No area of cancer supportive care better illustrates the progress that has resulted from advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular biology, genetic engineering and the development of more effective yet often more toxic cancer treatments than that of the hematopoietic growth factors. This volume will review and integrate the major advances in our understanding of the underlying molecular biology and pharmacology of these agents along with the results of well designed and executed randomized controlled trials of the erythroid stimulating agents, the myeloid growth factors and the new thrombopoietic agents each addressing a major threat associated with bone marrow suppression accompanying cancer treatment. The current clinical utilization of these agents is based on numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses along with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by professional societies guiding their appropriate and cost-effective use in clinical care.