A guide for the timing of peripheral blood stem cell harvest in patients with lung cancer

: Harvest of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) was performed 57 times in 17 lung cancer patients after standard-dose chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide) supplemented with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). In every case, more than 1.5 x 10(6)/kg CD 34+ cells were collected by 2-5 apheresis. Statistical significance was noted between peripheral leukocyte counts (WBC) and collected CD 34+ cell counts (p = 0.0298), between peripheral platelet counts and collected CD 34+ cell counts (p = 0.0009), and between the peripheral immature granulocyte ratio and collected CD 34+ cell counts (p < 0.0001). Because of the remarkable relationship between collected CD 34+ cell counts and peripheral WBC counts, peripheral platelet counts and the peripheral immature granulocyte ratio, these parameters were useful for determining the correct timing of PBSC harvest.