Background and aims: neutropenia (N) is common in patients receiving chemotherapy. In literature higher incidence of G3/G4-N was reported in first chemotherapy cycle. Febrile-N (FN) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Retrospectively, we evaluated efficacy and safety of single injection of P (6 mg) compared with daily L (263 μg) in primary prophylaxis of N, in NMBC and chemotherapy-naïve patients receiving adjuvant FEC100.
Methods: 35 women (median age 54 years) underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy. At every cycle, 17 patients received daily L from day 5 to 9 (5 total injections), while 18 patients received one dose of P on day 2. Incidence of N, FN and bone pain (NRS >7) were evaluated.
Results: in overall population incidence of N was 66%, while G3/G4-N was 54%. In P arm, N was 50%, all G3/G4-N. In L arm N was 82%, of which 58% was G3/G4-N. One case of FN occurred in P arm. During first cycle, incidence of G3/G4-N was 33% and 41% in P and L arms, respectively; no G3/G4-N occurred during the last cycle. Incidence of bone pain was 11% in both arms. Chemotherapy reduction occurred in 50% and 29% in P and L arm, respectively.
Conclusions: in our experience, a single injection of P was more effective than 5 daily
administration of L, in particular for G3/G4-N incidence, also during first cycle. More dose reduction was made in P arm. The safety profiles of P and L were similar with the same incidence of bone pain
