a dominant strategy. The variable that most impacted the outcome was the incidence of febrile neutropenia. Considering a threshold of $22.228 USD in 80% of cases using factor was cost effective. However, the use of factor is not cost-effective for the country for incidences of febrile neutropenia > 48%. It was not possible to establish cost-effectiveness of pegfilgrastim because no information was found.

CONCLUSION

As per Colombian data, the use of prophylactic factor under chemotherapeutic induction in adults with ALL, turns out to be not cost effective. The difference in the results suggests the need of a careful extrapolation of information from clinical trials (ideal world) for developing economic evaluations in Colombia.

Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Monitoring in Pediatric Patients with Febrile Neutropenia

BACKGROUND

The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia is described, and the adequacy of initial dosing of once-daily gentamicin assessed at Queensland's largest Children's Hospital.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from all pediatrics with febrile neutropenia admitted over a 2-year period who had at least 2 gentamicin concentration-time measurements (a paired set within 1 dosing interval). Gentamicin clearance, volume of distribution, area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours postdose (AUC0-24), and maximum concentration values were estimated with log-linear regression using each paired set. The percentage of paired sets associated with gentamicin exposure within predefined hospital targets was calculated, and exposure was examined in relation to the bacterial culture status.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 69 patients [median (interquartile range) age 3.7 years (2.2-8.9)] and comprised 121 paired concentration sets characterizing 80 separate admissions. Median (interquartile range) gentamicin clearance and volume of distribution were 8.1 L·h·70 kg (5.8-12.4) and 21.8 L/70 kg (16.9-29.5), respectively. Predefined hospital exposure targets were achieved for both AUC0-24 and maximum concentration for 10% of paired sets; one or the other of these targets were met for 36% of paired sets, and neither target was achieved for 54% of paired sets. Achievement of targets improved with repeated monitoring during the same admission. Median AUC0-24 achieved was significantly higher in patients with a confirmed Gram-negative infection compared with those without 71 (50-91) mg·h·L versus 55 (40.8-67.5) mg·h·L, respectively (P = 0.003). Over the study period, a median gentamicin dose of 10.8 and 6.4 mg/kg was estimated to be necessary to achieve an AUC target of 80 mg·h·L in children ≤10 years and >10 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a log-linear method of analysis, current dosing seems to be consistently producing gentamicin exposure below predefined pharmacokinetic targets, suggesting that an increase in the recommended starting dose of gentamicin may be required.

Validation of MASCC Score for Risk Stratification in Patients of Hematological Disorders with Febrile Neutropenia

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of MASCC score (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer Score) in patients with febrile neutropenia (as resultant treatment of hematological disorders) for risk assessment of morbidity and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients presenting with Febrile Neutropenia from November 2011 till December 2013 were enrolled in the study. Initially all patients were hospitalized and their MASCC score was calculated, however those with high risk stayed in hospital till full ANC recovery while low risk group was discharged earlier and keenly followed as out-patient while being on prophylactic oral antibiotics. The MASCC risk-index score was calculated and patients with risk score >21 were regarded as low-risk while <21 were labeled as high-risk.

RESULTS

On the basis of 226 febrile neutropenia patient 132(58.4 %) were categorized as low risk while 94(41.5 %) as high risk patients according to MASCC risk index score. In low risk group 123(93 %) had uncomplicated infection while 9(7 %) had complicated infections. There was no mortality documented in low risk group while eight patients died in high risk group.

CONCLUSION

In this study we correctly predicted outcome of 123(93 %) low risk group patients. The study had positive predictive value of 93 % with both sensitivity and specificity of 65 and 75 % respectively. The MASCC risk score is a valuable tool in determining the outcome in patients with febrile neutropenia.

Clinical research in febrile neutropenia in cancer patients: Past achievements and perspectives for the future

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. It can also be the reason for delaying or changing potentially effective treatments and generates substantial costs. It has been recognized for more than 50 years that empirical administration of broad spectrum antibiotics to patients with FN was associated with much improved outcomes; that has become a paradigm of management. Increase in the incidence of microorganisms resistant to many antibiotics represents a challenge for the empirical antimicrobial treatment and is a reason why antibiotics should not be used for the prevention of neutropenia. Prevention of neutropenia is best performed with the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs). Prophylactic administration of G-CSFs significantly reduces the risk of developing FN and consequently the complications linked to that condition; moreover, the administration of G-CSF is associated with few complications, most of which are not severe. The most common reason for not using G-CSF as a prophylaxis of FN is the relatively high cost. If FN occurs, in spite of prophylaxis, empirical therapy with broad spectrum antibiotics is mandatory. However it should be adjusted to the risk of complications as established by reliable predictive instruments such as the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer. Patients predicted at a low level of risk of serious complications, can generally be treated with orally administered antibiotics and as out-patients. Patients with a high risk of complications should be hospitalized and treated intravenously. A short period of time between the onset of FN and beginning of empirical therapy is crucial in those patients. Persisting fever in spite of antimicrobial therapy in neutropenic patients requires a special diagnostic attention, since invasive fungal infection is a possible cause for it and might require the use of empirical antifungal therapy.

Lipegfilgrastim in the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia of cancer patients

Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) are frequent and potentially fatal toxicities of myelosuppressive anticancer treatments. The introduction of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) in clinical practice has remarkably reduced the duration and severity of neutropenia, as well as the incidence of FN, thus allowing the administration of chemotherapeutic agents at the optimal dose and time with lower risk. The current scenario of G-CSFs in Europe includes filgrastim, lenograstim, some G-CSF biosimilars, and pegfilgrastim. Recently, a novel long-acting G-CSF, lipegfilgrastim, became available. Lipegfilgrastim is a glycopegylated G-CSF, alternative to pegfilgrastim, and has shown in randomized trials, to be equivalent to pegfilgrastim in reducing the incidence of severe neutropenia and FN in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, with a similar safety profile. Furthermore, lipegfilgrastim was more effective than the placebo in reducing the incidence of severe neutropenia, its duration, and time to absolute neutrophil count recovery, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving myelosuppressive therapy. Although the number of studies currently published is still limited, lipegfilgrastim seems to be a promising drug in the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

A Randomized Controlled Study to Determine the Efficacy of Garlic Compounds in Patients With Hematological Malignancies at Risk for Chemotherapy-Related Febrile Neutropenia

Background. Patients receiving chemotherapy for hematological malignancies are at high risk for febrile neutropenia (FN). Garlic extracts (GEs) are natural food substances showing antimicrobial effects in vivo. Objectives. We explored whether adding GE may be efficacious in reducing the risk or severity of infections. Design. This was a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized study. Results. Of 95 patients randomized to receive GE or placebo following chemotherapy, a febrile episode was documented in 50% of patients receiving GE and 63.3% receiving placebo ( P = .89). There was a higher risk of developing a third and fourth febrile episode in the GE group ( P = .01). However, among those at a lower risk for FN, those receiving GE developed fewer FN episodes ( P = .075), especially those with severe neutropenia ( P = .05). Major adverse events were distributed equally, but nonadherence was more common in the GE than in the placebo group: 19.5% versus 4%, respectively ( P = .05). Conclusions. GE was safe and did not reduce FN risk in the entire cohort, but yet appeared to exert a protective effect in the lower-risk subgroup. We do not recommend the use of GE for FN prevention in higher-risk patients. A larger-scale clinical trial for the lower-risk subgroup of patients is advocated. (This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00247039.)

Economic burden of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with lymphoma: a systematic review

The primary objective of this review was to identify the cost components that were most frequently associated with the economic burden of febrile neutropenia (FN) among patients with lymphoma. The secondary objective was to identify any parameter associated with higher FN cost. Ten cost of illness (COI) studies were identified. General characteristics on study design, country, perspective, and patient population were extracted and systematically reported. It was observed that majority (70%) of the studies employed the perspective of healthcare provider. 20% of the studies considered long-term costs. Estimated costs were adjusted to 2013 US dollars and ranged from US$5819 to US$34,756. The cost components that were most frequently associated with economic burden were ward and medication costs. Inpatient management, male gender, discharged dead, and comorbidity were positively associated with higher FN costs. Future COI studies on FN should focus on the accurate estimation on ward and medication costs.

A prospectively validated nomogram for predicting the risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia: a multicenter study

PURPOSE

There is clinical need to predict risk of febrile neutropenia before a specific cycle of chemotherapy in cancer patients.

