Growth factors in allogeneic transplantation.
Several variables contribute to the successful outcome of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. During the first 4 weeks after reinfusion of allogeneic marrow, morbidity and mortality rates related to pancytopenia are high. After this time the development of graft-versus-host disease and/or recurrence of malignancy may further increase morbidity and limit survival. Hematopoietic growth factors such as recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors reduce morbidity of patients receiving high-intensity chemotherapy regimens by stimulating earlier neutrophil recovery. Studies in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patients who receive recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage, recombinant human granulocyte, and recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factors suggest that these factors are well tolerated. The severity of graft-versus-host disease is not adversely affected, morbidity is less, and survival may be improved in certain patient populations. Results of phase I and II trials with hematopoietic growth factors in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation will be reviewed.
Nemunaitis
J
J
Texas Oncology PA, Baylor Medical Center/Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas 75204.
D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor