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Stem cell transplantation timing from last chemotherapy affects lymphocyte collection

07-26-2006

The timing of stem cell transplantation from the last chemotherapy affects lymphocyte collection and survival in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to recent research published in the British Journal of Haematology, "Autograft absolute lymphocyte count (A-ALC) is a prognostic factor for survival in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). An A-ALC is dependent upon the preaphaeresis absolute lymphocyte count (PA-ALC) at the time of aphaeresis.

"It was hypothesized that the time interval from last chemotherapy (TILC) to aphaeresis affects PA-ALC. One hundred and sixty consecutive NHL patients who underwent ASCT at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2001 were evaluated."

"A strong correlation between TILC and PA-ALC (r=0.67, p<0.0001) was identified. Higher PA-ALC was observed in TILC {{>=}}55 days compared with TILC <55 days [median: 7.0 vs. 3.8 x 109/L], p<0.0001)," S.G. Holtan and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic wrote.

"TILC as a continuous variable was identified as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR)=0.989, p<0.01] and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR=0.992, p<0.0492).

"Median OS and PFS were longer in the TILC {{>=}}55 days vs. TILC <55 days group (not reached vs. 21 months, p<0.0008; 76 vs. 9 months, p<0.0025, respectively)," researchers reported.

The authors concluded, "Multivariate analysis demonstrated TILC to be an independent prognostic indicator for OS and PFS. These findings suggest that the immune status of the host at the time of aphaeresis may predict survival after ASCT."

Holtan and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Haematology (Timing of autologous stem cell transplantation from last chemotherapy affects lymphocyte collection and survival in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Br J Haematol, 2006;133(6):628-633).

For additional information, contact L.F. Porrata, Mayo Clinic, College Med, Dept. Internal Medicine, Division Hematology, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the British Journal of Haematology is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Rochester, Minnesota, United States, Absolute Lymphocyte Count, Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Prognostic Indicator.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.