G-CSF and GM-CSF in clinical trials.

Hematopoietic growth factors have now been purified, cloned, and produced in bacteria and yeast. Those that are currently in clinical study include erythropoietin, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF (also called CSF-1), and multi-CSF (also called interleukin 3). Growth factor appear likely to enhance the recovery and function of circulating white cells after standard-dose cancer therapy and high-bone-dose cancer therapy with marrow transplant and to restore leukocyte numbers and competence in the acquired immune deficiency syndromes and myelodysplastic syndromes. Phase I, II trials in AIDS, in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, in cases of myeloproliferative disease, and after bone marrow transplant have been published. The results of phase III studies are just becoming available.