Clinical applications of hematopoietic growth factors

To explore the history and current clinical uses of hematopoietic growth factors.

Recent professional literature and texts dealing with recombinant DNA technology, the development of hematopoietic growth factors, and their use in various disease states.

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Hematopoietic growth factors are glycoproteins that regulate the differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic precursor cells, and, in some cases, the function of mature blood cells. Several have been molecularly characterized and produced in quantity via recombinant DNA technology. Medically, hematopoietic growth factors can be used to replenish hematopoietic lineages by raising cell counts to normal levels; to augment host defenses against infection; to stimulate the immune system against malignancy; and to increase production of effector cells with cytotoxic activities.

In the past eight years, the hematopoietic growth factors have been used in a variety of clinical settings. They have proven to be effective in stimulating marrow proliferation, increasing circulating blood cell counts, and stimulating various host defense mechanisms. Others are in earlier stages of clinical studies, and their full therapeutic potential remains to be evaluated. New therapies are expected to emerge at a rapid pace.