Which One is More Effective, Filgrastim or Lenograstim, During Febrile Neutropenia Attack in Hospitalized Patients with Solid Tumors?

Background: Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) with solid tumors causes mortality andmorbidity at a significant rate. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of filgastrim and lenograstimstarted with the first dose of antibiotics in hospitalized patients diagnosed with FN. Materials and
Methods:Between February 2009 and May 2012, 151 patients diagnosed with FN were evaluated, retrospectively. In thoseconsidered appropriate for hospitalization, convenient antibiotic therapy with granulocyte colony stimulatingfactors was started within first 30 minutes by completing necessary examinations in accordance with FEN guiderecommendations.
Results: In this study, 175 febrile neutropenia attacks in 151 patients were examined. Seventythree of the patients were male and 78 were female. The average age was 53.6 and 53.6, respectively. The mostcommon solid tumor was breast carcinoma in 38 (25%) . One hundred and five FN patients (58%) were those whoreceived granulocyte colony stimulating factors as primary prophylaxis.
Conclusions: While studies comparingboth drugs generally involve treatments started for prophylaxis, this study compared the treatment given duringthe febrile neutropenia attack. Compared to lenograstim, filgastrim shortens the duration of hospitalizationduring febrile neutropenia attack by facilitating faster recovery with solid tumors.