The feasibility of plerixafor as a second-line stem cell mobilizing agent in children

• Published in: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 65 - 67
• Main Authors: Aabideen, Kanakkande, Anoop, Parameswaran, Ethell, Mark E, Potter, Mike N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization - methods; Heterocyclic Compounds - therapeutic use; Humans; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse - drug therapy; Male; Medulloblastoma - drug therapy; Neoplasm Staging; Wilms Tumor - drug therapy
• ISSN: 1077-4114; 1536-3678
• DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181e9e4c2

In patients heavily pretreated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy or irradiation, Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) may fail to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow. Plerixafor is emerging as a reliable alternate option in such situations in adult patients. Robust data in support of the high efficacy and safety of plerixafor are available in adults. Very little evidence is available on the usefulness of this drug among children. We report our experience with plerixafor usage on 5 occasions in pediatric patients, with a success rate of 60%. No significant side effects were encountered in any patient.