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NCCN Releases New Myeloid Growth Factors Clinical Practice Guidelines

JENKINTOWN, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of nineteen of the world’s leading cancer centers, announces the release of its new Myeloid Growth Factors Guidelines outlining recommendations for prevention of cancer therapy-associated neutropenia. Neutropenia, reduction in white blood cells, is the major dose-limiting toxicity associated with chemotherapy which can lead to dose reductions, treatment delays, and poorer outcomes.

The NCCN Myeloid Growth Factors Panel developed specific recommendations for use of growth factors to prevent febrile neutropenia and to support scheduled dose delivery stratified by risk assessment related to both specific chemotherapy regimens and patient-specific risk factors. Myeloid growth factors recommended in the guidelines are filgrastim (Neupogen®, Amgen), sargramostim (Leukine®, Berlex), and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®, Amgen).

“NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ are widely recognized as the standard for clinical policy in the oncology community. Additionally, they are being used increasingly by insurance and managed care companies to help establish coverage policy,” said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., CEO of the NCCN. “As such, NCCN recognizes its responsibility to provide up-to-date information to inform decision-making. Thus, the NCCN Guidelines process is an ongoing, continual process.”

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ are available free of charge on CD-ROM and online. CD-ROMs can be ordered from NCCN by calling 215-690-0300. The most up-to-date versions of the guidelines can be found at www.nccn.org.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 19 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to cancer patients. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN member institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives. NCCN programs include: Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™, Drugs & Biologics Compendium™, Treatment Guidelines for Patients, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), Leukemia Resource Line, educational conferences and symposia for clinicians, Oncology Outcomes Project, Clinical Trials Network, Cancer Case Manager™, and collaborations with managed care organizations.