How it is administered

Pegfilgrastim is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically given once per chemotherapy cycle. It is available in several forms, including prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, and on-body injectors (depending on the specific product). The standard adult dose is 6 mg injected under the skin, usually at least 24 hours after chemotherapy. For children weighing less than 45 kg, dosing is weight-based (see table below):

| Body Weight | Dose | Volume to Administer | |--------------------|--------|---------------------| | Less than 10 kg | 0.1 mg/kg | 0.01 mL/kg | | 10 – 20 kg | 1.5 mg | 0.15 mL | | 21 – 30 kg | 2.5 mg | 0.25 mL | | 31 – 44 kg | 4 mg | 0.4 mL |

Pegfilgrastim should not be administered between 14 days before and 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy.

How it works

Pegfilgrastim is a type of medicine called a colony-stimulating factor. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. Chemotherapy for blood cancers, including Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, often lowers the number of neutrophils in the blood, increasing the risk of infections (a condition called neutropenia).

Pegfilgrastim binds to specific receptors on blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, encouraging them to multiply and mature into functional neutrophils. By boosting neutrophil counts, pegfilgrastim helps reduce the risk and duration of neutropenia and related complications, such as fever and infections, during chemotherapy. This support allows patients to continue their cancer treatment on schedule and with fewer interruptions due to infection-related complications.

Who Should take it

Pegfilgrastim is recommended for patients with non-myeloid cancers (such as lymphomas, including Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma) who are receiving chemotherapy that is likely to significantly reduce white blood cell counts and increase the risk of infection. It is used to decrease the incidence of infection, as shown by fever and low neutrophil counts (febrile neutropenia).

It is also approved for use in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation to increase survival. Pegfilgrastim is not indicated for use in mobilizing stem cells for transplantation.

Who should not take it

Pegfilgrastim should not be used in patients who have had serious allergic reactions to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, or other granulocyte colony-stimulating factors. Reactions can include anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

Patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to these medications should avoid pegfilgrastim. It should also be used with caution in patients with sickle cell disorders, as it can trigger severe sickle cell crises. If you have a history of allergic reactions or sickle cell disease, discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting pegfilgrastim.

Commonly used with

Pegfilgrastim is commonly used alongside chemotherapy regimens for blood cancers, including Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma. It is not a cancer treatment itself but is used to support the immune system during chemotherapy.

It may be given with other supportive care medications, such as anti-nausea drugs or antibiotics, depending on your treatment plan.

Commonly tested with

Pegfilgrastim has been tested in combination with various chemotherapy regimens in clinical trials, especially those known to cause significant neutropenia. It is often compared to filgrastim (another colony-stimulating factor) in studies.

It is not typically tested with other specific medications, but rather as part of a supportive care protocol during chemotherapy for blood cancers and other non-myeloid malignancies.