An evaluation of the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome): the experience of the R.M. Gorbacheva Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation

Abstract

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS IH; Hurler syndrome) is a hereditary storage disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. Enzyme replacement therapy may extend the lifespan of affected patients by 6–12 years but the only currently available radical treatment option is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Objectives: We aim to evaluate the influence of conditioning regimens of various intensities and “graft versus host” disease (GvHD) prophylaxis with anti-thymocyte globulin and post-transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) on overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival, the incidence of GvHD, the normalization of alpha-L-iduronidase and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels over time as well as cardiovascular and cognitive recovery following allo-HSCT. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University. We included 28 patients with MPS IH who had received allo-HSCT at the clinic at the R.М. Gorbacheva Memorial Institute of Children Oncology, Haematology and Transplantation. The five-year OS was 89%, the EFS – 57%. The use of myeloablative conditioning regimens and allo-HSCT within 12 months of diagnosis improve EFS in affected patients. The cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute GvHD and grade III–IV acute GvHD was 43% and 18% respectively. The use of PTCy results in a significantly lower incidence of this complication (69% vs 33%, p = 0.013). After allo-HSCT, normal alpha-L-iduronidase levels and urinary GAG excretion were achieved in cases where graft function was normal. Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment for patients with MPS IH. Myeloablative conditioning regimens are the preferred treatment modality for this group of patients but in cases of comorbidities or poor physical status at the time of allo-HSCT, conditioning regimens with reduced intensity may be opted for instead. PTCy may be used for GVHD prevention in patients with MPS IH without increasing the risk of cardiac toxicity.