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The use of cytokines in children

P Mathew1, W M Crist, W L Furman

  • 1Department of Hematology-Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38101-0318.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Recombinant cytokines show promise in treating various conditions. Clinical applications include anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, with ongoing research into cytokine combinations for broader therapeutic use.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Cytokines are crucial for regulating blood cell production (hemopoiesis) and immune responses.
  • Advances in recombinant technology have increased the availability and purity of cytokines for clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical experiences and applications of various cytokines.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of cytokines in hematological and immunological disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical data and applications of recombinant cytokines.
  • Focus on established and emerging uses of specific cytokine classes.

Main Results:

  • Recombinant human erythropoietin is used for anemia in prematurity, AIDS, and hemoglobinopathies.
  • Myeloid-stimulating factors are effective for chemotherapy-induced neutropenias and bone marrow transplantation support.
  • Combinations of cytokines are being evaluated for neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and as biologic response modifiers.

Conclusions:

  • Cytokines have demonstrated significant clinical utility in managing various hematological conditions.
  • Ongoing research into cytokine combinations promises expanded therapeutic applications and improved patient outcomes.

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