Optimal Selection of Cord Blood for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Umbilical cord blood (CB) has been an alternative hematopoietic stem cell source especially for patients without an appropriate marrow or mobilized peripheral blood donor. Although many studies have shown similar overall survival rates after CB transplantation compared with other donor sources, higher rate of non-relapse mortality is a major obstacle for a successful CB transplantation. Thus, selecting a best appropriate unit is very important to improve the outcome of CB transplantation. Adequate cell dose and better HLA matching (antigen-level for -A, -B, and allele-level for -DRB1) have been considered most important criteria of donor choice for CB transplantation. In recent, other criteria including non-inherited maternal antigens, HLA-C matching, allele-level matching at 8 loci (-A, -B, -C, -DRB1), and anti-HLA antibodies are also suggested as factors that might affect the outcome of CB transplantation. This review will highlight current issues regarding criteria of donor choice for CB transplantation. Finally, I will introduce the algorithm and detailed guideline for CB selection recently developed in Korea, which may help physicians to choose best unit available.