Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide for Primary Immunodeficiencies and Inherited Disorders in Children

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for some inherited disorders, including selected primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). In the absence of a well-matched donor, HSCT from a haploidentical family donor (HIFD) may be considered. In adult recipients high-dose post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) is increasingly used to mitigate the risks of graft failure and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, data on the use of PTCY in children (and especially those with inherited disorders) are scarce. We reviewed the outcomes of 27 children transplanted with an HIFD and PTCY for a PID (n = 22) or osteopetrosis (n = 5) in a single center. The median age was 1.5 years (range, .2 to 17). HSCT with PTCY was a primary procedure (n = 21) or a rescue procedure after graft failure (n = 6). The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in most primary HSCTs and nonmyeloablative in rescue procedures. After a median follow-up of 25.6 months, 24 of 27 patients had engrafted. Twenty-one patients are alive and have been cured of the underlying disease. The 2-year overall survival rate was 77.7%. The cumulative incidences of acute GVHD grade ≥ II, chronic GVHD, and autoimmune disease were 45.8%, 24.2%, and 29.6%, respectively. There were 2 cases of grade III acute GVHD and no extensive cGVHD. The cumulative incidences of blood viral replication and life-threatening viral events were 58% and 15.6%, respectively. There was evidence of early T cell immune reconstitution. In the absence of an HLA-identical donor, HIFD HSCT with PTCY is a viable option for patients with life-threatening inherited disorders.