Jonathan Cebon

Transient hypoxaemia during neutrophil recovery in febrile patients.

In previous anecdotal reports, treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has been associated with pulmonary toxicity. In 35 consecutive admissions for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia, transient hypoxia occurred in 12. 10 of the 12 followed treatment with filgrastim to induce neutrophil recovery. There was no consistent association with cytotoxic regimen.

Cytokines: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

Publisher Summary The cloning and bacterial expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) enabled production of large quantities of the protein that are easily purified. Since then, there have been extensive studies of its activities, especially to define its in vivo effects and identify clinical applications. The molecular mechanisms by which G-CSF exerts its effects remain poorly understood. Although its structure has been determined, a detailed understanding of the interaction with its receptor has not yet been achieved and will probably require the determination of the structure of the ligand-receptor complex. Several clinical applications for G-CSF have been established and continuing research is likely to identify new therapeutic uses. The use of G-CSF in combination with other cytokines may become important in the future. Although the number of possible combinations (including variations in dose and timing of administration) that may need to be tested seems rather daunting, it may be possible to identify likely combinations in animal studies.