Uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at-80 degrees C, with only 3.5-percent DMSO in cryoprotective solution for 109 autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantations

BACKGROUND: Although controlled-rate freezing and storage in liquid nitroge n are the standard procedure for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) cr yopreservation, uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80 degreesC have been reported. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prospective evaluation of 109 autologous PBPC transplantations after uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80 degre esC of apheresis products is reported. The cryoprotectant solution containe d final concentrations of 1-percent human serum albumin, 2.5-percent hydrox yethyl starch, and 3.5-percent DMSO. RESULTS: With in vitro assays, the median recoveries of nucleated cells (NC s), CD34+ cells, CFU-GM, and BFU-E were 60.8 percent (range, 11.2-107.1%), 79.6 percent (6.3-158.1%), 35.6 percent (0.3-149.5%), and 32.6 percent (1.7 -151.1%), respectively. The median length of storage was 7 weeks (range, 1- 98). The median cell dose, per kg of body weight, given to patients after t he preparative regimen was 6.34 x 10(8) NCs (range, 0.02-38.3), 3.77 x 10(6 ) CD34+ cells (0.23-58.5), and 66.04 x 10(4) CFU-GM (1.38-405.7). The media n time to reach 0.5 x 10(9) granulocytes per L, 20 x 10(9) platelets per L, and 50 x 10(9) reticulocytes per L was 11 (range, 0-37), 11(0-129), and 17 (0-200) days, respectively. Hematopoietic reconstitution did not differ in patients undergoing myeloablative or nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens before transplantation. CONCLUSION: This simple and less expensive cryopreservation procedure can p roduce successful engraftment, comparable to that obtained with the standar d storage procedure.