Oncology practice patterns in the use of hematopoietic growth factors

Recombinant hematopoietic growth factors were introduced into clinical prac tice a decade ago: erythropoietin in 1989, granulocyte colony-stimulating f actor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in 1991, and interleukin-11 in 1997, The role of these agents in supportiv e therapy for children with cancer is still under considerable evaluation. This pediatric-based review summarizes current clinical applications, pract ice guidelines, and practice patterns for hematopoietic growth factors in t he supportive care of children with cancer. It also discusses ongoing contr oversies and unanswered questions. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:10-17 (C) 200 0 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.