Quantification of peripheral blood CD34⁺ cells prior to stem cell harvesting by leukapheresis: a single center...

Due to laboratory logistic issues, our center has traditionally scheduled peripheral blood stem cell harvests based on timing from the start of mobilization. This has proved to be useful in some cases, but also resulted in many fruitless harvests due to poor mobilization. In order to improve the efficiency of collections and compare the effectiveness of peripheral blood CD34⁺ cells as a predictor with data from other reports, this study analyzed the implementation of this routine.

Peripheral blood and leukapheresis samples were quantified by flow cytometry and the association between these parameters was assessed.

Sixty-six consecutive leukapheresis samples were collected from 34 patients after the collection of peripheral blood samples for CD34⁺ quantification. A moderate positive correlation was observed between peripheral blood CD34⁺ cell count and total CD34⁺ cell count/kg (r = 0.596; p-value < 0.001). A multivariable regression model also confirmed this association and allowed the estimation that for every increase in five CD34⁺ cells/μL in the peripheral blood, a mean increase of 0.38 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg could be predicted. Demographic characteristics, baseline comorbidities and mobilization regimen did not influence final CD34⁺ cell count in this sample.

As observed in other centers, quantification of peripheral blood CD34⁺ progenitor cells is a strong predictor of effectiveness to guide stem cell harvesting. Due to the results of this study, a modification in the peripheral blood stem cell harvesting logistics was implemented at our center in order to incorporate this routine.