ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBSC) have been used instead of bone marrow cells for allogeneic transplantation. Progenitor cells are mobilized using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Kinetic studies of G-CSF have shown that the CD34+ cells peak on day 5, although the optimal time for harvesting has not been established. METHODS: We compared two mobilization schedules using G-CSF. In groups I and II, G-CSF 10 microgram/kg/day was administered subcutaneously for 3 or 4 days, respectively, and leukapheresis was performed the next day. RESULTS: In groups I and II, a respective mean number of 5.84 x 106 and 10.76 x 106 circulating CD34+ cells per kilogram of the recipient's weight was collected by leukapheresis. The yield of the two collections did not differ significantly (p=0.386). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the two mobilization schedules are equally effective. To avoid prolonged exposure to G-CSF, the day 4 collection schedule is the preferred mobilization strategy.