Selected CD34+ Stem Cells for Graft Engineering

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