A cytokine that controls the differentiation of granulocytes and macrophages.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor is an immunoprotein produced by leukocytes during inflammation which functions to increase the proliferation of granulocytes in the bone marrow.

a treatment agent used to stimulate the production of granulocytes in the bone marrow. Manufactured by Amgen under the name Neupogen®, it is often given during or after chemotherapy to boost the immune system.

cytokine that stimulates the growth of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. G-CSF alleviates the neutropenia that is a side effect of certain drugs.

Indications: Treatment of neutropenia, defined as ANC 500-750/mm3, as a result of HIV disease, chemotherapy, or other drugs (hydroxyurea, ganciclovir, ZDV, TMP-SMX). Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to drug or Escherichia coli-derived products. Dosage: 5-10 mcg/kg/day SC. Complete blood count should be checked twice a week, and ANC should be maintained at 1,000-2,000/ml. G-CSF should be stopped if there is no response after 7 days at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/day. Toxicity: Bone pain. Pregnancy category C.

Chemotherapy kills cancer cells, but also decreases the number of white blood cells in the bone marrow, which fight infections. G-CSF is a growth factor, which stimulates the growth of white blood cells.