Improving Prediction for HSCs Transplantation Using Biomarker of Metabolic State
2Blood Bank Institute, and Hemparesis Services, Soroka University Medical Center
Introduction: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a procedure in which a patient`s own hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are collected, stored, and later infused back into their body after high-dose chemotherapy. This approach is commonly used to treat hematological malignancies such as lymphoma and myeloma. While high-dose chemotherapy aims to eradicate malignant cells, it also damages the bone marrow. Reinfusion of the patient`s HSCs allows for bone marrow repopulation and hematopoietic recovery. The success of ASCT relies on the quality and functionality of the infused HSCs, which are crucial for effective engraftment and long-term disease control. Currently, CD34 counts are used to assess whether the collection meets the 1.5 million cells/kg standard. However, routine evaluation of graft quality does not include intracellular analyses. Therefore, understanding the activation state of these cells is crucial, as it can significantly impact transplantation outcomes. We hypothesize a potential correlation between intracellular biomarker activity and transplant quality.
Materials and Methods: To measure metabolic state in mobilized-HSCs, and examine possible correlations with clinical parameters. We obtained samples from the apheresis product of 39 patients with blood cancer undergoing autologous transplantation, following informed consent. These samples were subjected to staining with CD34-Fitc, CD38-PEcy7, Tetramethylrhodamine Ethyl Ester (TMRE)-PE, and DAPI-PB. Samples were stained and analyzed on a CytoFLEX LX cytometer.In addition, lab results were collected from all patients who underwent transplantation over time.
Results and Discussion: Our FACS analysis reveals substantial differences in metabolic state in the populations of progenitors and of HSCs. Furthermore, the follow-up results of the patients after the transplant indicate recovery or recurrence of the disease after autologous transplantation different between the patients.
In conclusion, our study sheds light on the metabolic state heterogeneity within HSC populations during autologous stem cell transplantation for blood cancer treatment. The observed differences in membrane potentials and metabolic activity among specific HSC subpopulations underscore the importance of further investigating the metabolic dynamics in HSCs and their impact on transplantation outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of HSC metabolic state could contribute to the optimization of stem cell transplantation strategies and patient-specific therapies, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments.