1
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Blouin AG, Nelson W, Geraghty D, Askar M, Ye F. Performance Characteristics of NGS-Based Engraftment Monitoring and Microchimerism Detection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Practical Approach for Clinical Assay Validation. J Mol Diagn 2024:S1525-1578(24)00181-8. [PMID: 39181323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimerism analysis by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an emerging method for engraftment monitoring post-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. A high-sensitivity methodology is required for the detection of microchimerism (< 1 % chimerism) which may have clinical utility in early relapse detection, allograft monitoring in organ transplantation and other allogeneic cellular therapies (such as microtransplantations). As more clinical laboratories adopt this methodology, a thorough assessment of performance is needed. This study evaluated one such NGS-based assay that utilizes both SNPs and InDels as genetic markers. An assessment of accuracy, linearity, sensitivity and reproducibility was performed. Analytical sensitivity was 0.2 % donor for single donor and 0.5 % donors for double donors. The assay showed a high degree of reproducibility over a full range of chimerism. Comparison to STR-PCR showed high concordance; yet below 5 % chimerism was consistently detected by NGS, but not by STR-PCR. Comparison to qPCR showed high concordance, but with lower correlation in the mid-range (40-60 % chimerism). Overall, the assay showed consistent performance with high sensitivity and accuracy compared to STR-PCR and qPCR across a full range of chimerism in the setting of single and multi-donor transplantations. In addition, criteria for quality metrics were established for sequencing performance and data analysis. We conclude with a discussion of considerations for clinical laboratory validation of NGS-based chimerism assay and analysis software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Germaine Blouin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Wyatt Nelson
- Scisco Genetics Inc., Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Daniel Geraghty
- Scisco Genetics Inc., Seattle, WA, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Medhat Askar
- QU Health Sector & College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Rieneck K. A mathematical description of nonself for biallelic genetic systems in pregnancy, transfusion, and transplantation. APMIS 2024. [PMID: 39030957 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
A central issue in immunology is the immunological response against nonself. The prerequisite for a specific immunological response is the exposure to the immune system of a nonself antigen. Mathematical equations are presented, which define the fraction of all outcomes with a nonself allele in biallelic systems at the population level in pregnancy and transfusion/transplantation medicine. When designing assays, the mathematical descriptions can be used for estimating the number of genetic markers necessary to obtain a predetermined probability level in detecting nonself alleles of a given frequency. For instance, the equations can be helpful in the design of assays, where the nonself allele can be detected by analysis of cfDNA in plasma from pregnant women, to estimate fetal fraction or to monitor changes in cfDNA in plasma of transplantation patients. The equations give exact, quantitative descriptions of all nonself situations in pregnancy and transfusion/transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Rieneck
- Laboratory of Blood Genetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Rojansky R, Marboe CC, Berry GJ. Malignancy following solid organ transplantation: Current techniques for determination of donor versus recipient origin. Transpl Infect Dis 2024:e14330. [PMID: 39003580 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Among the post-transplantation complications that patients may encounter, the transmission of a donor-derived malignant neoplasm is uncommon but potentially life threatening. The determination of donor versus recipient origin is essential particularly in the setting of multiple transplant recipients from the donor. Advances in molecular biology now allow accurate discrimination utilizing routine tissue samples in a timely and cost-effective manner. The techniques are routinely performed in hospital molecular biology laboratories and are also available in commercial labs. The current methodologies are discussed and future possibilities are presented for clinicians caring for solid organ recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rojansky
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Charles C Marboe
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gerald J Berry
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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4
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Miura S, Ueda K, Minakawa K, Nollet KE, Ikeda K. Prospects and Potential for Chimerism Analysis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Cells 2024; 13:993. [PMID: 38891125 PMCID: PMC11172215 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimerism analysis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation serves to confirm engraftment, indicate relapse of hematologic malignancy, and attribute graft failure to either immune rejection or poor graft function. Short tandem repeat PCR (STR-PCR) is the prevailing method, followed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), with detection limits of 1-5% and 0.1%, respectively. Chimerism assays using digital PCR or next-generation sequencing, both of which are more sensitive than STR-PCR, are increasingly used. Stable mixed chimerism is usually not associated with poor outcomes in non-malignant diseases, but recipient chimerism may foretell relapse of hematologic malignancies, so higher detection sensitivity may be beneficial in such cases. Thus, the need for and the type of intervention, e.g., immunosuppression regimen, donor lymphocyte infusion, and/or salvage second transplantation, should be guided by donor chimerism in the context of the feature and/or residual malignant cells of the disease to be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Miura
