Human recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in pediatric oncology practice.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports preliminary experiences with human recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in children with malignant diseases administered for three indications (1) chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and sepsis, (2) prolonged neutropenia decreasing dose intensity, and (3) prevention of neutropenia after sublethal doses of chemotherapy. It was concluded that in the daily dose of 5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously, GM-CSF is capable of reducing the duration of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and may be an effective tool in maintaining dose intensity and achieving dose escalation.