[Storage and disposal of cryopreserved cellular products and associated samples (SFGM-TC)]

Cell therapy units are facing persistent saturation of their liquid nitrogen storage capacity for cell therapy products (CTPs). This situation compromises the safety of CTPs due to the ageing and increasing number of storage containers, leading to a higher risk of equipment failure. It also results in a significant rise in costs, mainly related to liquid nitrogen consumption. It is therefore essential to control overstocking for both economic and environmental reasons. This work represents an update of the 2014 recommendations, notably introducing a recommended maximum storage duration of 5 years for CTPs, which account for 64% of the stock despite a very low probability of clinical use. In addition, recommendations concerning the criteria for destruction of intrafamilial cord blood units and associated cell banks have been added.