Low cost autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation performed in a municipal hospital for a patient with plasma cell leukaemia

K. Ghosh*, S. Gosavi, A. Pathare, M. Madkaikar, V. B. Rao, D. Mohanty

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is a costly procedure. In India, the cost varies from US$20 000 to 25 000 and most patients cannot afford it. Using several cost-cutting measures, we were able to treat a patient with plasma cell leukaemia by autologous PBSCT. A 42-year-old-male presented with plasma cell leukaemia. He was treated with VAD therapy, followed by high-dose cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells. The patient was conditioned with high dose melphalan, followed by autologous PBSCT. The procedure was performed in a municipal hospital in which there was no prior experience with stem cell transplantation. Costs were reduced by: (i) using oral medication whenever possible; (ii) having a relative of the patient prepare his food under medical guidance; (iii) starting G-CSF on day 7 rather than on day 1; (iv) short-term storage of the PBSC in an ordinary refrigerator at 4°C without cryopreservation; (v) infusing a large number of CD34+ cells, which shortened the time to engraftment; (vi) delegating many of the functions of a marrow transplant nurse to a resident physician. The cost of transplantation was thereby reduced to about US$ 6000, with successful engraftment by day +13. The patient remained in remission for 7 months, after which he relapsed and was treated with chemotherapy and electron beam radiation to the skin.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)187-190
Number of pages4
JournalClinical and Laboratory Haematology
Volume24
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electron beam irradiation
  • Low cost transplantation
  • PBSCT
  • Plasma cell leukaemia
  • Skin infiltration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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