I was diagnosed in June 2016 with intermediate MDS. Trilineage dysplasia with sole cytopenia being neutropenia. At outset I was getting regular Neupogen injections to raise wbc/anc as prescribed by my local hematologist. She wanted my wbc to increase in preparation for Vidazza.
I asked for and received a second opinion from a Center of Excellence. Diagnosis changed to low grade MDS again with trilineage dysplasia and sole cytopenia being neutropenia. All treatment was stopped. It’s been 6 years on watch and wait for me. On a few occasions I have received a Neupogen injection to help with dealing with skin infections. I had a recent skin infection and received a Zarxio injection. My ANC is regularly less than 500 meaning I’m severely neutropenic. I’ve not been febrile and have had only 1 cold in my six years post diagnosis. I do get antibiotics when skin inflections occur.
I have asked “ why not just continue Neupogen/ Zarxio injections”. The response has been that regular use of these treatments could promote AML.
So to answer your question the only way my neutrophils increase is with Neupogen/ Zarxio. It is only administered occasionally when I seek treatment for a skin infection. While my ANC is always low my Center of Excellence hematologist says the neutrophils are getting to my tissues, since I’ve not been “sick”, although they don’t show peripherally in my regular blood draws.
This has been long winded but I hope it’s helpful.
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