[Factors influencing hematopoiesis--a new therapeutic alternative?]

Hematologic growth factors are now assessible in recombinant forms, and thus available in amounts making cliical use possible. Erythropoietin, which induces differentiation and proliferation of the red blood cells, is produced by recombinant techniques. Clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of erythropoietin in correcting the anaemia of end stage renal diseare in patients maintained by haemodialysis. One of the growth factors for white blood cells, so called colony stimulating factors (CSF) has been given to patients suffering from AIDS. The growth factor given (GM-CSF) has a stimulatory effect upon granulocytes as well as monocytes. The clinical trial showed that the low white cell counts of the patients were normalized in a dose-dependent manner after GM-CSF administration. Clinical studies are under way. Erythropoietin, GM-CSF and G-CSF (stimulates granulocytes) are now being tested at medical centers in patients with AIDS, various forms of anemia, cancer and bone marrow transplants.