METHODS

Data on 3882 chemotherapy cycles in 1089 consecutive patients with lung, breast, and colon cancer from four teaching hospitals were used to construct a predictive model for febrile neutropenia. A final nomogram derived from the multivariate predictive model was prospectively confirmed in a second cohort of 960 consecutive cases and 1444 cycles.

RESULTS

The following factors were used to construct the nomogram: previous history of febrile neutropenia, pre-cycle lymphocyte count, type of cancer, cycle of current chemotherapy, and patient age. The predictive model had a concordance index of 0.95 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.91-0.99) in the derivation cohort and 0.85 (95 % CI = 0.80-0.91) in the external validation cohort. A threshold of 15 % for the risk of febrile neutropenia in the derivation cohort was associated with a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.98. These figures were 1.00 and 0.49 in the validation cohort if a risk threshold of 50 % was chosen.

CONCLUSIONS

This nomogram is helpful in the prediction of febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy in patients with lung, breast, and colon cancer. Usage of this nomogram may help decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with febrile neutropenia and deserves further validation.

Results of high-risk neutropenia therapy of hematology-oncology patients in a university hospital in Uruguay

Background

Febrile neutropenia is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in hematology–oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. The management of febrile neutropenia is typically algorithm-driven. The aim of this study was to assess the results of a standardized protocol for the treatment of febrile neutropenia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study (2011–2012) was conducted of patients with high-risk neutropenia in a hematology–oncology service.

Results

Forty-four episodes of 17 patients with a median age of 48 years (range: 18–78 years) were included. The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 61.4%. The presence of febrile neutropenia was associated with both the duration and severity of neutropenia. Microbiological agents were isolated from different sources in 59.3% of the episodes with bacteremia isolated from blood being the most prevalent (81.3%). Multiple drug-resistant gram-negative bacilli were isolated in 62.5% of all microbiologically documented infections. Treatment of 63% of the episodes in which the initial treatment was piperacillin/tazobactam needed to be escalated to meropenem. The mortality rate due to febrile neutropenia episodes was 18.5%.

Conclusion

The high rate of gram-negative bacilli resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam (front-line antibiotics in our protocol) and the early need to escalate to carbapenems raises the question as to whether it is necessary to change the current protocol.

Lipegfilgrastim for the prophylaxis and treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Chemotherapy is frequently associated with hematologic toxicity. Neutropenia with or without fever is a relevant cause of morbidity, mortality and costs, compromising treatment administration and clinical outcomes. The development of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors has had a positive impact on the clinician's approach to neutropenia. Such agents, currently used for primary and secondary prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN), are effective in limiting hematologic toxicities and consequently allow the administration of intensive dose-dense regimens. Several biosimilar products of filgrastim have been developed over the years, showing effects similar to the originator drug. Until now, pegfilgrastim has been the only available long-acting factor, requiring just a single administration per chemotherapy cycle. The recent approval of the novel granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, lipegfilgrastim, offers interesting therapeutic alternatives. In fact, similar to pegfilgrastim, it has been demonstrated to reduce the duration of neutropenia and the occurrence of FN during chemotherapy safely.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors as prophylaxis against febrile neutropenia

Myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy remains a serious adverse effect of cancer therapy that causes high morbidity and mortality. Several current European and American guidelines recommend consideration of primary prophylaxis with colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) when the risk of febrile neutropenia is higher than 20 %. The main factors associated with a high risk of febrile neutropenia include the chemotherapy regimen, tumor type, and patient-related factors such as old age and/or comorbidities. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the most relevant clinical trials and updated recommendations of the main guidelines on the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) in febrile neutropenia, examining whether the combination of G-CSF with chemotherapy improves overall survival. Future directions for G-CSF use are also discussed.

History of chronic comorbidity and risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in cancer patients not receiving G-CSF prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) is a clinically important complication that affects patient outcome by delaying chemotherapy doses or reducing dose intensity. Risk of FN depends on chemotherapy- and patient-level factors. We sought to determine the effects of chronic comorbidities on risk of FN.

