[Use of cytokines in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation]

Presently the following cytokines are applied in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor), G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor), interleukin 3 (IL-3) and interferon-alfa (IFN-alfa). GM-CSF and G-CSF applied after bone marrow transplantation accelerate the granulopoietic reconstitution, whereas IL-3 in addition exerts an effect on platelet recovery. These growth factors show also high efficiency in the therapy of graft failure. INF-alfa is used early after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in patients with hig risk for relapse. This cytokin is also very effective as single therapy or together with marrow donor leukocyte infusions for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in relapse after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.