2nd chemo cycle delayed - Neutrophils - Grastofil (Filgrastim)

[skiingfiend]

I am on carboplatin+etoposide chemo treatment for treatment emergent small cell prostate cancer. I am mCRPCa.

Prior to 1st cycle - blood work indicated normal haematology markers, all within normal range.

Prior to 2nd cycle - blood work indicated below normal haematology markers, many below normal range.

Neutrophils were below minimum value (Neutropenia) deemed necessary to continue 2nd cycle, so it was delayed for a week to give bone marrow an extra week to recover. Depending on results in one week - treatment will continue at normal dose or at a reduced dose.

The NP also ordered Grastofil, a daily injection delivered during the 2 week rest period, to assist faster neutrophil recovery in the rest period between infusions.

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How effective is Grastofil (Filgrastim) at supporting recovery of white blood cell counts?

What does this portend for my likelihood to complete 6 cycles on schedule?

[MyDad76]

Filgrastim injections are very effective - without it my mom would not be able to have chemo due to low white blood counts, with it, she had no issue with count.

[APK3]

Currently getting ready for my 4th infusion. I've taken daily Filgrastim shots (daily for 5 days) after the 1st infusion starting 1 week after the infusion and Peg-filgrastim a slow release shot the day after the infusion during my 2nd and 3rd infusion.They both brought my ANC and WBC way up. For pain I've taken Claritin daily until the shots clear the system. Seems to help.

[GP24]

I would see Dr. David Palma in London, Canada and ask him to zap all the mets with SBRT. He will treat up to 30 mets. lhsc.on.ca/london-regional-...

[skiingfiend in reply to GP24]

I have progressive metastatic PCs and recent extensive liver metastases which biopsy indicates as te-SCPC. Recent bone scan indicates that my bone metastases have improved from year ago and lesions are significantly reduced.

Can SBRT be used to treat the liver metastases? This is my main problem right now.

[GP24 in reply to skiingfiend]

You can use SBRT to treat liver metastases but it is rarely done. The alternative is SIRT. See this treatment for small cell tumor mets: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[APK3 in reply to GP24]

30 ? That's far more than I've heard of. Thanks for the link.

[SimplyT]

Finished my 9th carboplatin/cabazataxil treatment this week. The first 6 chemos were last year in conjunction with 18 immuno treatments in the Champ trial at Duke.

Started chemo again in January and removed from the trial. Enlarged lymph nodes and spot on liver. We also hit the liver spot with 5 radiation treatments. Following up chemo with Nyverpria shots 24 hours. Blood levels remaining relatively normal and new scans next month.

[Brendan1904]

I am on my second cycle of Docetaxel and the Filgrastim is working well for me (7 days injections after each cycle). I'm hoping to complete the maximum 10 cycles. Not sure about carboplatin+etoposide but, hopefully it will work as well for you. My pharmacist explained my aching in the long bones was due to the bone marrow being stimulated by the injections to produce the needed blood cells. Makes me feel a bit like I have flu in my bones for a few days but other than that no problem. I try to get out for a short stroll most days just to make me feel better and feel a bit normal.

Good luck and keep going.

[arete1105]

I was on Docetaxel. Out of 6 scheduled doses, I received 5 because scans, after the 5th showed tumors reduced in size for soft tissue and increased in size for bones. Labs showed my reds were just under the normal range, all others were good.

I didn't experience any strong side effects until the 5th dose. It mainly went to my head/sinuses. I had alot of drainage. I am glad I didn't get the 6th dose.

They now have me on Zytiga/Prednisone and Lupron shot to keep the cancer growth slow. But I just started taking Ivermectin, 40 mg/day for my 200lbs.

I just created an account with a pharmacy in India. I cost me $120 (including shipping) for 12mg for 500 tabs. My understanding is Ivermectin is a cancer killer. Hope this helps.

brightworkresearch.com/is-t...