To demonstrate that PB-CD34+ counts prior to apheresis predict CD34+ cell harvest in pediatric patients and to clarify the nature of their relationship.
Key Findings:
80% of patients in the plerixafor arm met the primary endpoint of successful mobilization (defined as doubling of PB-CD34+ cell count) compared to 28.6% in the G-CSF arm (p = 0.0019).
A high linear correlation (r = 0.84) was found between PB-CD34+ counts and collected CD34+ cells.
Interpretation:
The predictive model indicates that PB-CD34+ counts can effectively guide the use of plerixafor in pediatric patients, potentially improving mobilization outcomes and informing clinical decision-making.
Limitations:
The study data was limited to a single apheresis day for most patients, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Limited existing data on plerixafor's efficacy and safety in children compared to adults may affect the robustness of the conclusions drawn.
Conclusion:
The developed predictive model may enhance the mobilization of HSCs in pediatric patients, optimizing resource utilization and improving transplant outcomes, particularly in those at risk of mobilization failure.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s adult stem cell transplant program and Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center’s pediatric stem cell transplant program have once again received exceptional ratings from the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), earning a +1 performance score, the highest possible designation, on their annual center-specific survival reports.
