Clinical role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

The activity of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for increasing leukocyte production and enhancing mature neutrophil function has been clearly demonstrated in phase I clinical trials in patients with a variety of hematologic and malignant diseases. The focus of current studies includes determination of optimal administration schedules and its use in combination with myelosuppressive chemotherapy, radiation therapy or antimicrobial agents. The utility of GM-CSF as a stimulant of host defense against infections and tumors is also under study.