Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor and oral mucositis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients with oral mucositis.

DATA SOURCES

Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-June 2000) and bibliographic searches.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Published literature assessing the use of GM-CSF to treat or prevent oral mucositis was analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

Reports of GM-CSF improving mucositis have been published; however, because of limitations in these reports, insufficient evidence confirms the benefits of GM-CSF. These preliminary studies provide a rationale to conduct well-designed, double-blind, randomized trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GM-CSF in the treatment and/or prevention of oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.