The use of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in autologous bone marrow transplantation.
To examine the effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), a series of phase I, II, and III trials was done. rhGM-CSF was given to patients undergoing ABMT for lymphoid neoplasia beginning 2 h after marrow infusion. The results indicate that rhGM-CSF is well tolerated and stimulates early neutrophil and platelet recovery. rhGM-CSF did not affect relapse or survival. Patients who received rhGM-CSF had fewer infections, less marrow transplant-related toxicity, and shorter hospital stays than control patients.