CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Dose as a Predictor of Engraftment and Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Background/aim: High-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is the standard treatment strategy for multiple myeloma (MM) patients who are eligible for it. The recommended dose of CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for adequate engraftment is above 2 x 10(6)/kg. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the dose of CD3V4(+). HPCs and survival in MM patients who underwent AHSCT at a tertiary care center. Materials and methods: Enrolled in this study were 271 MM patients who underwent AHSCT between 2003 and 2019. Clinical characteristics of the patients, disease status pre-AIISCT, reinfused CD34(+) cell doses, and neutrophil and platelet engraftment days were recorded, retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether the dose of reinfused CD34(+) ti PCs was <5 x 10(6) /kg or >5 x 10(6)/kg. The groups were compared in terms of engraftment and overall survival (OS) times. Results: The median age of the patients was 54.8 (33-76) years. The median dose of infused CD34(+) HPCs was 5.94 x 10(6)/kg (1.47-59.5 x 10(6)/kg). The median follow-up period was 54 months (4-211). The median OS of the patients was 103 months (11-144). The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment time was 10 (8-24) and 11 (7-40) days. Doses of <5 x 10(6)/kg and >5 x 10(6)/kg CD34(+). HPC were reinfused in 38.1% and 61.9% of the patients, respectively. There was a negative significant correlation between the reinfused CD34(+) cell level and neutrophil/platelet engraftment tunes (r = -0.32, P < 0.001; r = -0.27, P < 0.001, respectively). The median OS times were observed as 103 months (11-144) and 145 months (123-166) for patients who had been administered <5 x 10(6)/kg and >5 x 10(6)/kg of CD34(+ )HPCs, respectively (P = 0.009). Conclusion: The increased amount of CD34(+) autologous hematopoietic stem cell dose after high dose melphalan chemotherapy in MM patients shortened the platelet and neutrophil engraftment time and increased OS. Early platelet engraftment and administration of a CD34(+) FIPC count that is >5 x 10(6)/kg can be considered as predictors of better survival in patients.