Circulating endothelial cell kinetics and their potential predictive value during mobilization procedure.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are investigated as noninvasive biomarkers for angiogenesis in hematological malignancies.
• Understanding CEC dynamics during hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization is crucial for optimizing collection strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the numbers of CECs and their subsets during HSC mobilization.
• To determine if CECs can predict the efficiency of HSC collection.

Main Methods:

• Study included 38 patients with hematological malignancies (multiple myeloma, lymphoma, AML).
• CECs and apoptotic CECs (ApoCECs) were quantified using four-color flow cytometry at various time points during chemotherapy and G-CSF treatment.
• Patients were categorized into 'highly efficient' and 'poorly efficient' mobilizers based on apheresis requirements.

Main Results:

• CEC numbers decreased post-chemotherapy.
• Lower median ApoCEC levels at Day G+1 were observed in highly efficient mobilizers compared to poorly efficient mobilizers.
• ApoCEC levels at Day G+1 independently predicted successful mobilization within one apheresis.

Conclusions:

• CECs and their subsets exhibit significant changes during HSC mobilization.
• ApoCEC measurements early in the mobilization process (at G-CSF commencement) can serve as a predictive marker for HSC collection efficacy.