First Experience of Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization with Biosimilar Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

Introduction: Mobilization techniques for autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection include chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic growth factors, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Biosimilar versions of G-CSF are now available in Europe. Methods: In this study, 40 patients with a hematological malignancy scheduled to receive biosimilar G-CSF (Zarzio (R), Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals, Paris, France) following first-cycle chemotherapy for treatment and autologous PBSC mobilization were prospectively included at a single center. These patients were compared with a historical control group who had been treated with G-CSF (Neupogen (R), Amgen, Paris, France) at the same center according to the same clinical protocol. PBSC harvesting was considered successful if at least 3x10(6) CD34+ cells/kg were collected. If three consecutive CD34+ tests were below 10/mu L then PBSC harvesting was not performed. Results: Patient characteristics were similar in both groups with no significant differences in age, diagnosis, previous chemotherapy, or chemotherapy mobilization regimen. No significant differences were observed between groups in median CD34+ cells mobilized and collected, or the number of G-CSF injections and leukaphereses required to obtain the minimal CD34+ cell count. Proportion of failures was also similar in both groups. Conclusion: Zarzio (R) is comparable to Neupogen (R) for PBSC mobilization and collection after chemotherapy and so may provide a more cost-effective strategy.