Colony-Stimulating Factors (rhG-CSF, rhGM-CSF, rhIL-3, and BCFG) Recruit Myeloblastic and Lymphoblastic Leukemic Cells and Enhance the Cytotoxic Effects of Cytosine-Arabinoside

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Abstract
The treatment of adult and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) has resulted in long-term survival and cures in a substantial number of patients [1–3]. Best results have been achieved in pediatric ALL with approximately 70% of patients in ongoing long-term remission [4]. Results in patients with adult leukemias are much worse: though 60%–80% of patients with AML achieved complete remission, only 15% are alive after 5 years [1]. In adult ALL, the incidence of remission is ca. 80%–90%, but only 35% of these remain in long-term remission [1, 3, 5]. These results have not improved significantly over the last 15 years, despite efforts in many centers and in multicentric trials to test new drug schedules, drug combinations, and treatment modalities, including bone marrow transplantation [6]. Clearly, new approaches to improve survival of these potentially curable patients are needed.