Neutrophil Colony—Stimulating Factor May Provide Chemotherapy 'Boost,' Protection Against Infection

Abstract

THIS SUMMER, investigators expect begin multicenter phase II trials of the neutrophil colony—stimulating factor G-CSF in patients with chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. Based on data gathered from animal studies ( J Exp Med 1987;165:941-948; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA , in press.) and ongoing phase I trials on patients with bladder cancer, the agent is expected prevent neutropenia and accelerate the recovery of peripheral blood granulocytes in such patients. The potential benefits of this treatment are twofold, said Malcolm S. Moore, PhD, professor of biology at Cornell University Medical College, New York City, speaking at the American Cancer Society's Science Writers' Seminar in San Diego. First, it should lessen the time during which a patient is susceptible life-threatening bacterial infections, thus reducing one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in cancer therapy. Second, Moore said, it should permit clinicians to provide higher drug doses more frequently, which, presumably, will