Hematopoietic growth factors: in vitro and in vivo studies in bone marrow transplantation

The results of in vivo studies conducted with colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) in autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) are summarized. Our own data obtained from in vitro models dealing with the use and possible applications of CSFs in ABMT are reported. In particular, we show data concerning: 1) the use of interleukin 3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 1 to expand hematopoietic progenitor cell growth in the early phase of ABMT; 2) in vitro marrow purging with Mafosfamide and GM-CSF in chronic myelogenous leukemia; and 3) growth requirements of MY10-derived leukemic colony-forming units. The use of CSFs, alone or in combination, may provide us with new strategic approaches for the treatment of acute and chronic leukemias. CSFs in combination with chemotherapeutic agents are very promising agents for purging marrow prior to ABMT.