DESIGN

We conducted a cohort study to examine the association between a variety of chronic comorbidities and risk of FN in patients diagnosed with six types of cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast, colorectal, lung, ovary, and gastric cancer) from 2000 to 2009 who were treated with chemotherapy at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, a large managed care organization. We excluded those patients who received primary prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. History of comorbidities and FN events were identified using electronic medical records. Cox models adjusting for propensity score, stratified by cancer type, were used to determine the association between comorbid conditions and FN. Models that additionally adjusted for cancer stage, baseline neutrophil count, chemotherapy regimen, and dose reduction were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 19 160 patients with mean age of 60 years were included; 963 (5.0%) developed FN in the first chemotherapy cycle. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.30 (1.07-1.57)], congestive heart failure [HR = 1.43 (1.00-1.98)], HIV infection [HR = 3.40 (1.90-5.63)], autoimmune disease [HR = 2.01 (1.10-3.33)], peptic ulcer disease [HR = 1.57 (1.05-2.26)], renal disease [HR = 1.60 (1.21-2.09)], and thyroid disorder [HR = 1.32 (1.06-1.64)] were all associated with a significantly increased FN risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence that history of several chronic comorbidities increases risk of FN, which should be considered when managing patients during chemotherapy.

History of chronic comorbidity and risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma not receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis

We conducted a cohort study to examine the association between a wide variety of chronic comorbidities and risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from 2000 to 2009 treated with chemotherapy at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. History of comorbidities and FN events were identified using electronic medical records. Cox model adjusting for propensity score was used to determine the association between a comorbid condition and FN. Models that additionally adjusted for cancer stage, baseline absolute neutrophil count, chemotherapy regimen and dose reduction were also evaluated. A total of 2480 patients with NHL were included, and 60% received CHOP/R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, with or without rituximab). In total, 236 (9.5%) patients developed FN in the first chemotherapy cycle. Anemia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [1.2-2.2]), HIV infection (HR = 3.8 [2.0-6.7]) and rheumatoid diseases (HR = 2.4 [1.3-4.0]) were associated with significantly increased risk of FN. These results provide evidence that chronic comorbidity increases the risk of FN.

Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer: current strategies of management in the Middle East

Although most patients with prostate cancer respond to initial androgen-deprivation therapy, progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is almost inevitable. In 2004, the docetaxel/prednisone regimen was approved for the management of patients with metastatic CRPC, becoming the standard first-line therapy. Recent advances have also led to an unprecedented number of approved new drugs; thus, providing several treatment options for patients with metastatic CRPC. Five new drugs have received US Food and Drug Administration-approval between 2010 and 2012: sipuleucel-T, an immunotherapeutic agent; cabazitaxel, a novel microtubule inhibitor; abiraterone acetate, a new androgen biosynthesis inhibitor; enzalutamide, a novel androgen receptor inhibitor; and denosumab, a bone-targeting agent. Such drugs are either already marketed or about to be marketed in the Middle East. Data supporting the approval of each of these agents are described in this review, as are recent approaches to the treatment of metastatic CRPC.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Role of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Pegfilgrastim in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Background:

Despite primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN) with pegfilgrastim, studies have demonstrated a significant number of breakthrough FN events among Asian lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy. This study was designed to investigate the association of pegfilgrastim concentrations during the lowest point of absolute neutrophil count (ANC nadir) after chemotherapy administration and the occurrence of breakthrough FN, to evaluate whether Therapeutic drug monitoring of pegfilgrastim can guide management of FN.

Methods:

This was a single-centre, prospective cohort study of Asian lymphoma patients who received prophylactic pegfilgrastim after completion of their chemotherapy. Pegfilgrastim serum concentrations were measured from blood samples taken during ANC nadir and at development of breakthrough FN using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and correlation curves were used in the statistical analyses.

Results:

Nineteen patients were recruited from May to August 2012 and received 21 cycles of pegfilgrastim. Three (15.8%) developed breakthrough FN. The median pegfilgrastim concentration among patients who developed breakthrough FN was 0.257 (0.231–0.631) ng/ml, compared to 0.299 (0.001–0.829) ng/ml in patients who did not (p=0.740). Baseline ANC levels were significantly lower in patients with breakthrough FN (3.59 × 109/L, range 2.71–3.87) versus those who did not (5.36 × 109/L, range 2.80–16.48; p=0.014).

Conclusion:

There was no difference in pegfilgrastim levels during ANC nadir between patients who developed breakthrough FN and those who did not, but the study was underpowered. Therapeutic drug monitoring of pegfilgrastim cannot be recommended at this time.