Chinese expert consensus on the application of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (2023 edition)

Abstract

Neutropenia is the most common hematological toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and leads to subsequent treatment delays and/or dose reductions. Neutropenia often advances to febrile neutropenia and serious infections, which can affect the prognosis and safety of patients. The reasonable prevention and management of neutropenia is vital for patients with malignancies undergoing CCRT. Pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (PEG‐rhG‐CSF), a long‐acting recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, can prevent and treat neutropenia in more convenient clinical settings. Based on relevant guidelines and the most recent clinical data, the Chinese Association for Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists, China Society for Radiation Oncology, and Chinese Association of Radiation Therapy have evaluated the safety and efficacy of PEG‐rhG‐CSF during CCRT, clearly defined the clinical pathway and route of administration for the prevention and treatment of neutropenia, and formed a Chinese expert consensus on PEG‐rhG‐CSF application during CCRT, with the goal of promoting the reasonable clinical use of this treatment.