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Health Sciences, Fukushima 960-8516, Japan
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koki Ueda
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Keiji Minakawa
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kenneth E. Nollet
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeda
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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5
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Brow D, Shike H, Kendrick J, Pettersson L, Mineishi S, Claxton DF, Wirk B, Cioccio J, Greiner RJ, Viswanatha D, Kharfan-Dabaja MA, Li Z, Tyler J, Elrefaei M. Assessment of chimerism by next generation sequencing: A comparison to STR/qPCR methods. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110794. [PMID: 38553384 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Chimerism analysis is used to evaluate patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) for engraftment and minimal measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring. A combination of short-tandem repeat (STR) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was required to achieve both sensitivity and accuracy in the patients with various chimerism statuses. In this study, an insertion/deletion-based multiplex chimerism assay by next generation sequencing (NGS) was evaluated using 5 simulated unrelated donor-recipient combinations from 10 volunteers. Median number of informative markers detected was 8 (range = 5 - 11). The limit of quantitation (LoQ) was determined to be 0.1 % recipient. Assay sample number/batch was 10-20 and total assay time was 19-31 h (manual labor = 2.1 h). Additionally, 50 peripheral blood samples from 5 allo-HSCT recipients (related: N = 4; unrelated: N = 1) were tested by NGS and STR/qPCR. Median number of informative markers detected was 7 (range = 4 - 12). Results from both assays demonstrated a strong correlation (Y = 0.9875X + 0.333; R2 = 0.9852), no significant assay bias (difference mean - 0.08), and 100 % concordant detection of percent recipient increase ≥ 0.1 % (indicator of increased relapse risk). NGS-based chimerism assay can support all allo-HSCT for engraftment and MRD monitoring and simplify clinical laboratory workflow compared to STR/qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Brow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Hiroko Shike
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pathology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jasmine Kendrick
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Shin Mineishi
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hematology Oncology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hematology Oncology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Baldeep Wirk
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hematology Oncology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Cioccio
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hematology Oncology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Greiner
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David Viswanatha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mohamed A Kharfan-Dabaja
- Division of Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Zhuo Li
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Tyler
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pathology, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mohamed Elrefaei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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6
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Zhang A, Macecevic S, Thomas D, Allen J, Mandley S, Kawczak P, Jurcago R, Tyler J, Casey H, Bosler D, Sobecks R, Hamilton B, Sauter C, Mineishi S, Claxton D, Shike H. Engraftment and Measurable Residual Disease Monitoring after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Comparison of Two Chimerism Test Strategies, Next-Generation Sequencing versus a Combination of Short-Tandem Repeats and Quantitative PCR. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:233-244. [PMID: 38307253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimerism testing supports the study of engraftment and measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. In chimerism MRD, relapse can be predicted by increasing mixed chimerism (IMC), recipient increase ≥0.1% in peripheral blood, and proliferating recipient cells as a surrogate of tumor activity. Conventionally, the combination of short-tandem repeat (STR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was needed to ensure assay sensitivity and accuracy in all chimerism status. We evaluated the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) as an alternate technique. The median numbers of informative markers in unrelated/related cases were 124/82 (NGS; from 202 single-nucleotide polymorphism), 5/3 (qPCR), and 17/10 (STR). Assay sensitivity was 0.22% (NGS), 0.1% (qPCR), and 1% (STR). NGS batch (4 to 48 samples) required 19.60 to 24.80 hours and 1.52 to 2.42 hours of hands-on time (comparable to STR/qPCR). NGS assay cost/sample was $91 to $151, similar to qPCR ($99) but higher than STR ($27). Using 56 serial DNAs from six post-transplant patients monitored by the qPCR/STR, the correlation with NGS was strong for percentage recipient (y = 1.102x + 0.010; R2 = 0.968) and percentage recipient change (y = 0.892x + 0.041; R2 = 0.945). NGS identified all 17 IMC events detected by qPCR (100% sensitivity). The NGS chimerism provides sufficient sensitivity, accuracy, and economical/logistical feasibility in supporting engraftment and MRD monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiwen Zhang
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stacey Macecevic
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dawn Thomas
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey Allen
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sarah Mandley
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Paul Kawczak
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Raymond Jurcago
- Allogen Laboratories, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jennifer Tyler
