Possible role of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on the rapid progression of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma lesions in vivo

Drug-related neutropenia is a common observation in AIDS patients. Haematological growth factors are therefore increasingly used in combination with myelotoxic agents to reduce the risk of infection and to improve the haematological tolerance of these regimens. We report a case of an AIDS patient with Kaposi's sarcoma who received GM-CSF for severe neutropenia due to antitumour chemotherapy combining alpha-interferon 2b and zidovudine. During GM-CSF administration there was a marked increase in the size of the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions as confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. As GM-CSF in vitro has been shown to promote Kaposi's sarcoma-like cell cultures, we discuss the potential role of this growth factor in increasing Kaposi's sarcoma lesions in vivo.