DONOR PERIPHERAL-BLOOD STEM-CELL INFUSIONS IN RECIPIENTS OF LIVING-RELATED LIVER ALLOGRAFTS

Background. In this pilot study, donor peripheral blood stem cell (DPB SC) infusions were performed in three recipients of living-related liv er transplants (LRLT). Methods. DPBSCs were obtained by leukapheresis after mobilization with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (Filgras tim). Donor leukapheresis was performed on the 5th postoperative day, and half of the DPBSCs were infused into the recipient on the day of c ollection. The second half of the pheresed product was cryopreserved f or delayed administration. Results. Results from preliminary studies o f chimerism in LRLT recipients, at 20 weeks posttransplant, suggested that the levels of donor cells detected in LRLT recipients treated wit h DPBSC infusions may be higher than those observed for recipients of cadaver donor liver allografts and vertebral body marrow infusions. Co nclusions. The results of this pilot study indicate that administratio n of mobilized DPBSC to recipients of LRLT is a feasible procedure for both donor and recipient.