Autologous bone marrow processing for autotransplantation using an automated cell processor and a semiautomated...

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Autotransplantation is crucial for treating oncohematological diseases.
• Efficient bone marrow processing is essential for successful transplantation.
• Automated cell processing systems aim to improve safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Du Pont SteriCell processor for processing bone marrow harvests for autotransplantation.
• To assess the efficiency of red cell removal and mononuclear cell recovery.
• To determine the impact of processing on hematopoietic progenitor cell viability and function.

Main Methods:

• Processing of 20 bone marrow aspirates using the Du Pont SteriCell processor.
• Semiautomated buffy coat collection in manual mode (n=15).
• Automated density gradient mononuclear cell isolation after buffy coat collection (n=5).
• Assessment of red cell removal, mononuclear cell recovery, and progenitor cell cloning efficiency (CFU-GM, BFU-e).
• Evaluation of engraftment in patients receiving cryopreserved processed bone marrow.

Main Results:

• Semiautomated procedure achieved 84% red cell removal and 86% mononuclear cell recovery.
• No significant difference in hematopoietic progenitor cell cloning efficiency between processed and recovered cells.
• Automated two-step procedure yielded 69% mononuclear cell recovery with preserved progenitor cell function.
• Stable engraftment observed in all four patients who received cryopreserved processed bone marrow.

Conclusions:

• The SteriCell processor provides rapid, safe, and feasible methods for semiautomated bone marrow processing.
• The processor maintains the functional integrity of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
• Further investigation is warranted for the clinical efficacy of automated density gradient separation and fully automated processing.