Lenograstim compared to filgrastim for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in healthy donors

Background Recombinant human granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is used to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells for both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The recombinant products clinically available are lenograstim and filgrastim, which differ from a biologic point of view as well as from their economical impact. In this regard, some studies have shown different in vitro activities although clinical studies comparing both drugs in the allogeneic transplant setting are scanty. Study Design and Methods In the current study we compare the efficacy of lenograstim and filgrastim in terms of number of circulating CD34+ cells/μL during the fifth day of G‐CSF administration, the number of days of apheresis required to obtain the target cell dose, the median of CD34+ cells collected on the first day of apheresis, or the median number of total CD34+ cells collected at the end of the procedure, in a series of 146 healthy donors undergoing hematopoietic stem cell mobilization for allogeneic transplantation. Results We observed that, using a comparable dose for the two products, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusion In conclusion, the current retrospective study shows that lenograstim and filgrastim are similar in terms of efficacy for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in healthy donors.