[First experience with the use of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in pediatric oncology]

Authors report their first experiences with the application of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in 12 pediatric cancer patients (14 cases). The drug was given in a 5 micrograms/kg single daily dose subcutaneously. Patients were divided into three main indication groups: 1. Severe neutropenia (white blood cell count < 1.0 G/l) and sepsis (6 patients); 2. Prolonged neutropenia (white blood cell count: 1.0-2.0 G/l) and delay in treatment (3 patients); 3. Dose-escalation of chemotherapy in therapy-resistant cases (4 patients). Authors report that in all cases a substantial raise in white blood cell count could be achieved after 5-6 days of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor treatment. No side effects were detected except of a moderate local pain at the site of the injection. Authors suggest that in the above described dose and way of administration granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor can be an effective agent in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in paediatric oncology.