Donor’s age influences outcome in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide - a single center experience

Abstract Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) using post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (post-Cy) is considered a reasonable therapeutic option for patients who lack matched donor or who urgently need transplant procedure due to high risk disease. We analyzed the results of haplo-SCT performed in years 2018–2023. Eighty one patients (46 males) at median age of 52 years underwent haplo-SCT using peripheral blood as a stem cell source in most cases. Indications included hematological malignancies (acute leukemias in 88% of cases). In 25 cases (31%) transplantation was performed in relapsed/refractory disease. Majority of patients (61%) presented with very high and high disease risk index (DRI). Conditioning regimens were as follows: nonmyeloablative − 46 cases (57%), myeloablative – in 18 (22%) and reduced intensity – 17(20%). 90% of patients engrafted. All patients received unified immunosuppressive treatment (post-Cy/TAC/MMF). Median follow-up time was 12 months The cumulative incidence of acute and chronic GVHD was 37.5% and 37.6%, respectively. Estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) was 43.1% and donor’s age was the only factor influencing survival. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 42.5%, whereas relapse incidence (RI) − 35%. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 44% and was mostly due to infections. Haplo-SCT is a feasible treatment option for hematological patients. Younger donor improves post-transplant survival. Strategies to reduce infection-related mortality and relapse rate remain a challenge.