Graft collection by apheresis and graft composition

Ever since Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) were first identified in blood [1] there has been great interest in developing alternative methods to bone marrow harvesting under general anesthesia. In particular, the introduction of techniques for extensive collection of blood cells by leukapheresis and the knowledge of factors affecting stem cell concentration in blood, such as a great stem cell output after chemotherapy [2], growth factor administration [3] [Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), Plerixafor] or their combination, has allowed, nowadays, the replacement of bone marrow harvests with blood stem cell collection in most cases.
Source: Transfusion and Apheresis Science - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research