Collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells on Day 4 is feasible and effective while reducing granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor exposure to healthy donors

Abstract

Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are the most common stem cell source for allogeneic transplantations. Analysis of our collection data obtained with a Spectra Optia device (Terumo) for apheresis demonstrated collection efficacies (CEs) exceeding our internal target levels of 5 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg body weight of the recipient when collected on Day 5. We thus aimed to investigate whether collection on Day 4 would lead to adequate amounts of PBPCs while minimizing granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) exposure in healthy donors. We compared feasibility and effectiveness of Day 5 versus Day 4 collections with data obtained from 23 and 18 allogeneic procedures, respectively. Both groups were comparable with regard to donor and collection characteristics. Product characteristics as well as platelet loss, CE, throughput, and collection rate did not differ between both protocols. A higher contamination with white blood cells (WBCs; ×10(9) /L) was observed in products collected on Day 5 compared to Day 4 (231 [range, 181-299] vs. 203 [range, 165-239]; p = 0.004). A second apheresis procedure was required in three of 23 patients and three of 18 patients, respectively (p = 0.6) to obtain the required PBPC dose. PBPC apheresis on Day 4 seems as feasible and effective as collection on Day 5. Collection on Day 4 produces lower WBC content in the product and allows a reduction in G-CSF exposure to healthy donors.