Large volume leukapheresis maximizes the progenitor cell yield for allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor donation

We have investigated the efficiency and safety of large volume leukapheresis (LVL) for the collection of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) from healthy donors. In six apheresis sessions in four healthy individuals on a COBE-BCT Spectra(TM) cell separator (median processed volume 3.5 x total blood volume, TBV, range 3.3-4.4 x TBV), harvested cells were collected sequentially into three single bags. The collection bags were changed after processing 33%, 66%, and 100% of the prospective apheresis volume, allowing analysis of PBPCs collected at different periods during one harvest. Mononuclear cells (MNCs), CD34+ cells, CD34+ subsets, and lymphocyte subsets were determined in each bag. Substantially more PBPCs were harvested than were in the circulation before G-CSF administration preceding LVL (median 171%, range 69-267%), reflecting progenitor release during the procedure. In donors 1 and 3, the CD34+ cell yields decreased in the third bag to 53% and 42% of that collected in the first bag, whereas the progenitor cell yields in donors 2 and 4 were stable or rose during the procedure, achieving in the third bag 157% and 105% of the number of CD34+ cells collected in the first bag. Minor changes were found in the subsets of CD34+ cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes collected at different periods during a single harvest. LVL was well tolerated. Reversible thombocytopenia developed in all cases. No late effects attributable to LVL or G-CSF were found in the 4 donors and 16 other healthy individuals who have undergone LVL in our institution. We conclude that LVL is safe and maximizes PBPC yields for allogeneic transplantation.