The effect of repeated administrations of granulocyte colony stimulating factor for blood stem cells mobilization in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration and multiple system atrophy

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) may boost physiological stem cell repair system in patients with cerebral lesions. Atypical parkinsonisms (PSP, CBD, MSA) are characterized by rapidly progressive course without significant benefit from current therapies. We treated 11 patients with atypical parkinsonism (MSA n = 4, PSP n = 5, CBD n = 2) with GCSF (5 mcg/kg s.c. daily for 6 days/month) for 3 months. We assessed CBC, CD34+ cells, routine biochemical and coagulation tests, UPDRS motor scores and safety. We did not observe significant adverse events during and following GCSF treatment. One patient withdrew informed consent. Three patients complained about bone pain that improved following steroid treatment. Four patients perceived a subjective benefit after treatment was completed. UPDRS motor score improved in three patients, remained stable in two and worsened in five. GCSF can be safely administered to patients with atypical parkinsonism and potentially meaningful clinical changes may be observed in some patients. These results are encouraging and warrant further studies.