Stem-cell mobilization for autografting in chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract In this article, the rationale for autografting in chronic myeloid leukemia is reviewed, and alternative therapeutic approaches to the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and chemotherapy-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells are discussed. The data from patients treated using the original ICE (idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide), or the shorter course mini-ICE protocols are considered, with special emphasis on those patients who received their chemotherapy regimens soon after diagnosis and prior to any treatment with interferon a. The appropriate design of a trial to test the value of autografting in chronic myeloid leukemia is discussed, as is the optimal timing of collections to achieve the maximal yield and purity of Ph-negative peripheral blood stem cells.