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Unmanipulated Stem Cell Boost for Mixed Chimerism in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia

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Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Early mixed chimerism (MC) can lead to secondary graft rejection post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients. Reduction of immunosuppression and donor lymphocyte infusions is the mainstay for treating MC. We report our experience of administering unmanipulated stem cell boost (SCB) in reversing progressive early MC. There were 70 transplants done for 69 TDT patients at our center between September 2005 and January 2020. Mixed chimerism was defined by > 5% recipient cells and the severity was assigned according to the proportion of recipient cells as level 1 =  < 10%, level 2 = 10–25%, level 3 =  > 25%. For patients develo** MC level 2 and 3, we administered unmanipulated SCB and analyzed its safety and efficacy. Out of 70 transplants 7 (10%) had MC level 2 (3/7) and 3 (4/7). These patients received unmanipulated SCB at a median CD34 cell dose of 4.5 × 106/kg (range—3.5 × 106/kg–5.5 × 106/kg). Overall Response (stable MC and/or transfusion independency) to unmanipulated SCB was seen in 5 patients (71.4%). Five patients (71.4%) developed acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) of which 1 patient expired due to severe GVHD. SCB infusion was well tolerated by majority of our patients. The 3 year overall survival and thalassemia free survival was 85.7% (6/7) and 57.1% (4/7) respectively. Timely monitoring of chimerism is important for detecting early MC. Development of acute GVHD is common after administration of unmanipulated SCB and requires vigilance and prompt management. Unmanipulated SCB is a feasible modality for treating progressive MC and salvaging the graft especially in resource-constrained settings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380016, India

    Akanksha Garg, Akshay Shivchhand, Sandip Shah, Kamlesh Shah, Kinnari Patel, Harsha Panchal, Apurva Patel & Sonia Parikh

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  1. Akanksha Garg
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  2. Akshay Shivchhand
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  3. Sandip Shah
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  4. Kamlesh Shah
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  6. Harsha Panchal
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Correspondence to Akanksha Garg.

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Garg, A., Shivchhand, A., Shah, S. et al. Unmanipulated Stem Cell Boost for Mixed Chimerism in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 37, 458–462 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12288-020-01347-z

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