Safety of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in normal donors

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which is widely used to mobi lize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from normal donors, has led to the use of PBSC as a major alternative to bone marrow for patients undergoing a llogeneic transplants. Safety issues related to the administration of G-CSF to normal donors, however, are still under study. The short-term effects a fter G-CSF administration are well known and manageable. G-CSF induces a hy percoagulable state, which may predispose certain donors to thrombotic comp lications. A dose of 10 mug/kg/d for 5 days has been recommended for routin e clinical use, but the optimal dose and schedule for PBSC collection are s till being defined. Small studies to date have shown no late effects of G-C SF administration but there is insufficient information regarding any longt erm adverse effects or risks. Although the administration of G-CSF to norma l donors for PBSC collection appears safe, longer follow-up is required. (C ) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.