Evaluation of the predictive value of the hematopoietic progenitor cell count using an automated hematology analyzer for CD34+ stem cell mobilization and apheresis product yield

Abstract Introduction We evaluated the value of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) counted in Sysmex XN analyzers to predict the mobilization and collection of CD34+ cells in apheresis for stem cell transplantation. Methods Eighty patients who underwent stem cell transplantation were enrolled (50 autologous and 30 allogeneic). In the autologous group, patients were considered poor mobilizers when the CD34+ count was <10 × 10 6 /L or <20 × 10 6 /L in patients with multiple myeloma who were going to undergo two transplants. ROC curves were generated, and HPC cutoffs were calculated. Results The correlation between the HPC and CD34+ cell counts was good. Two algorithms were proposed. In the first algorithm, samples collected the day before apheresis, negative and positive HPC cutoffs were selected to detect poor and good mobilization and, therefore, the need or not to administer plerixafor. In the second algorithm, samples collected pre‐apheresis, the negative HPC cutoff was an indication to delay apheresis; an HPC higher than the optimal cutoff was an indication to start apheresis. When the HPC values were between these cutoffs, there was an indication to count CD34+ cells for a better decision‐making. Finally, in samples collected pre‐apheresis, HPC counts could be used to predict patients who would have poor CD34+ cell collections. In the allogeneic group, all the donors mobilized well, and very few needed two apheresis procedures. Conclusions The HPC count is useful for decision‐making in the management of patients subjected to apheresis procedures to collect peripheral blood stem cells.