The COBE Spectra cell separator is more effective than the Haemonetics MCS-3P cell separator for peripheral blood progenitor cell harvest after mobilization with cyclophosphamide and filgrastim.
BACKGROUND
Peripheral blood is rapidly replacing bone marrow as a source of hematopoietic progenitor cells for autologous transplantation. The advantages of peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation are enhanced by the ability to collect sufficient progenitor cells to ensure rapid neutrophil and platelet recovery in a single procedure on some cell separators.


METHODS
A prospective randomized study was undertaken to compare peripheral blood progenitor cell yields from two cell separators (MCS-3P, Haemonetics and Spectra, COBE). Fifteen consecutive patients were mobilized with cyclophosphamide 2 g per m2 (Day 0) and filgrastim 10 micrograms per kg (Days 1-11). Consecutive collections (Day 10, Day 11) were performed with each machine once: patients were randomly assigned to either machine for the initial collection.


RESULTS
Collection time was longer on the MCS-3P (p = 0.001), and the volume processed was greater with the Spectra (p < 0.0001). Despite similar nucleated cell yield (p = 0.62), the yield of CD34+ cells (p = 0.001) and colony-forming units-granulocytic-monocytic (p = 0.0001) was significantly higher with the Spectra. The yield of nucleated cells per unit of blood volume processed was higher for the MCS-3P (p = 0.0007), while the CD34+ cell yield (p = 1) and colony-forming units-granulocytic-monocytic yield (p = 1) per unit of blood volume processed were similar for the two machines. The collection of CD34+ cells at levels > 2 x 10(6) per kg (p = 0.063), 5 x 10(6) per kg (p = 0.031), and colony-forming units-granulocytic-monocytic > 1 x 10(5) per kg (p = 0.25) after a single collection was superior for the Spectra.


CONCLUSIONS
The yield of progenitor cells after collection on the Spectra was superior to that achieved with the MCS-3P, because of the larger volume of blood processed per procedure. This would permit more patients to undergo only one collection.
Morton
J A
JA
Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
Baker
D P
DP
Hutchins
C J
CJ
Durrant
S T
ST
D001810:Blood Volume; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D000069585:Filgrastim; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D000069585:Filgrastim