[Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Treatment of patients with highly malignant lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemias after autologous bone marrow transplantation].

We have evaluated the effect of intravenous infusions of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in ten patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation after total body irradiation (11 Gy) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) conditioning for malignant lymphomas or acute lymphoblastic leukaemias. Mild side effects related to GM-CSF were seen in six patients, of whom one chose to discontinue treatment. Compared to a historic control group consisting of six patients treated with an identical conditioning regimen, a tendency was seen towards a more rapid neutrophil regeneration and a decreased need for erythrocyte transfusions. Moreover, a statistically significant improvement in thrombocyte related parameters was demonstrated. In contrast, there were no significant differences in severe toxicity, days on i.v. antibiotics, septic episodes or duration of hospitalization. In conclusion, it seems that GM-CSF treatment is of value in patients undergoing AKMT.