A recent study published in The Lancet Haematology compared two transplant approaches for treating leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders, showing that a new combination could significantly improve patient survival.
Background
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a life-saving therapy for many blood cancer patients. When a fully matched donor is unavailable, a partially matched family donor (haploidentical transplant) is often used. Traditionally, stem cells come from peripheral blood (PBSCs) plus bone marrow. However, some studies suggested that adding cord blood from an unrelated donor might offer benefits.
The clinical study
Chinese researchers tested this on 300+ patients, divided into:
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PBSCs + bone marrow from a partially matched family donor
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PBSCs + cord blood from an unrelated donor
Results
After one year, 82% of patients receiving PBSCs + cord blood remained disease-free, compared to 66% in the PBSCs + bone marrow group. They also experienced fewer severe infections and lower transplant-related mortality (4% vs 11%).
Implications
This combination of unrelated cord blood with family PBSCs appears safer and more effective than the traditional approach, opening new possibilities for patients without a fully matched donor. It also reinforces the value of cord blood banking as a therapeutic resource.
Source. Lancet Haematology, 2024
