Abstract | PURPOSE:
Pegfilgrastim reduces the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) and is indicated as primary prophylaxis when the risk of FN approaches 20% in each chemotherapy cycle. There have been few reports evaluating the appropriate use of pegfilgrastim in comparison with published guidelines. We sought to determine possible over-prescribing as a way to maintain quality and reduce cost. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was performed to determine whether pegfilgrastim was used appropriately in the primary prophylaxis of FN in chemotherapy regimens with less than 20% risk of FN. Patients were identified by means of administrative records, and data were collected from the electronic medical record at an academic cancer center outpatient clinic serving approximately 13,000 patients per year. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: At one institution, approximately one half of all primary prophylaxis pegfilgrastim was not indicated per published guidelines. This represents an excellent opportunity to change prescribing practices to reduce costs without harming patients.
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Authors | Geralyn E Waters, Patricia Corrigan, Mandy Gatesman, Thomas J Smith |
Journal | Journal of oncology practice
(J Oncol Pract)
Vol. 9
Issue 4
Pg. 203-6
(Jul 2013)
ISSN: 1935-469X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 23942922
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Recombinant Proteins
- Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
- pegfilgrastim
- Polyethylene Glycols
- Filgrastim
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia
(drug therapy, prevention & control)
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Drug Prescriptions
- Female
- Filgrastim
- Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
(administration & dosage, economics)
- Hospitals, University
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms
(complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
- Polyethylene Glycols
- Practice Guidelines as Topic
- Practice Patterns, Physicians'
- Recombinant Proteins
(administration & dosage, economics)
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
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