Use of hematopoietic growth factors in radiation accidents.

Molecularly cloned hematopoietic growth factors are likely to be useful in treating radiation victims with bone marrow suppression. Some effects, such as increased granulocytes, are clearly beneficial. Other effects, such as altering the probability of survival of hematopoietic stem cells, may also be important. Interesting questions remain to be studied including which molecularly cloned hematopoietic growth factor(s) to use, optimal dose, timing, combinations of growth factors, and other issues. Some can be studied in vitro or in animal models. Others require clinical trials. Molecularly cloned hematopoietic growth factors clearly herald a new era in treating radiation accidents.