What is the purpose of growth factor support during chemotherapy?

• A. To reduce mucositis
• B. To reduce chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and infection risk
• C. To enhance tumor kill
• D. To prevent anemia

Answer: (B)

Growth factor support during chemotherapy is aimed at neutrophil recovery to prevent neutropenia and related infections. Chemotherapy often suppresses the bone marrow, lowering neutrophil counts; agents like G-CSF or GM-CSF stimulate white blood cell production, reducing how long and how deep the neutropenia lasts. This lowers the risk of febrile neutropenia and infections, and helps patients stay on their planned chemotherapy dose and schedule, which can improve treatment effectiveness and shorten hospital stays when possible. Growth factors don’t directly prevent mucositis or treat anemia—mucositis is managed with oral care and symptom control, while anemia is addressed with red blood cell transfusions or erythropoiesis-stimulating therapies.