- Pathology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Heather Casey
- Pathology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - David Bosler
- Molecular Pathology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ronald Sobecks
- Hematology/Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Betty Hamilton
- Hematology/Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Craig Sauter
- Hematology/Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shin Mineishi
- Hematology Oncology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - David Claxton
- Hematology Oncology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Hiroko Shike
- Pathology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
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7
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Pettersson L, Westerling S, Talla V, Sendel A, Wennberg L, Olsson R, Hedrum A, Hauzenberger D. Development and performance of a next generation sequencing (NGS) assay for monitoring of dd-cfDNA post solid organ transplantation. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 552:117647. [PMID: 37951377 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a novel NGS assay, intended for monitoring of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), and describe its validity in clinical plasma samples from kidney transplanted patients. Artificial and clinical samples with increasing amounts of patient DNA were evaluated using NGS analysis of indel markers. Monitoring of dd-cfDNA with the NGS assay presented herein demonstrated a sensitivity of ≥0.1% dd-cfDNA and excellent accuracy (R2 0.99) throughout an extensive range of dd-cfDNA (0.1-30%). The precision of the test was determined for two levels (0.1% (LoD) and 1%) of dd-cfDNA. The between run precision (CV%) for the respective level was 16% and 9% and the corresponding result for the within run precision was 19% and 7%. To evaluate performance of the assay in clinical samples, 507 retrospective monitoring samples from 21 patients transplanted either with kidneys from living or deceased donors were analyzed. Monitoring samples were sampled at multiple time points from 24 h up to 90 days post-transplantation. We show that in one patient, increase of dd-cfDNA preceded increase of creatinine caused by acute cellular rejection by several days. In conclusion, the NGS assay displayed a combination of high sensitivity with good accuracy and precision in both artificial and clinical dd-cfDNA samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Venkat Talla
- Devyser AB, Instrumentvägen 19, SE-12653 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Sendel
- Dept. Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Wennberg
- Clinic for Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard Olsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Hedrum
- Devyser AB, Instrumentvägen 19, SE-12653 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Häuser F, Mittler J, Hantal MS, Greulich L, Hermanns M, Shrestha A, Kriege O, Falter T, Immel UD, Herold S, Schuch B, Lackner KJ, Rossmann H, Radsak M. One fits all: a highly sensitive combined ddPCR/pyrosequencing system for the quantification of microchimerism after hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:1994-2001. [PMID: 37167203 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A combined digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)/pyrosequencing assay system was developed that demonstrated advantages applicable to multiple qualitative and quantitative molecular genetic diagnostic applications. Data for characterizing this combined approach for hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and allele quantification from graft-derived cell-free (cf) DNA in solid organ transplantation (SOT) is presented. METHODS ddPCR and pyrosequencing assays targeting 32 SNPs/markers were established. ddPCR results from 72 gDNAs of 55 patients after allogeneic HSCT and 107 plasma-cfDNAs of 25 liver transplant recipients were compared with established methods/markers, i.e. short-tandem-repeat PCR and ALT, respectively. RESULTS The ddPCR results were in good agreement with the established marker. The limit of detection was 0.02 % minor allele fraction. The relationship between ddPCR and STR-PCR was linear with R2=0.98 allowing to transfer previously established clinical STR-PCR cut-offs to ddPCR; 50-fold higher sensitivity and a variation coefficient of <2 % enable the use of low DNA concentrations (e.g. pre-sorted cells). ddPCR detected liver allograft injury at least as sensitive as ALT suggesting that ddPCR is a reliable method to monitor the transplant integrity, especially when other biomarkers are lacking (e.g. kidney). CONCLUSIONS Combining pyrosequencing for genotyping and ddPCR for minor allele quantification enhances sensitivity and precision for the patient after HSCT and SOT. The assay is designed for maximum flexibility. It is expected to be suitable for other applications (sample tracking, prenatal diagnostics, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Häuser
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens Mittler
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Misra Simge Hantal
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lilli Greulich
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martina Hermanns
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annette Shrestha
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Kriege
- Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Falter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uta D Immel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephanie Herold
- Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Brigitte Schuch
- Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heidi Rossmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Radsak
- Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Kakodkar P, Zhao Y, Pan H, Wu F, Pearce T, Webster D, Elemary M, Sabry W, Kwan L, Pelzer L, Bosch M, Sherwood KR, Lan J, Tran J, Liwski R, Keown P, Mostafa A. Validation of next-generation sequencing-based chimerism testing for accurate detection and monitoring of engraftment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Front Genet 2023; 14:1282947. [PMID: 37937195 PMCID: PMC10626454 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1282947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a life-saving treatment for various hematological disorders. The success of allo-HSCT depends on the engraftment of donor cells and the elimination of recipient cells monitored through chimerism testing. We aimed to validate a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based chimerism assay for engraftment monitoring and to emphasize the importance of including the most prevalent cell subsets in proficiency testing (PT) programs. We evaluated the analytical performance of NGS-based chimerism testing (AlloSeq-HCT and CareDx) with a panel of targeted 202 informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (i.e., linearity and precision, analytical sensitivity and specificity, system accuracy, and reproducibility). We further compared the performance of our NGS panel with conventional short tandem repeat (STR) analysis in unfractionated whole blood and cell-subset-enriched CD3 and CD66. Our NGS-based chimerism monitoring assay has an impressive detection limit (0.3% host DNA) for minor alleles and analytical specificity (99.9%). Pearson's correlation between NGS- and STR-based chimerism monitoring showed a linear relationship with a slope of 0.8 and r = 0.973. The concordance of allo-HSCT patients using unfractionated whole blood, CD3, and CD66 was 0.95, 0.96, and 0.54, respectively. Utilization of CD3+ cell subsets for mixed chimerism detection yielded an average of 7.3 ± 7-fold higher donor percentage detection compared to their corresponding unfractionated whole blood samples. The accuracy of the NGS assay achieved a concordance of 98.6% on blinded external quality control STR samples. The reproducibility series showed near 100% concordance with respect to inter-assay, inter-tech, inter-instrument, cell flow kits, and AlloSeq-HCT software versions. Our study provided robust validation of NGS-based chimerism testing for accurate detection and monitoring of engraftment in allo-HSCT patients. By incorporating the cell subsets (CD3 and CD66), the sensitivity and accuracy of engraftment monitoring are significantly improved, making them an essential component of any PT program. Furthermore, the implementation of NGS-based chimerism testing shows potential to streamline high-volume transplant services and improve clinical outcomes by enabling early relapse detection and guiding timely interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramath Kakodkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yayuan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Henry Pan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Twyla Pearce
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Destinie Webster
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mohamed Elemary
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Waleed Sabry
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Luvinia Kwan
- HLA Laboratory, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lindsay Pelzer
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mark Bosch
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Karen R. Sherwood
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Lan
- Department of Transplant Nephrology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenny Tran
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert Liwski
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paul Keown
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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10
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Liacini A, Tripathi G, McCollick A, Gravante C, Abdelmessieh P, Shestovska Y, Mathew L, Geier S. Chimerism Testing by Next Generation Sequencing for Detection of Engraftment and Early Disease Relapse in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and an Overview of NGS Chimerism Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11814. [PMID: 37511573 PMCID: PMC10380370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimerism monitoring after allogenic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (allo-HCT) is critical to determine how well donor cells have engrafted and to detect relapse for early therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to establish and detect mixed chimerism and minimal residual disease using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing for the evaluation of engraftment and the detection of early relapse after allo-HCT. Our secondary aim was to compare the data with the existing laboratory method based on Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis. One hundred and seventy-four DNA specimens from 46 individuals were assessed using a commercially available kit for NGS, AlloSeq HCT NGS (CareDx), and the STR-PCR assay. The sensitivity, precision, and quantitative accuracy of the assay were determined using artificially created chimeric constructs. The accuracy and linearity of the assays were evaluated in 46 post-transplant HCT samples consisting of 28 levels of mixed chimerism, which ranged from 0.3-99.7%. There was a 100% correlation between NGS and STR-PCR chimerism methods. In addition, 100% accuracy was attained for the two external proficiency testing surveys (ASHI EMO). The limit of detection or sensitivity of the NGS assay in artificially made chimerism mixtures was 0.3%. We conducted a review of all NGS chimerism studies published online, including ours, and concluded that NGS-based chimerism analysis using the AlloSeq HCT assay is a sensitive and accurate method for donor-recipient chimerism quantification and minimal residual disease relapse detection in patients after allo-HCT compared to STR-PCR assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhamid Liacini
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Gaurav Tripathi
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Amanda McCollick
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Christopher Gravante
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Peter Abdelmessieh
- Fox Chase Cancer Center Medical Group, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yuliya Shestovska
- Fox Chase Cancer Center Medical Group, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Leena Mathew
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Steven Geier
