[Use of filgrastim (RHU G-CSF) in supplemental treatment of non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in children].

: Clinical application of glycoproteins stimulating the growth (G-CSF), differentiation and activity of the cells of granulocyte line has become a landmark in the treatment of patients with neutropenia. It has been proved that filgrastim (rHU G-CSF) applied after intensive chemotherapy shortens the duration of neutropenia and decreases the frequency of occurrence of infections. The paper discusses the efficiency and tolerance of filgrastim in children treated for NHL. Filgrastim was applied in children with NHL T cell and B cell treated according to BFM 86 protocols. It was given in a dose of 5 micrograms/kg daily i.v. The duration of therapy ranged from 5-20 days. Altogether 47 cycles were performed. 25 cycles were performed in 12 children during granulocytopenia (< 1 x 10(9)/l). The median time of neutropenia recovery, the frequency of severe infection and chemotherapy retardation were significantly lower in the examined than in the control group (p < 0.05). In 6 children 22 courses of filgrastim were given prophylactically after the cycles of intensive chemotherapy of NHL. Only during two courses due to neutropenia the chemotherapy retardation was necessary. Toleration of filgrastim was good. Application of filgrastim right after the intensive chemotherapy in children with NHL has considerably improved persistent realization of treatment programmes. Tolerance of the drug was good.