Effect of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor on Neutropenia and Related Morbidity Induced by Myelotoxic Chemotherapy

Myelosuppression-related neutropenia is the major side effect of most anticancer chemotherapy. Despite considerable improvements in supportive care due to the advent of a variety of new antibiotic combinations, infection remains the main risk arising during the neutropenic period that follows intensive chemotherapy for cancer [1]. In addition, neutropenia is the major obstacle to dose escalation, frequency of cytoreductive treatment, and thus to improved cancer control. Regarding reduction of the period of neutropenia and increase of the maximum tolerated dose of effective anticancer agents, autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) has recently offered new promise. However, as many as …