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Engineering of stem cell grafts by selection of CD34+ cells has been used in

autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

for more than two decades.

Prevention of severe GvHD in allogeneic HSCT is crucial to reduce the risk

of transplant-related mortality and morbidity, and to maintain a high level

of quality of life. One approach widely used in clinical practice to reduce

incidences of GvHD is the ex vivo removal of T lymphocytes from the graft

by selection of CD34+ cells. Moreover, immunoselected CD34+ cells are

used to boost engraftment with low risk of developing GvHD in patients

exhibiting poor graft function. In autologous HSCT, this method of ex vivo

graft manipulation may prevent reinfusion of tumor cells and diseasecausing

lymphocytes.

Thirty-four compelling case reports are presented in this book, in which

this powerful technology was used in multiple stem cell transplantation

settings.

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