Which statement best describes the primary use of GM-CSF after a bone marrow transplant?

Which statement best describes the primary use of GM-CSF after a bone marrow transplant?

• A. It is used to suppress immune response
• B. It is used to lower blood pressure
• C. It is used to treat dehydration
• D. It is used after a bone marrow transplant to stimulate white blood cell production, particularly neutrophils

Answer: (D)

GM-CSF is used to boost blood cell production after a bone marrow transplant. It acts on bone marrow progenitor cells to promote the growth and differentiation of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, along with macrophages. This speeds up neutrophil recovery, which helps reduce the risk of infection during the vulnerable post-transplant period. It isn’t about suppressing the immune system, lowering blood pressure, or treating dehydration—those aren’t helped by stimulating white blood cell production. While GM-CSF can influence several myeloid cell lines, the main clinical goal in this context is to accelerate neutrophil recovery to protect the patient from infections.

GM-CSF is used to boost blood cell production after a bone marrow transplant. It acts on bone marrow progenitor cells to promote the growth and differentiation of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, along with macrophages. This speeds up neutrophil recovery, which helps reduce the risk of infection during the vulnerable post-transplant period. It isn’t about suppressing the immune system, lowering blood pressure, or treating dehydration—those aren’t helped by stimulating white blood cell production. While GM-CSF can influence several myeloid cell lines, the main clinical goal in this context is to accelerate neutrophil recovery to protect the patient from infections.