What is the role of growth factors during chemotherapy?

Growth factors play a pivotal role in supporting the body's recovery during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often targets rapidly dividing cells, including not only cancer cells but also healthy cells that are responsible for blood cell production in the bone marrow. As a result, patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to anemia, increased risk of infection, and issues with blood clotting.

Growth factors, such as erythropoietin (which stimulates red blood cell production) and colony-stimulating factors (which stimulate white blood cell production), are used to mitigate these side effects. By promoting the production of blood cells, growth factors help restore patients' immune function, improve energy levels, and reduce the likelihood of complications associated with low blood cell counts, such as infections or severe fatigue. This supportive role is critical in allowing patients to tolerate chemotherapy and maintain a better quality of life throughout their treatment.