Mario Petrini1, Antonio Azzarà. 1. Unit of Haematology, Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa-AOUP, Pisa, Italy. mario.petrini@med.unipi.it
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The capacity of lithium to induce neutrophilia and increase circulating CD34(+) cells of marrow origin has long been known. Lithium has been the object of hematological investigations for many years, but no definitive use in hematology has yet emerged. RECENT FINDINGS: We review the evidence that lithium increases granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and augments G-CSF effects, showing its potential use in stem cell mobilization and engraftment of stem cell transplantation. SUMMARY: We suggest possible therapeutic uses of lithium in neutropenia. In bone marrow transplantation, preharvest lithium-assisted hematopoietic stem cell mobilization may be useful as well.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The capacity of lithium to induce neutrophilia and increase circulating CD34(+) cells of marrow origin has long been known. Lithium has been the object of hematological investigations for many years, but no definitive use in hematology has yet emerged. RECENT FINDINGS: We review the evidence that lithium increases granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and augments G-CSF effects, showing its potential use in stem cell mobilization and engraftment of stem cell transplantation. SUMMARY: We suggest possible therapeutic uses of lithium in neutropenia. In bone marrow transplantation, preharvest lithium-assisted hematopoietic stem cell mobilization may be useful as well.