Introduction of Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in the Aizu Region, Fukushima Prefecture

Abstract

 Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT) was introduced into the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, with 18 cases performed between 2013 and 2023. The median age of the patients was 53 years (range: 31 to 68 years), and 10 females and 8 males were included. Among these patients, 10 had malignant lymphoma, 7 had multiple myeloma, and 1 had acute myeloid leukemia. The median observation period was 14.5 months (range: 1 month to 9 years). One patient died from interstitial pneumonia, and 3 patients experienced relapse. The predicted 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 90.9% (95% CI 50.8-98.7%) and 76.0% (95% CI 40.4-92.0%), respectively. This success was achieved through a collaborative effort involving physicians, nurses, clinical engineers, laboratory technicians, and numerous other staff members. To sustain and further develop this program, it is essential to both retain and recruit skilled personnel, as well as to improve the work environment and related factors. We hope that this review will be helpful for medical facility planning to introduce auto-PBSCT.