Use of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in the Brazil radiation accident

8 patients with bone marrow failure after a caesium-137 radiation accident were treated with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rHuGM-CSF). The 7 who were evaluable had prompt increases in granulocytes and bone marrow cellularity. 2 patients died of radiation toxicity and haemorrhage and 2 of bacterial sepsis acquired before the start of rHuGM-CSF treatment. 4 patients survive, including 2 who were treated early and never became infected. This therapeutic approach to radiation-induced granulocytopenia may therefore be useful after radiation and nuclear accidents.