Trends in the use of colony-stimulating factors

Colony-stimulating factors are potent manipulators of the hematopoietic and immune systems. An increasing number of colony-stimulating factors with expanded indications and uses are available. To provide safe and efficacious therapy, clinicians must understand how colony-stimulating factors and other biologic response modifiers work and know about product use, patient education, and patient monitoring. This article provides an overview of the current colony-stimulating factor products, uses, indications, administration, management, and patient education.