Final answer:
GM-CSF is a cytokine used in clinical settings to increase white blood cell counts in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it can have adverse effects such as tissue damage, internal bleeding, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
GM-CSF, or Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in stimulating the production and differentiation of granulocytes and monocytes.
It is clinically used as a therapeutic agent to increase white blood cell counts in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it can have adverse effects such as bone marrow and tissue damage, internal bleeding, and an increased risk of certain cancers.