2018 Volume 68 Issue 1 Pages 43-47
Autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is a standard treatment for the recurrent refractory malignant lymphoma and symptomatic multiple myeloma in young patients. For faster engraftment after transplantation, 2.0×106 /kg of CD34 positive cells are required and research is ongoing regarding methods to improve the yield of PBSC collection. We investigated the efficacy and safety of chemomobilization by the intermediate dose etoposide (VP-16; 350mg/m2 on days 1-4). We reviewed 19 patients with malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma who underwent this regimen as mobilization in our institute from December 2000 to March 2015. In 15 of 19 cases (79%), stem cells were collected successfully. The median period of white blood cell count below 1,000 cells or lower was 5 days (3 days to 7 days). Though body temperature was higher than 37.5°C in 9 of 13 patients, one of whom developed bacteremia, antibiotic therapy was effective in all cases. As for non-hematological grade ≥3 adverse events, oral mucositis was observed in one case. Intermediate dose etoposide regimen is a safe and efficient mobilization regimen for PBSC collection.
