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Granulocyte colony stimulating factors

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Granulocyte colony stimulating factors are naturally occurring cytokines which increase the rate of maturation of granulocytes within the bone marrow. They were developed for limited clinical use on the assumption that reducing the severity and duration of the neutropaenia - for example after the administration of chemotherapy - will decrease the risks of infection.

In practice, G-CSF does improve the neutrophil count and may have a role in the management of neutropenia induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy. GM-CSF increases monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. There is some evidence that GM-CSF may increase the antibody-dependent cytolysis of some tumour cells.

Other areas of potential use without proven benefit as yet:

  • aplastic anaemia
  • myelodysplasia
  • AIDS

Side effects of GM-CSF, less so with G-CSF, include:

  • lethargy
  • bone pain
  • myalgia
  • anorexia
  • erythema at injection site
  • fever
  • increased serum alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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