Clinical applications of recombinant macrophage-colony stimulating factor (rhM-CSF)

rhM-CSF has diverse in vitro and in vivo hematologic and metabolic effects. Clinical trials with this new biopharmaceutical are now in progress and early results have confirmed preclinical findings. The major demonstrated effects of rhM-CSF include an increase in number and activation of monocytes and macrophages, the ability to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, enhancement of macrophage microbial phagocytic and killing activity, cholesterol lowering, and platelet lowering. The range of potential indications for the use of rhM-CSF makes the further clinical development of this molecule both a challenge and an opportunity. Investigation of combination therapies with other cytokines or monoclonal antibodies will be an important aspect of future investigations.