Medical researchers have shown the feasibility of conducting stem cell transplants in rooms with non HEPA (high efficiencty particulate air) filters1. The research assures practitioners in developing countries who work under similar conditions.
A team of doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have reported their experience of performing 40 such transplants (from July 2004 to November 2007) without complications that could be directly associated to absence of HEPA filters. None of the patients died within the first 30 days after the transplants. One patient died within 100 days and eight after 100 days due to chronic GVHD, relapse, graft rejection, disseminated tuberculosis and aspergillosis.
The experience suggests that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants can be safely performed in non-HEPA filter rooms in India, the researchers conclude.
