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Review
. 2025 Sep 9:15:1613199.
doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1613199. eCollection 2025.

The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in the management of breast cancer patients

Anna Bałata  1 , Ewa Szombara  1 , Zbigniew I Nowecki  1 , Katarzyna Pogoda  1
Affiliations
Review

The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in the management of breast cancer patients

Anna Bałata et al. Front Oncol. .

Abstract

The dynamic development of oncology poses new challenges to health care practitioners (HCPs), related to the introduction of modern targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or new chemotherapy regimens. The previous treatment algorithm for neutropenia and febrile neutropenia have significantly reduced the frequency of these complications in long-term therapies. Currently, breast cancer (BC) treatment is also based on the use of modern therapies, showing different toxicity profile. This article discusses the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) in well-known and new therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer patients. The factors influencing the development of hematological complications such as neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were presented. An important aspect of the assessment of patients at increased risk of therapy-induced toxicity was discussed with highlighting the fact that the treatment regimen is not the only factor influencing the development of adverse events (AEs). The aim of the study is to consolidate recommendations for the primary and secondary prevention of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia and related improvement of treatment outcomes in patients with BC.

Keywords: anticancer therapy toxicity; breast cancer; febrile neutropenia; filgrastim; granulocyte colony-stimulating factors; neutropenia; pegfilgrastim.

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Conflict of interest statement

AB - honoraria for lectures/clinical trials and payment of conference fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Sandoz. ES - honoraria for consultations/lectures/training/clinical trials and payment of conferences fees from AstraZeneca, Gilead, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, MSD, Sandoz and Swixx. ZN - honoraria for consultations/lectures/training/clinical trials and payment of conferences fees from AstraZeneca, Gilead, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, MSD. KP - honoraria for consultations/lectures/training/clinical trials and payment of conferences fees from AstraZeneca, Gilead, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, MSD, Sandoz and Swixx.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stratification of febrile neutropenia risk groups (2, 6).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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