QUESTIONS FOR LUNG SPECIALISTS

OBJECTIVES: The French drug authorities audited first-time prescriptio n of hematopoietic growth factors using a prescription followup survey . Data collected between April 1995 and March 1996 were analyzed then criticized by three clinical experts working in three different areas where lenograstime is most widely used. METHODS: First-time prescripti on data and follow-up information were recorded on separate inclusion and follow-up diaries by the prescribing physicians. The delivering ph armacies completed the diaries and addressed them to the INSERM unit 3 30 for analysis. RESULTS: There were 7,102 inclusion diaries and 1376 follow-up diaries from 234 different hospital facilities. Lenograstime was most frequently prescribed in patients with lymphoma (19%), breas t cancer (16,4%), and lung cancer (13,8%). Prescriptions involved 377 different chemotherapy protocols, including 196 which concerned a sing le patient. At the first prescription, lenograstime was given as a pre ventive measure in 61% of the cases and for curative the therapy in 25 .3%. The planned duration of preventive treatment was longer than the true period of treatment. DISCUSSION: Pr Rossi, hematologist, Pr Misse t cancerologist and Pr Lebeau, pneumologist criticized the findings. ( C) 1998, Masson, Paris.