Episode 123: AML Series, Pt 9 - Introduction to Allogeneic Transplant
Dec 4, 2024
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Dr. Amar Kelkar, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and specialist at Dana-Farber, joins for an enlightening dive into allogeneic transplants for AML. He unpacks key eligibility criteria for patients, stressing the importance of minimal residual disease status. The conversation also illuminates the critical role of HLA matching and donor selection factors. Additionally, Dr. Kelkar compares various stem cell sources, revealing unique insights about outcomes in haploidentical and cord blood transplants. His expert perspective makes this complex topic accessible.
Eligibility for allogeneic transplants relies on disease-specific factors and risk assessments, particularly for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
HLA matching plays a critical role in optimizing transplant success, influencing donor selection and minimizing complications like graft-versus-host disease.
Deep dives
Transplant Eligibility Criteria
Determining eligibility for allogeneic transplants involves assessing both disease-specific and overall health factors. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are categorized into risk groups, with medium and high-risk patients traditionally recommended for transplant. Recent guidelines refine these categorizations, emphasizing the importance of NPM1 and FLT3 mutations in assessing risk levels. Understanding these criteria aids in deciding the appropriateness of transplant for each patient, ensuring those most likely to benefit from transplant procedures receive them.
Importance of HLA Matching in Donor Selection
HLA matching is crucial for transplant success, with a perfect match defined as a 12 out of 12 correlation across six key HLA loci. Matching primarily focuses on class I molecules like HLA A, B, and C, while class II molecules like HLA DR, DQ, and DP are also considered to mitigate the risk of rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Sibling donors are preferred due to a higher likelihood of matching minor histocompatibility antigens, which can enhance survival rates. Understanding these details about donor selection helps optimize transplant outcomes by maximizing compatibility while addressing issues related to donor diversity.
Sources of Stem Cells for Transplants
The main sources of stem cells for transplant include peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), bone marrow, and cord blood, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. PBSC is favored for its higher yield of stem cells and quicker recovery times, though it may lead to a higher incidence of chronic GVHD compared to bone marrow. Cord blood offers rapid availability with less stringent matching requirements, but it is associated with delayed engraftment and higher transplant-related mortality. The choice of source often depends on the specific situation, including the patient's condition and the urgency of transplant, with considerations for minimizing adverse effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.
In today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Amar Kelkar for part 1 of our two-part discussion on allogeneic transplant. In this episode, we discuss the fundamental approach to patient selection and stem cell source selection. As you all know from this series, allogeneic transplants play a pivotal role in the management of AML. Dr. Kelkar’s pearls of wisdom help make this confusing topic so much more approachable!
Episode contents:
- What factors do we incorporate when considering a patient for allogeneic transplant?
- How do we use HLA-matching?
- What are the pros and cons of the different sources of stem cells?