PBSC mobilization

Intentional recruitment of hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow to peripheral blood is a clinical process termed peripheral blood stem cell (PSBC) mobilization. Mobilized PSBC has replaced bone marrow as the preferred source of stem cells for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy because of rapid and durable engraftment and reconstitution of functional bone marrow. Although the mechanism involved in the process of PBSC mobilization by cytokines is largely unknown, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone or chemotherapy combined with GCSF is used as a mobilizing agent in current clinical practice. To date, G-CSF is the best cytokine for PBSC mobilization. However, there are some controversies in its efficacy (poor mobilizer) and safety (in allogeneic donors). Recent research progress has revealed some part of the mechanistic scenarios of PBSC mobilization and found promising candidates for the agents for PBSC mobilization. Until the research at molecular and cellular levels elucidates the precise mechanisms, collecting and comparing clinical observations is the best way to find more optimal condition for PBSC mobilization.