Godbey, Elizabeth A

ABSTRACT Plerixafor (PLX) is FDA approved for use in autologous peripheral blood stem cell donors but not in allogeneic donors. This study was completed by members of the ASFA HPC Donor Subcommittee to examine the incidence and characteristics of poor mobilizers (PM) among matched related donors (MRD), as well as factors associated with PLX use in MRD. Risks of poor mobilization in MRD were older age, especially donors older than 60 years, lower baseline platelet counts, and heavier recipients. PLX use in PM was low but safe, tripling the success rate for collection. This study adds evidence to the body of literature to support use of PLX in allogeneic donors who are PM.

Abstract Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy with limited treatment options. Genetic modification of the patient's own hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) offers an avenue to curative therapy using the patient's own cells. Many challenges exist in collecting sufficient numbers of starting material for manufacturing, beginning with the pre‐mobilization optimization of the patient to the mobilization, collection, and post‐collection phases. Study Design and Methods A working group within the Cellular Therapy Subcommittee of the American Society for Apheresis Clinical Applications Committee describes the challenges associated with apheresis collection of the starting material for gene therapy (GT) product manufacturing for patients with SCD and discusses potential strategies for overcoming these challenges. Results and Discussion Patients must undergo automated red blood cell exchange (RCE) to lower hemoglobin S in a relatively short window of time before apheresis collection of HSCs. The risks and benefits of transfusion as well as the logistics of providing adequate and appropriate blood products must be considered. Limited agents are available for mobilization of HSCs into the peripheral blood for collection and the timing of administration is short. Each collection cycle consists of RCE followed by at least three mobilization and apheresis collection events in addition to collecting backup cells. More than one cycle is typically needed to collect enough cells for GT drug product manufacturing. Optimization of patient factors and apheresis instrument parameters leads to better collection yields. Early and frequent ongoing coordination with all stakeholders involved is critical to developing personalized treatment plans for patients.