Use of hematopoietic growth factors as adjuvant therapy for anemia and neutropenia in the treatment of hepatitis C.

Objective: To review the hematologic adverse effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and adjuvant treatment with epoetin alfa and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (ie, filgrastim).

Data Sources: Medical literature indexed in MEDLINE (1966-January 2007) and EMBASE (1980-January 2007) was searched, and published conference abstracts were reviewed.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Peer-reviewed articles and relevant conference abstracts regarding the use of epoetin alfa and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were reviewed.

Data Synthesis: Ribavirin induces a dose-dependent hemolytic anemia. Studies using epoetin alfa 40 000 units subcutaneously once weekly have demonstrated efficacy in maintaining hemoglobin, ribavirin dose, and quality of life scores, but clear benefit shown with sustained virologic response (SVR) is lacking. The hemoglobin threshold for initiation of epoetin alfa used in studies may not adequately reflect values used in clinical practice. Treatment-related neutropenia is caused primarily by interferon or peginterferon. Few studies have investigated the impact of granulocyte or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor derivatives on neutropenia. Results of dose maintenance evaluation vary, and studies reporting data on SVR showed no effect from growth factor therapy. The frequency of bacterial infections was not reported.

Conclusions: The role and benefit of hematopoietic growth factors in HCV therapy have not been conclusively determined to date. However, the possibility of a benefit to individual patients seen on an outpatient basis remains, and an individualized treatment approach is recommended.