What is the role of growth factors in chemotherapy?

• A. To hasten tumor shrinkage.
• B. To shorten neutropenia duration and reduce infection risk; used for primary or secondary prophylaxis in regimens with high FN risk or individualized risk factors.
• C. To directly kill cancer cells.
• D. To replace chemotherapy dose.

Answer: (B)

Growth factors are used to protect the immune system during chemotherapy by stimulating the bone marrow to produce neutrophils. This speeds up recovery from neutropenia, shortening its duration and lowering the risk of febrile neutropenia and infection. They’re employed as primary prophylaxis when a chemotherapy regimen carries a high risk of neutropenia (or when a patient has additional risk factors) and as secondary prophylaxis after a prior neutropenic event to help continue the planned treatment. They do not directly kill cancer cells or replace chemotherapy; instead, they support delivering the intended dose and schedule by reducing hematologic toxicity.