Biology of Stem Cell Mobilization
Program Code: 054578
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
John Dipersio, MD, PhD, Washington University School of Medicine

SPEAKERS
Steven Devine, MD, The Ohio State University
Daniel Link, MD, Washington University School of Medicine
Neal Flomenberg, MD, Thomas Jefferson University

DESCRIPTION
The focus of this program is to provide background information regarding the biology of stem cell trafficking and egress in mouse and man. Special emphasis will be given to specific pathways critical for stem cell migration from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood. These will include the role of various adhesion molecules such as VLA-4 and LFA-1, proteases such as CD26, neutrophil elastase and MMP(, as well as specific cytokines and chemokines such as G-CSF and IL-8 in stem cell homing and egress. Clinical aspects of stem cell mobilization will also be emphasized. Optimal methods of autologous stem cell mobilization will be discussed as well. These include cytokine and chemotherapy-induced mobilzation as well as mobilization by novel agents such as the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and GroB. Indentification and clinical approach to the "poor mobilizing" patient will be discussed. These approaches include the use of novel agents such as SCF, AMD3100 and chemotherapy or the use of standard cytokines (G-CSF) for remobilization schemas. Finally, the role of cytokines and chemokines in the mobilization of allogeneic stem cells and the results of using these cells as a source of stem cells for allogeneic stem cell transplatation will be discussed.