Objective: To assess the preventive effect of PEG-rhG-CSF on neutropenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in lung cancer patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 149 lung cancer patients undergoing CCRT at Peking University Cancer Hospital (April 2020–April 2021) was conducted. Patients were divided into prevention (n=79) and non-prevention (n=70) groups. The prevention group included primary prevention (prophylactic PEG-rhG-CSF in all CCRT cycles, n=48) and secondary prevention (prophylactic PEG-rhG-CSF after neutropenia occurrence, n=31). Outcomes compared between groups included incidence of grade 3-4 neutropenia, CCRT completion rate, treatment delays/dose reductions, and hospitalization due to hematological toxicity.
Results: Overall, grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 32.2% (48/149) of patients, with significant differences among groups: 6.3% (3/48) in primary prevention, 9.7% (3/31) in secondary prevention, and 35.7% (25/70) in non-prevention (P<0.001). Febrile neutropenia incidence was 3.4% (5/149), with no cases in the primary prevention group. The CCRT completion rate was higher in the prevention group (96.2% vs. 82.9%, P=0.007). Treatment delays/dose reductions were lower in the prevention group (19.0% vs. 40.0%, P=0.005).
Conclusions: Prophylactic PEG-rhG-CSF significantly reduces neutropenia risk, improves CCRT adherence, and minimizes treatment interruptions in lung cancer patients.