Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Algeria

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transplant Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Algeria has a young population (50% under 30) with 90% healthcare coverage.
• Adult hematologic malignancies affect approximately 4000 new cases annually, primarily young adults.
• Only two of Algeria's 16 university hospitals perform bone marrow transplants, with limited annual procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using non-cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for autologous bone marrow transplantation.
• To assess the current state and future needs of bone marrow transplantation in Algeria.

Main Methods:

• Utilized non-cryopreserved stem cells mobilized with G-CSF, stored at +4°C until reinfusion.
• Compared outcomes of non-cryopreserved versus cryopreserved stem cells.
• Analyzed transplant data from Algiers and Oran centers.

Main Results:

• Autologous transplant with non-cryopreserved HSC demonstrated outcomes comparable to cryopreserved methods.
• Non-cryopreserved HSC autotransplantation is a simple, effective, and safe procedure.
• Allogeneic transplants constituted 55% and autologous transplants 45% of procedures.

Conclusions:

• Non-cryopreservation of HSC is a viable and practical method, especially in resource-limited settings.
• There is a significant need to increase bone marrow transplantation capacity in Algeria.
• Future goals include establishing a national bone marrow transplant society and registries.