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Several
endogenous growth factors regulate hemopoeisis. Two important
members are granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)
and granulocyte/macrophage stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
Both regulate the proliferation and differentiation of
progenitor cells within the bone marrow and the release
of mature neutrophils into the peripheral circulation.
Recombinant human G-CSF and GM-CSF are effective pharmaceutical
substances and successfully applied to treat chemotherapy-induced
neutropenia.These recombinant proteins mimic the action
of the endogenous granulocyte or granulocyte/macrophage
colony stimulating factor. They help to keep the number
of neutrophils in the blood above the critical level all
or most of the time. The shorter the time period of neutropenia,
the less risk there is of developing fever or infection.
G-CSF or GM-CSF may improve the quality of life of patients
with neutropenia by decreasing the number and severity
of infections and reducing the incidence of hospitalizations.
Moreover, the intensity and efficiency of the chemotherapy
can be increased under prophylaxis for neutropenia. This
improves the overall statistics of cancer therapy. 
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