Role of hematopoietic growth factor combinations in experimental and clinical oncology

Extensive in vitro studies with hematopoietic growth factors as well as numerous clinical trials with single growth factor administration provided the basis for in vivo studies with those factors in combination. Animal models and first clinical trials in humans, with the sequential application of interleukin-3 plus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, demonstrate that growth factor treatment in combination might be effective and could optimize hematologic responses according to specific clinical requirements. This is a brief review of some of the possible clinical applications of hemopoietic growth factors in clinical oncology with particular focus on preclinical and clinical data using combined administration. Initial experience with the combined administration of interleukin-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in cancer patients after chemotherapy and future prospects of combinations of growth factor treatment are presented.