The current role of plerixafor in stem cell mobilization for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has been the traditional agent used for mobilization of stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. Recently, plerixafor, an inhibitor of the interaction between CX chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) has been evaluated in clinical trials and approved by the FDA. This agent has very modest toxicity but appears to be quite potent at HSC mobilization. The rationale for the use of this agent and the clinical trials in which it was evaluated are the subject of this review.