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® 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® Paris, France) at the same center according to the same clinical protocol. PBSC harvesting was considered successful if at least 3×10 6 CD34+ cells/kg were collected. If three consecutive CD34+ tests were below 10/μL 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 Zarziois® comparable to Neupogen® for PBSC mobilization and collection after chemotherapy and so may provide a more cost-effective strategy.