The development of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapies can lead to complications such as infection, hospitalization, and interference in continuation of chemotherapy treatments. Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®) is often utilized to decrease the risk of febrile neutropenia; however, pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain (PIBP) is a common, and potentially serious, side effect. High rates of PIBP suggest that novel prophylactic treatment strategies would be of significant

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... clinical benefit, such as with gabapentinoids (e.g. gabapentin, pregabalin). The objective of this study is to evaluate the prior use of gabapentinoids in patients with lymphoma and to determine if their use demonstrates an effect on incidence of PIBP. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who were treated for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or follicular lymphoma and received pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®) at the University of North Carolina Medical Center between January 1st and December 31st, 2017. Patients were evaluated for incidence of PIBP and use of gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin) during chemotherapy treatment. Results: A total of 135 patients were identified in the final analysis. The incidence of PIBP was 11.1% (N=15) within our DLBCL and follicular population combined, of whom 18.5% (N=25) were on a gabapentinoid therapy during the time they received chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim treatment (P=0.0456). All patients who received gabapentinoid therapies did not report bone pain. Conclusions: Gabapentinoid use was significantly associated with a decrease in PIBP. Patients who reported PIBP did not receive prior gabapentinoids, supporting that gabapentinoid prophylaxis could reasonably be implemented. However, further study is warranted in a larger population experiencing PIBP to determine if gabapentinoids are associated with decreased PIBP and prospective prophylactic interventions are efficacious.