HEMATOPOIETIC GROWTH-FACTORS IN THE TREATMENT OF THERAPEUTIC AND ACCIDENTAL IRRADIATION-INDUCED BONE-MARROW APLASIA

Bone marrow aplasia is one of the main syndromes following a high dose accidental exposure of ionizing radiation. Although both transfusion and bone marrow transplantation have been used with some success since the first treatments of patients, other therapeutic strategies are ne eded. The strategies involving haematopoietic growth factors for the t reatment of radiation victims have been explored in vivo mainly in ani mal models and it is hoped that new therapeutic regimens will be eluci dated from such approaches. The growth factors stimulate proliferation and/or differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells and possibl e stem cells. Furthermore, they act on the functions of mature cells. They now have specific uses in haematology, related to their role in t he regulation of growth and differentiation of haematopoietic progenit or cells. The results of the clinical trials, performed with numerous patients and often randomized bring important clues about what to expe ct from growth factor therapy. Other factors are only entering the pre clinical or clinical trials now. Although numerous in vitro or in vivo experiments suggest a benefit from their effects, their possible uses in therapy are still questionable. Some growth factors have already b een used for the treatment of accidental radiation-induced aplasia and lessons have been learned from their medical management and follow-up .