Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor alone at 12 microg/kg twice a day for 4 days for peripheral blood progenitor...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Stem Cell Transplantation
• Cellular Therapy

Background:

• Optimizing peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection in children is crucial for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
• Current mobilization strategies require refinement for improved efficiency and safety in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a mobilization schedule using high-dose, twice-daily G-CSF for 4 days in pediatric patients.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this G-CSF regimen for PBPC collection.

Main Methods:

• A mobilization schedule involving G-CSF (12 microg/kg twice daily) for 4 days was administered to pediatric patients.
• Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) were collected via large volume leukapheresis.
• Toxicity associated with G-CSF was monitored.

Main Results:

• The median CD34(+) cell yield was 4.4 x 10(6)/kg body weight.
• 83.6% of patients (46 out of 55) achieved the target dose of ≥2 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg body weight after a single leukapheresis.
• Mild G-CSF-related toxicities (bone pain, myalgia) were observed in 23% of patients.

Conclusions:

• The studied G-CSF mobilization schedule is safe and effective for collecting PBPCs in most pediatric patients.
• A single large volume leukapheresis is sufficient to achieve the minimum target CD34(+) cell dose.
• This regimen offers an efficient approach to PBPC collection in pediatric settings.