Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with myeloablative conditioning regimen could serve as an optional salvage therapy for younger patients with refractory or relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from unmanipulated haploidentical donor and unrelated cord blood for T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study from the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire

After chemotherapy, fewer than 30% of patients with T-cell lymphoma (T-NHL) are long-term disease-free survivors. Thus, there is a growing interest in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) and its potential graft-versus-lymphoma effect (GVL) for patient with high-risk or recurrent T-NHL with the aim at providing durable disease control in T-NHL. We conducted this registry study to evaluate the outcome of recipients of alternative donor alloSCT for T-NHL. Patients transplanted with Haploidentical donor (Haplo, n = 41) or Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB, n = 54) were analyzed for overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse, and acute/chronic graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD/cGVHD) incidence. At 2 years, OS and PFS were, respectively, of 59% and 53%, without significant difference between Haplo and UCB. In multivariate analysis, disease status at transplant was an independent risk factor for OS and PFS, and aGVHD III-IV was the main factor for OS and NRM. While no major impact of donor source on survival and mortality was noted, this study suggests that alternative donor transplantation appears feasible and offers benefits to patients with T-cell lymphoma.

Recent progress in haploidentical transplantation: is this the optimal choice for alternative donor transplantation?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article is intended to review recent trends and improvements in haploidentical transplantation to understand its current status and future direction.

RECENT FINDINGS

The noninferiority of haploidentical donors compared with other donor sources, including HLA-matched related or unrelated donors, has been demonstrated in patients with various hematological diseases. The development of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis using posttransplant cyclophosphamide has effectively reduced transplant-related mortality caused by GVHD, graft rejection, and other related complications. Novel GVHD prophylactic methods and other supportive strategies are under intense investigation to reduce the risk of infections and retain graft-versus-leukemia/lymphoma effects after transplantation.

SUMMARY

Recent progress in haploidentical stem cell transplantation has broadened the availability of donor sources for patients with hematological diseases. It is important to compare and examine the impact of donor sources on transplant outcomes to achieve a better understanding about the appropriate donor choice for each patient.

Update on current research into haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (Haplo-SCT) is currently a suitable alternative worldwide for patients with hematological diseases, who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings or unrelated donors. Areas covered: This review summarizes the advancements in Haplo-SCT in recent years, primarily focusing on the global trends of haploidentical allograft, the comparison of outcomes between Haplo-SCT and other transplantation modalities, strategies for improving clinical outcomes, including donor selection, hematopoietic reconstitution promotion, and graft-versus-host disease, and relapse prevention/management, as well as the expanded indications of Haplo-SCT, such as severe aplastic anemia, myeloma and lymphoma. Expert commentary: Haploidentical allografts, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-based protocol and a post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based protocol, have been the mainstream strategy for Haplo-SCT. However, there are many unanswered questions in this field.