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University and Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N. Broad St., Office B242, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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11
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Vynck M, Nollet F, Sibbens L, Devos H. Bias reduction improves accuracy and informativity of high-throughput sequencing chimerism assays. Clin Chim Acta 2023:117452. [PMID: 37343694 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chimerism monitoring by means of high-throughput sequencing of biallelic polymorphisms has shown promising advantages for patient follow-up after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Yet, the presence of method bias precludes achievement of an assay's theoretically attainable informativity rate, as method bias necessitates the exclusion of some markers. This method bias arises because of preferential observation of one allele over the other, and for some allelic constellations because of stochasticity. RESULTS This paper suggests how preferential allelic observation may lead to method bias, and when and why such bias necessitates the exclusion of markers. It is shown that also markers that remain informative suffer a reduction in trueness and precision due to method bias. A bias reduction approach in the data analysis phase is introduced and shown to improve trueness and precision under all circumstances, meriting its universal adoption. This bias reduction furthermore allows to achieve an assay's theoretically achievable informativity rate, though at the cost of reduced sensitivity. Several strategies to consider in the assay design phase that may lower biases are proposed. CONCLUSION Improved design and data analysis of chimerism assays increase the accuracy, applicability, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput sequencing chimerism assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Vynck
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, Bruges, Belgium; Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Friedel Nollet
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Lode Sibbens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Helena Devos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, Bruges, Belgium
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12
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Semikhodskii A, Makarova T, Sutyagina D. Paternity pseudo-exclusion caused by tetragametic chimerism in a gestational surrogacy case. Eur J Med Genet 2023:104799. [PMID: 37276934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimerism is a condition when an organism is composed of two or more populations of genetically distinct cells. Chimerism often produces curious results of medical and genetic investigations and could be a major cause of false negative conclusions in parentage testing. Here we describe a paternity pseudo-exclusion due to tetragametic chimerism in a gestational surrogacy case originated in a fertility clinic. Initial analysis using a buccal swab from the child and a peripheral blood sample from the father showed paternity exclusion at 6 STR loci. To find out the reason for observed paternal discrepancy father's semen sample used for IVF and samples from other tissues were genotyped. Buccal swabs, semen, hair follicles, nail clippings and cerumen showed identical mixed autosomal STR profiles originated from two genetically different cell lines and for all the 24 informative loci contain paternal obligate alleles. Results of Y-STR profiling of all paternal sample types showed a DNA profile originated from a single man. The mixed profiles obtained for different tissue types suggest that two genetically different cell lines contributed to formation of both the endoderm and the ectoderm of the father. The mesoderm seems to be monoclonal having originated from a genetically homogenous cell line as evidenced by the STR profile of peripheral blood. Such allelic pattern for various tissues suggests that the clonal origin happened at the very early stage of embryonic development. Approaches to minimise the rate of false exclusions in DNA parentage tests due to chimerism are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana Makarova
- Medical Genomics LLC, 48 Zhelyabov Str, Tver, 170100, Russian Federation
| | - Daria Sutyagina
- Medical Genomics LLC, 48 Zhelyabov Str, Tver, 170100, Russian Federation
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13
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Tecchio C, Russignan A, Krampera M. Immunophenotypic measurable residual disease monitoring in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1047554. [PMID: 36910638 PMCID: PMC9992536 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1047554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) offers a survival benefit to adult patients affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, to avoid an overt disease relapse, patients with pre or post transplant persistence or occurrence of measurable residual disease (MRD) may require cellular or pharmacological interventions with eventual side effects. While the significance of multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) in the guidance of ALL treatment in both adult and pediatric patients is undebated, fewer data are available regarding the impact of MRD monitoring, as assessed by MFC analysis, in the allo-HSCT settings. Aim of this article is to summarize and discuss currently available information on the role of MFC detection of MRD in adult ALL patients undergoing allo-HSCT. The significance of MFC-based MRD according to sensitivity level, timing, and in relation to molecular techniques of MRD and chimerism assessment will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tecchio
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Russignan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Krampera
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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14
