Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Lifespan Dynamics of Healthy Human Hematopoiesis
03:40

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Lifespan Dynamics of Healthy Human Hematopoiesis

Published on: December 8, 2023

1.4K

Successful "on-demand" plerixafor for autologous peripheral blood stem-cells transplantation for relapsed/refractory

Andrea Corbingi1, Elisabetta Metafuni1, Mariantonietta Di Salvatore2

  • 1Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Apheresis
|November 25, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Plerixafor effectively mobilizes stem cells in adult patients with germ cell tumors who are poor mobilizers. This off-label use can help patients undergo crucial autologous stem-cell transplantation for relapsed or refractory disease.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation

Background:

  • Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are potentially curable solid cancers, but 20-30% of patients relapse.
  • Relapsed GCT patients may require high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT).
  • Chemotherapy can impair stem cell mobilization, complicating ASCT eligibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of plerixafor in mobilizing peripheral blood stem cells in adult patients with relapsed/refractory GCTs.
  • To assess plerixafor's role in enabling ASCT for poor mobilizer GCT patients.

Main Methods:

  • Mobilization and collection of peripheral blood stem cells were described for 10 GCT patients.
  • Six patients classified as poor mobilizers received plerixafor before apheresis.
  • Poor mobilizers were defined by specific white blood cell and CD34+ cell counts.

Main Results:

  • Plerixafor administration significantly boosted CD34+ cell counts in poor mobilizers.
  • The CD34+ cell counts in plerixafor-treated poor mobilizers overlapped with those of good mobilizers.
  • This enhancement enabled eligible patients to proceed with ASCT.

Conclusions:

  • Plerixafor effectively enables stem cell mobilization and collection in a significant fraction of poor mobilizer GCT patients.
  • Off-label use of plerixafor is crucial for facilitating ASCT in relapsed/refractory GCT patients, especially those with poor prognosis.
  • Restricting access to plerixafor risks compromising effective treatment for these patients.
Keywords:
germ cell tumorsplerixaforstem-cell transplantation

More Related Videos

Production of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Boosting In Vitro Human Fibroblast Expansion08:34

Production of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Boosting In Vitro Human Fibroblast Expansion

Published on: February 24, 2021

2.6K
Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells11:08

Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells

Published on: February 14, 2025

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
561
Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration01:21

Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration

Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
4.3K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K