Adequate Engraftment With Lower Hematopoietic Stem Cell Dose

Adequate hematopoietic stem cell dose is required to proceed with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 108 patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma who underwent ASCT with noncryopreserved stem cells at our center. Data were compared for patients who received stem cell dose < 2 × 10⁶/kg with those who received a higher dose.

The median CD34 dose collected in the lesser dose group was 1.76 × 10⁶/kg (1.22 to 1.97 × 10⁶/kg). Mean CD34 dose of the whole group was 4.96 ± 4.2 × 10⁶/kg. Neutrophil engraftment was similar in both groups (12 vs. 11 days) (P = .065). Similarly, platelet engraftment occurred in 12 versus 11 days in both groups (P = .017). Length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of proven bacterial infections between the 2 groups. There was no transplant-related mortality in lower dose group.

ASCT can be safely performed with lower hematopoietic stem cell dose in noncryopreserved setting.