Non-cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells as a safe and effective alternative for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard procedure for multiple myeloma and the grafts are usually cryopreserved. Previous studies reported advantages in the use of fresh peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) autotransplantation compared to cryopreservation of the grafts. This study compared the transplant-related outcomes of two graft preservation methods: fresh storage (4°C/72 h) and cryopreservation (-80°C).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed an analysis of 45 patients with multiple myeloma under autotransplantation (17 fresh and 28 cryopreserved) from 2017 to 2021. Fresh PBSC were maintained in the refrigerator for three days in a concentration up to 300 × 10³ TNC/μL. Cryopreserved PBSC were concentrated by plasma reduction after centrifugation (950 g/10 min/4°C) and an equal volume of cryoprotection solution was added for a final concentration of 300 × 10³ TNC/μL, 5% DMSO, 6% hydroxyethyl starch, and 3% human albumin.

RESULTS

Neutrophil engraftment was significantly faster with fresh PBSCs (10 vs. 11.5 days, p = 0.045). Adverse effects were more common in cryopreserved PBSC transplantation (75% vs. 35.3% patients; p = 0.013). Post transplantation hospital stay was 20 and 22 days for fresh and cryopreserved PBSCs respectively (p = 0.091). There was no difference in platelet engraftment time (10.5 days for both; p = 0.133), number of antibiotics used after transplantation (3 for fresh and 2.5 for cryopreserved; p = 0.828), days of antibiotic use after transplantation (12.2 days for fresh and 13.3 days for cryopreserved, p = 0.579), and overall survival (p = 0.736).

CONCLUSION

The infusion of fresh PBSC refrigerated for up to three days is effective and safe for autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma, which is a useful alternative to cryopreserved PBSC.

Isolation of human mesenchymal stem cells from amnion, chorion, placental decidua and umbilical cord: comparison of four enzymatic protocols

OBJECTIVE

To compare four enzymatic protocols for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolation from amniotic (A-MSC) and chorionic (C-MSC) membranes, umbilical cord (UC-MSC) and placental decidua (D-MSC) in order to define a robust, practical and low-cost protocol for each tissue.

RESULTS

A-MSCs and UC-MSCs could be isolated from all samples using trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; C-MSCs could be isolated from all samples with collagenase- and trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; D-MSCs were isolated from all samples exclusively with a collagenase-based protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

The trypsin-only protocol was least efficient; the collagenase-only protocol was best for C-MSCs and D-MSCs; the combination of trypsin and collagenase was best for UC-MSCs and none of tested protocols was adequate for A-MSCs isolation.

Comparison of human mesenchymal stromal cells from four neonatal tissues: Amniotic membrane, chorionic membrane, placental decidua and umbilical cord

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being investigated as a potential alternative for cellular therapy. This study was designed to compare the biological characteristics of MSCs isolated from amniotic membrane (A-MSCs), chorionic membrane (C-MSCs), placental decidua (D-MSCs) and umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) to ascertain whether any one of these sources is superior to the others for cellular therapy purposes.

METHODS

MSCs were isolated from amniotic membrane, chorionic membrane, umbilical cord and placental decidua. Immunophenotype, differentiation ability, cell size, cell complexity, polarity index and growth kinetics of MSCs isolated from these four sources were analyzed.

RESULTS

MSCs were successfully isolated from all four sources. Surface marker profile and differentiation ability were consistent with human MSCs. C-MSCs in suspension were the smallest cells, whereas UC-MSCs presented the greatest length and least width. A-MSCs had the lowest polarity index and UC-MSCs, as more elongated cells, the highest. C-MSCs, D-MSCs and UC-MSCs exhibited similar growth capacity until passage 8 (P8); C-MSCs presented better lifespan, whereas insignificant proliferation was observed in A-MSCs.

DISCUSSION

Neonatal and maternal tissues can serve as sources of multipotent stem cells. Some characteristics of MSCs obtained from four neonatal tissues were compared and differences were observed. Amniotic membrane was the least useful source of MSCs, whereas chorionic membrane and umbilical cord were considered good options for future use in cell therapy because of the known advantages of immature cells.