Hematopoietic growth factors: personalization of risks and benefits

A common side effect of cancer treatment is bone marrow suppression. The resulting myelosuppression and anemia can cause significant morbidity and mortality for patients. Agents such as granulocyte colony stimulating factors (GCSF) and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) may be helpful to ameliorate this depression of blood counts; however these agents have risks which also need to be carefully weighed.