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Ciurea SO, Kothari A, Sana S, Al Malki MM. The mythological chimera and new era of relapse prediction post-transplant. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100997. [PMID: 35961800 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia. However, unfortunately, relapse post-transplant continues to be the most common cause of treatment failure with 20-80% of patients relapsing based on disease risk and status at transplant. Advances in molecular profiling of different hematological malignancies have enabled us to monitor low level disease before and after transplant and develop a more personalized approach to the management of these disease including early detection post-transplant. While, in general, detectable disease by morphology remains the gold standard to diagnosing relapse, multiple approaches have allowed detection of cancer cells earlier, using peripheral blood-based methods with sensitivities as high as 1:106, together called minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) detection. However, a in significant number of patients with acute leukemia where no such molecular markers exist it remains challenging to detect early relapse. In such patients who receive transplantation, chimerism monitoring remains the only option. An increase in mixed chimerism in post allogeneic HCT patients has been correlated with relapse in multiple studies. However, chimerism monitoring, while commonly accepted as a tool for assessing engraftment, has not been routinely used for relapse detection, at least in part because of the lack of standardized, high sensitivity, reliable methods for chimerism detection. In this paper, we review the various methods employed for MRD and chimerism detection post-transplant and discuss future trends in MRD and chimerism monitoring from the viewpoint of the practicing transplant physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan O Ciurea
- University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States of America.
| | | | - Sean Sana
- CareDx Inc., Brisbane, CA, United States of America
| | - Monzr M Al Malki
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States of America
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15
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Morris AB, Bray R, Gebel HM, Cliff Sullivan H. A Primer on Chimerism Analysis: A Straightforward, Thorough Review. Lab Med 2022:6827470. [DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis to assess chimerism is a critical aspect of routine care particularly in patients facing stem cell transplants but is also relevant in other clinical scenarios. STR analysis provides a means to assess donor and recipient cellular origins in a patient, and, as such, can inform engraftment, rejection, and relapse status in stem cell transplant recipients. In this review of STR testing, the most commonly used method to assess chimerism, its background, procedural details, and clinical utility are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna B Morris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Robert Bray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Howard M Gebel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - H Cliff Sullivan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
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16
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Vynck M, Nollet F, Sibbens L, Devos H. Chimerism monitoring using biallelic single nucleotide or insertion/deletion polymorphisms: how many markers to screen? Clin Chim Acta 2022; 532:123-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Arnold PY. Review: HLA loss and detection in the setting of relapse from HLA-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplant. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:712-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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18
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Lindahl H, Vonlanthen S, Valentini D, Björklund AT, Sundin M, Mielke S, Hauzenberger D. Lineage-specific early complete donor chimerism and risk of relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. Bone Marrow Transplant 2022; 57:753-759. [PMID: 35210563 PMCID: PMC9090632 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Recipient–donor chimerism is routinely analyzed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to monitor engraftment and graft rejection. For malignancies, chimerism can also be used to screen for disease relapse post-HSCT but methodology and interpretation of results are not standardized and likely depend on underlying diagnosis. We have implemented highly sensitive and accurate methodologies for chimerism analysis for the purpose of improving relapse prediction. Here, we report an exploratory retrospective analysis of clinical routine chimerism results from all 154 HSCTs for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) performed at our center during the years 2015–2020 with the aim of suggesting a clinically useful threshold at which risk of relapse is high. Relapse was not reliably predicted based on single elevated chimerism values obtained before time of overt relapse. However, early complete donor chimerism, here defined as recipient DNA < 0.2% in CD33+ cells in any blood or bone marrow sample taken during the first 60 days after HSCT, correlated inversely with relapse during the observation time (log-rank test P = 0.033). We propose that achievement of complete chimerism determined early after HSCT using sensitive methods can be used for risk-stratification of AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Lindahl
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sofie Vonlanthen
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Davide Valentini
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas T Björklund
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Sundin
- Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and HCT, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pediatrics, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephan Mielke
- Department of Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMED), Karolinska University Hospital and Institutet, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Hauzenberger
