Autologous CD34-selected blood progenitor cell transplants for patients with advanced multiple myeloma

Abstract

Fifty-five patients with advanced multiple myeloma received purified CD34-selected peripheral blood progenitor cell transplants following myeloablative chemotherapy. A median of 4.1 × 10⁶ CD34 cells/kg (range 1.2–30.7) were infused after busulfan (14 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg); granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor was used until hematopoietic recovery. Median time to neutrophils >0.5 × 10⁹/l and platelets >20 × 10⁹/l were 12 days (range 10–16 and 8–184 days, respectively). Median follow-up of survivors from the time of transplantation is 33 months (range 7 to 44 months). Thirty-one patients are alive, 19 progression-free. Median progression-free survival is 14 months. Actuarial 3-year progression-free and overall survival are 29 ± 14% and 47 ± 17%. CD34-selection of peripheral blood progenitor cells provides effective hematopoietic support with significant progression-free and overall survival.