In this article, we will discuss Haematopoietic Growth Factors (HGF) and Newer Therapeutic Option for Aplastic Anemia. So, let’s get started.
Haematopoietic growth factors (HGF)
Recombinant haematopoietic growth
factors, i.e. erythropoietin, granulo-
cyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF),
granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukins (ILS) 1,3 and 6 and stem cell factor can improve the blood counts, in only a small number
of patients. In patients who respond,
blood count drops to pretreatment values following discontinuation of growth factors. Therefore, their use particularly G-CSF (filgrastim) following intensive immunosuppression with ATG and cyclosporine has been controversial. It does not clearly speed up granulocyte recovery and perhaps increases the risk of progression later to myelodysplastic syndrome or to AML.
Newer Therapeutic Options
Alemtuzumab is an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody act against the antigen present on the lymphocytes and other hemopoietic stem cells. This has been tried in patients refractory to immunosuppressive therapy in certain clinical trials and found it useful in prolonging the survival.