title: The clinical use of hematopoietic growth factors.
abstract: Recombinant DNA technology has allowed for the production of large quantities of several hematopoietic growth factors as cloned gene products. Three of these factors--recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)--are currently undergoing clinical trials and appear to offer considerable promise for the treatment of a variety of hematopoietic abnormalities. Therapy with r-HuEPO can raise the hematocrit levels of patients with end-stage renal disease. Therapy with GM-CSF in patients undergoing marrow transplantation results in acceleration of granulocyte and platelet recovery by 1 to 2 weeks, leading to fewer infections and earlier discharge from the hospital. Other demonstrated uses of GM-CSF include treatment for aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and neutropenia associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Similar beneficial effects have been reported with G-CSF. Other hematopoietic growth factors, including the interleukins (IL)-1, -3, and -6, will soon be entering clinical trials. For the first time, the availability of a large number of hematopoietic growth factors may allow physicians to regulate closely the entire hematopoietic system of their patients.
authors: Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
authors: F R
authors: FR
authors: Appelbaum
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D006098:Granulocytes; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors; D006133:Growth Substances; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor