Abstract
A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as adjuvant therapy for fungal infections in patients with cancer. GM-CSF was added to amphotericin B in the treatment of cancer patients with proven major-organ or disseminated fungal infection. The dose of GM-CSF ranged from 100 to 750 micrograms/(m2.d). Of eight evaluable patients, six had a neutrophil response to GM-CSF. Four of these patients were completely cured of the fungal infection, and two had a partial response. However, a capillary-leak syndrome developed in three patients, an adverse effect suggesting that the dose of GM-CSF was excessive.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
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Capillary Permeability / drug effects
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Female
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / adverse effects
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Immunocompromised Host*
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Leukocyte Count
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Mycoses / drug therapy*
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Mycoses / etiology
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Mycoses / pathology
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Neoplasms / complications*
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Neoplasms / immunology
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Neutrophils / drug effects
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Pilot Projects
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Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects
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Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
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Syndrome
Substances
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Recombinant Proteins
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Amphotericin B
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor