Cytokines in stem cell transplantation.
The use of cytokines in stem cell transplantation is still in the early stages of development. Efficacy has not been established consistently at the present time. When cytokines are employed in the treatment setting, they should be employed in a study setting evaluating whether there has been real patient benefit-palliation without compromise of therapeutic outcome or, preferably, a survival advantage. Cost effectiveness has not been established and, in any case it should not be a consideration until therapeutic efficacy has been established. The determination of various biologic parameters on cells such as cytokine receptors may permit more precise use of HGFs. In some cases there probably are subsets of patients who are benefited, while there are subsets who are harmed. The challenge of the future is to define these subsets.
Stewart
F M
FM
Hematology-Oncology Division, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655, USA.
D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans
D016207:Cytokines; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor