Application of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in children with acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) on accelerating neutrophil recovery and decrease fatal infections for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

From November 1992 to March 1997, 45 patients were enrolled into our study and 15 were newly diagnosed. All were treated with high dose chemotherapy combined with rhG-CSF.

RESULTS

Of 15 newly diagnosed patients, 13 achieved complete remission (CR) after one course of therapy and 2 achieved CR after two courses of therapy. For newly diagnosed patients, the durations of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) < 0.5 x 10(9)/L were 5 days and 10 days in rhG-CSF group and control group respectively (P < 0.05). The incidences of infection of these two groups were 40% and 60% respectively (P < 0.05). As for patients who received intensive therapy, the durations of ANC < 0.5 x 10(9)/L were 5 days and 8 days in rhG-CSF group and control group, respectively (P < 0.05), and the incidences of infection were 25% and 44.4% respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of rhG-CSF in children with AML after chemotherapy may hasten the hematopoietic recovery. The duration of neutropenia was shortened by 3-4 days, and the incidence of fatal infection was reduced. rhG-CSF does not stimulate AML growth in vivo.