They can also be produced in a laboratory. These growth factors work by encouraging the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. White blood cells are essential for fighting infection. They are sometimes given to encourage the body to produce the number of white blood cells it needs after some kinds of chemotherapy . They are also given as part of the preparation for a cancer treatment called stem cell transplant , which is used with high dose chemotherapy.
Growth factors appear as a clear solution in a small glass bottle, or pre-loaded syringe.
You or your carers can be taught how to give these injections so that you can continue the treatment at home, or it may be given by a district nurse or GP practice nurse. They are usually started within a few days after the chemotherapy has been given, and are given daily for up to 14 days. One of the main side effects of chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer is a reduction in the number of white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. This makes your body less able to fight infection. There is a risk you could develop serious infection, which may have to be treated in hospital.