Cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells.

Over the past 2 years, the primary organ targeted for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) support after myeloablative chemotherapy or radiotherapy has shifted from the bone marrow to blood. Mobilization methods that involve chemotherapy, cytokines, or both have been identified. Optimal methods of mobilization have not yet been defined. This article reviews the studies in which recombinant human interleukin-3, recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were used as single agents, in combination, or in sequence. The data support the conclusion that mobilization with cytokines alone is well tolerated and can be recommended as a potential method for mobilization of PBPCs. Specifically, sequential administration of recombinant human interleukin-3 and recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor for mobilization of PBPCs may contribute to rapid platelet recovery after autologous transplantation.