Model-based approach to describe G-CSF effects in carboplatin-treated cancer patients.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is often used in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic drugs to prevent or reduce high grade neutropenia. We propose a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model to describe myelotoxicity in both G-CSF treated and non-treated patients that shall increase our understanding of G-CSF effects. The model was built from absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) obtained in 375 carboplatin-treated patients, 47 of whom received G-CSF. It includes some prior information on G-CSF taken from the literature. Simulations were performed to understand differences in G-CSF effects and explore the impact of G-CSF formulation. Our model well described the data in all patients. M…