Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in combination with continuous infusion of cytosine arabinoside for the treatment of refractory acute myelogenous leukemia.

Because recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported to increase the sensitivity of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) blast cells to cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) in vitro, we treated a patient with refractory AML with an Ara-C-based regimen in combination with G-CSF (G-CSF/Ara-C therapy). G-CSF (50 micrograms/m2/day, subcutaneous injection) was administered simultaneously with a continuous intravenous infusion of Ara-C (70 mg/m2/day). Complete remission was achieved, however, severe neutropenia, documented infection, stomatitis, and diarrhea were observed. In vitro studies using 3H-thymidine uptake and dual parameter flow-cytometric analysis of DNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen showed that leukemic blast cells in S phase were increased after incubation with G-CSF. G-CSF also enhanced expression of the transferrin receptor (CD71) on blast cells in vitro. These observations suggest that G-CSF/Ara-C therapy may be useful in the treatment of high-risk AML.