Lecture 22: Growth Factors in Cancer
Gerald A Soff MD &
Hanny Al-Samkari M.D.
Presentation Date:
March 5, 2026
> Cytopenia resulting from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, is associated with morbidity/ mortality, and may negatively impact cancer outcomes.
> The development of therapeutic Hematopoietic Growth Factors has been one of the most impactful contributions to cancer care.
> In this presentation we will discuss the approach to cytopenia and the current understanding of appropriate use of growth factors in cancer patients.
Gerald A. Soff MD
Chief, Classical Hematology Service
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,
University of Miami Health System
gas199@Miami.edu
Hanny Al-Samkari, M.D.
Hematology Oncology Division
Massachusetts General Hospital
hal-samkari@mgh.Harvard.edu
Disclosures: Gerald Soff, M.D
Research Support (Past 2 years): Amgen, Sobi/Dova Pharmaceuticals, Anthos Therapeutics
Data Safety Monitoring Committee: Alpine Immune Sciences
Advisory Boards (Past 2 years) Sanofi, Novartis
Disclosures: Hanny Al-Samkari, M.D.
Research Support: Agios ,Sobi, Amgen, Novartis, Vaderis
Data Safety Monitoring Committee: Alpine Immune Sciences
Consultancy: Agios, Sobi, Argenx, Novartis, Alnylam, Sanofi, Amgen, Pharmacosmos
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
> Discuss the current approach to chemotherapy/cancer associated anemia.
> Discuss the current approach to chemotherapy/cancer associated neutropenia, including the approrpiate use of white cell growth factors.
> Discuss the current approach to chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia
> If you feed them, they will grow!