Successful stem-cell mobilization and transplantation using plerixafor in a patient with a germ cell tumor

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is an important treatment option for a variety of malignancies. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) have replaced bone marrow-derived cells as source of stem cells in transplants, and the success of a transplant depends highly on the number of PBSCs mobilized, collected and eventually infused. Nevertheless, a good percentage of patients fail to mobilize stem cells when growth factors alone or in combination with chemotherapy are used. Recently, plerixafor has been approved as a novel agent to mobilize stem cells in multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients. Data on the efficacy and safety of plerixafor in solid tumors is lacking. We report the successful stem cell mobilization and transplantation for a patient with a germ cell tumor using plerixafor.