[Granulocyte colony stimulating factor for bone marrow transplantation].

Results from phase I/II studies of Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for bone marrow transplantation were reported. G-CSF in 200-800 micrograms/m2 was administered from day 3 or 5 daily for 14 days. A very rapid recovery of granulocytes was observed in most cases. Stem cell exhaustion was considered not serious. Stimulation on myeloid leukemic cells was observed in vitro tests, but relapse was observed in only 2 out of 17 myeloid leukemia patients. There was no marked difference in the grade and incidence of GVHD from historical control patients. As side effects, 3 cases of bone pain and 2 of skin rash were observed. All these symptoms were slight, reversible and tolerated for further administration. As a whole, courses of BMT with G-CSF seemed very smooth and uneventful with very rapid and steady recovery of granulocytes. G-CSF seemed promising for bone marrow transplantation in which the severe granulocytopenic stage is inevitable and normal stem cells without contact with cytostatic agents are procured.