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Blouin AG, Askar M. Chimerism analysis for clinicians: a review of the literature and worldwide practices. Bone Marrow Transplant 2022; 57:347-359. [PMID: 35082369 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights literature pertinent to chimerism analysis in the context of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We also conducted a survey of testing practices of program members of CIBMTR worldwide. Questions included testing methods, time points, specimen type, cell lineage tested and testing indications. Recent literature suggests that detection of low level mixed chimerism has a clinical utility in predicting relapse. There is also increasing recognition of HLA loss relapse to potentially guide rescue decisions in cases of relapse. These developments coincide with wider access to high sensitivity next generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical laboratories. Our survey revealed a heterogeneity in practices as well as in findings and conclusions of published studies. Although the most commonly used method is STR, studies support more sensitive methods such as NGS, especially for predicting relapse. There is no conclusive evidence to support testing chimerism in BM over PB, particularly when using a high sensitivity testing method. Periodic monitoring of chimerism especially in diagnoses with a high risk of relapse is advantageous. Lineage specific chimerism is more sensitive than whole blood in predicting impending relapse. Further studies that critically assess how to utilize chimerism testing results will inform evidence based clinical management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Blouin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Medhat Askar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,National Donor Marrow Program (NMDP)/Be The Match, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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20
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Blouin AG, Ye F, Williams J, Askar M. A practical guide to chimerism analysis: Review of the literature and testing practices worldwide. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:838-849. [PMID: 34404545 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently there are no widely accepted guidelines for chimerism analysis testing in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients. The objective of this review is to provide a practical guide to address key aspects of performing and utilizing chimerism testing results. In developing this guide, we conducted a survey of testing practices among laboratories that are accredited for performing engraftment monitoring/chimerism analysis by either the American Society for Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ASHI) and/or the European Federation of Immunogenetics (EFI). We interpreted the survey results in the light of pertinent literature as well as the experience in the laboratories of the authors. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS In recent years there has been significant advances in high throughput molecular methods such as next generation sequencing (NGS) as well as growing access to these technologies in histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratories. These methods have the potential to improve the performance of chimerism testing in terms of sensitivity, availability of informative genetic markers that distinguish donors from recipients as well as cost. SUMMARY The results of the survey revealed a great deal of heterogeneity in chimerism testing practices among participating laboratories. The most consistent response indicated monitoring of engraftment within the first 30 days. These responses are reflective of published literature. Additional clinical indications included early detection of impending relapse as well as identification of cases of HLA-loss relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Blouin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jenifer Williams
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Medhat Askar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, United States.
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21
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Tozzo P, Delicati A, Zambello R, Caenazzo L. Chimerism Monitoring Techniques after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Overview of the Last 15 Years of Innovations. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040621. [PMID: 33808342 PMCID: PMC8065704 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimerism analysis is a well-established method for monitoring the state of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) over time by analyzing peripheral blood or bone marrow samples of the recipient in several malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases. From a clinical point of view, a continuous monitoring is fundamental for an effective early therapeutic intervention. This paper provides a comparative overview of the main molecular biology techniques which can be used to study chimerism after bone marrow transplantation, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages. According to the examined literature, short tandem repeats (STR) analysis through simple PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis (STR-PCR) is the most powerful method which guarantees a high power of differentiation between different individuals. However, other methods such as real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology were developed to overcome the technical limits of STR-PCR. In particular, these other techniques guarantee a higher sensitivity, which allows for the detection of chimerism at an earlier stage, hence expanding the window for therapeutic intervention. After a comparative evaluation of the various techniques, it seems clear that STR-PCR still remains the gold standard option for chimerism study, even if it is likely that both dPCR and NGS could supplement or even replace the common methods of STR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-2235
| | - Arianna Delicati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Renato Zambello
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Padova University School of Medicine, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
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