Predictive factors for the rate of engraftment of neuroblastoma patients autotransplanted with purged marrow.

Predictive values for patient engraftment in neuroblastoma have not been defined. By analyzing the parameters available to us at the time of harvest and post-harvest, we found that the MNC/kg after purging demonstrated significant correlation with patient engraftment as measured by the patient's time to reach a WBC count of 1,000/microL and an ANC count of 500/microL. Platelet and red cell independence was difficult to measure as some of these patients remain platelet- and red cell-dependent for extended periods of time. Platelet refractoriness, alloimmunization, infection and many other factors can delay platelet and red cell recovery following transplantation. A larger number of patients is needed to assess a correlation between the parameters analyzed and platelet and red cell recovery, as well as to validate our observation with myeloid recovery.