The use of non-cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma patients

Background. An autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of treatment young and fit patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The using this method of treatment is limited due to the high consumption of economic and intellectual resources, the low availability of Cryobank departments in regions of Russia.
Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using non-cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells (non-CRYO PBSCs) in patients with multiple myeloma who underwent autologous transplantation.
Materials and methods. We conducted a prospective study of the efficacy and safety of using non-CRYO PBSCs in patients with MM who underwent ASCT. The number of PBSCs apheresis procedures in 82.9 % (n = 29 pts) was 1 day, and in 17.1 % (n = 6 pts) was 2 days. After apheresis, PBSCs were stored at a temperature of +4…+6 °C in a blood bank refrigerator for up to 72 hours. During 4 years, ASCT using non-CRYO PBSCs was performed in 35 patients with MM. The average number CD34+  cell dose was 2.63 × 106 /kg. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days (range from 9 to 14). The median time to platelet engraftment was 12 days (range from 8 to 19). The control group included 43 patients with MM, who underwent PBSCs ASCT according to the traditional method, including preparation and cryopreservation of the apheresis product of PBSCs with cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as subsequent defrosting on the day of transplantation (day 0).
Results. There were no significant differences comparing the safety of ASCT in non-CRYO and CRYO PBSCs groups among such parameters as the viability of PBSCs, the frequency of complications, the time of hematopoietic engraftment, the need for platelet and red blood cells transfusion therapy, and time of hospitalization.
Conclusion. Hence, the method of short-term storaging non-CRYO PBSCs is not inferior to the traditional method of controlled freezing, is more economical and can be used in medical organizations that do not have a Cryobank in their structure.

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