Granulocyte transfusions could benefit patients with severe oral mucositis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Mucositis is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and is caused by a combination of conditioning-induced mucosal damage and severe neutropenia. The symptoms include oral and abdominal pain, inability to swallow food and fluids, and severe diarrhoea. Severe mucositis is associated with increased risk of Graft-versus-Host disease and infection. Granulocyte transfusions (GCX) could be a treatment option, and our objective was to study its feasibility and potential benefits.

This retrospective, single-centre study included 30 patients receiving GCX because of severe oral mucositis after HSCT during 2005-2017. Clinical outcome, response to GCX, change in opiate administration and adverse events were studied.

Twenty-seven patients received GCX from donors pre-treated with steroids and G-CSF, and three from donors pre-treated with steroids only. Overall response was 83% (24/29 evaluable patients). Fifteen patients reached a complete response. In 14 of 24 responders, a reduction of the administration of opiate pain relief was seen. In eight patients this reduction was ≥50% of the dose. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 14 cases, and were mild to moderate, and well manageable with symptomatic treatment. No life-threatening or fatal AEs were recorded.

These results indicate that GCX could be a safe and effective treatment for oral mucositis after HSCT with the potential to reduce the necessity of opiate analgesic treatment in this disorder. No severe AEs were seen in this study, but the risk for severe pulmonary AEs after GCX needs to be considered.