An update on GM-CSF and its potential role in melanoma management.

Abstract

GM-CSF drives the differentiation of granulocytes and monocyte/macrophages from hematopoietic stem cell progenitors. It is required for differentiating monocytes into dendritic cells (DC). Although approved for recovery of granulocytes/monocytes in patients receiving chemotherapy, G-CSF is preferred. Enthusiasm for GM-CSF monotherapy as a melanoma treatment was dampened by two large randomized trials. Although GM-CSF has been injected into tumors for many years, the efficacy of this has not been tested. There is a strong rationale for GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant, but it appears of benefit only for strategies that directly involve DCs, such as intratumor talimogene laherparepvec and vaccines in which DCs are loaded with antigen ex vivo and injected admixed with GM-CSF.

• Authors: Robert O Dillman
• Journal: Melanoma management (Melanoma Manag) Vol. 7 Issue 3 Pg. MMT49 (Jul 29 2020) ISSN: 2045-0885 [Print] England
• PMID: 32922731 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2020 Robert O. Dillman.