Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization and Engraftment after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation with Biosimilar rhG-CSF

Introduction Biosimilar versions of filgrastim [recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF)] are now widely available. To date, biosimilar rhG-CSF has demonstrated a comparable quality, safety and efficacy profile to the originator product (filgrastim [Neupogen®], Amgen Inc., CA, USA) in the prevention and management of neutropenia. Biosimilar rhG-CSFs have also been used to induce peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The authors have examined the effectiveness of a biosimilar rhG-CSF (Zarzio®, Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals, Holzkirchen, Germany) in two retrospective studies across two medical centers in Hungary.