title: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF): what role in bone marrow transplantation?
abstract: Infection during the period of bone marrow aplasia remains one of the major risks associated with high-dose chemotherapy and transplantation. Over the past several years, a number of investigators in Europe and North America have evaluated the use of GM-CSF in the setting of autologous bone marrow transplantation. These studies have almost all shown a hastening of myeloid engraftment. This, for the most part, has led to fewer serious infections and a decreased hospital stay for the GM-CSF treated patients. An overall survival advantage has not been noted. There has also not been any consistent multi-lineage effect. Future trials with combinations of sequentially used cytokines may lead to more rapid recovery of red blood cells and platelets in addition to granulocytes.
authors.affiliation: Div. of Oncology, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, NY 11030.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Schuster
mesh_terms: D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor