Recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor after autologous bone marrow transplantation for malignant lymphoma: a British National Lymphoma Investigation double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

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Abstract
Summary. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is active in enhancing the production of mature myeloid cells in vitro and several phase I/II clinical trials have suggested that its administration may accelerate neutrophil recovery after autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). We have conducted a multicentre randomized double‐blind placebo controlled trial in patients with poor prognosis malignant lymphoma receiving an identical high‐dose combination chemotherapy regimen with ABMT. 61 patients were entered and 29 in each arm of the trial were evaluated. Treatment with GM‐CSF did not affect the period of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 37.5°C (median 8 v 6) or days on parenteral antibiotics (11 v 10). Patients receiving GM‐CSF had a median period of hospitalization following BMT of 24 d (control 25). No significant major toxicity attributable to GM‐CSF administration was detected. We have confirmed in a randomized trial that GM‐CSF accelerates neutrophil but not platelet recovery following ABMT. We were unable to demonstrate any accompanying changes in clinical outcome and believe that further trials are necessary to assess the clinical value of GM‐CSF in BMT.