Related Experiment Videos

Target dose adjustment of busulfan in pediatric patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation

A M Bolinger1, A B Zangwill, J T Slattery

  • 1University of California at San Francisco, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA 94143-0622, USA.

Insights

Targeting busulfan concentrations between 600-900 ng/ml significantly improved bone marrow transplantation engraftment rates in pediatric patients. This approach optimizes outcomes for children undergoing allogeneic transplantation.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • Busulfan steady-state concentration (Bu Css) is critical for successful engraftment in pediatric bone marrow transplantation (BMT).
  • Previous studies indicated Bu Css <600 ng/ml correlated with suboptimal engraftment, with no link to regimen-related toxicity (RRT).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate targeted busulfan concentrations in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic BMT.
  • To determine if achieving a specific Bu Css range (600-900 ng/ml) improves engraftment rates and impacts RRT.

Main Methods:

  • 32 pediatric patients with AML, CML, or non-malignant disorders received HLA-matched donor grafts.
  • Individual busulfan pharmacokinetics were assessed, and doses adjusted to target a Bu Css of 600-900 ng/ml +/- 10%.
  • Busulfan concentrations were re-evaluated post-dose 1 of the conditioning regimen.

Main Results:

  • 94% of patients achieved the target Bu Css range.
  • Durable engraftment was observed in 94% of patients, a significant improvement from the previous 74% rate (P=0.043).
  • Grade 3/4 regimen-related toxicity occurred in 21% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted busulfan dosing within the 600-900 ng/ml range significantly enhances successful allogeneic engraftment in pediatric BMT.
  • This strategy optimizes engraftment outcomes in pediatric patients receiving busulfan conditioning.

Related Concept Videos