Selected CD34+ Stem Cells for Graft Engineering

Engineering of stem cell grafts by selection of CD34+ cells has been used in
autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
for more than two decades.
Prevention of severe GvHD in allogeneic HSCT is crucial to reduce the risk
of transplant-related mortality and morbidity, and to maintain a high level
of quality of life. One approach widely used in clinical practice to reduce
incidences of GvHD is the ex vivo removal of T lymphocytes from the graft
by selection of CD34+ cells. Moreover, immunoselected CD34+ cells are
used to boost engraftment with low risk of developing GvHD in patients
exhibiting poor graft function. In autologous HSCT, this method of ex vivo
graft manipulation may prevent reinfusion of tumor cells and diseasecausing
lymphocytes.
Thirty-four compelling case reports are presented in this book, in which
this powerful technology was used in multiple stem cell transplantation
settings.