Autologous stem cell transplantations for recurrent adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma using highly purified CD34+ cells derived from cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells.

We performed double autologous PBSCT in one fulminantly relapsed ATL patient. Cryopreserved PBSCs containing tumour cells were thawed, and CD34+ cells were selected for by immunomagnetic beads, with the aim of decreasing the number of re-infused tumour cells. The patient received 0.72x10(6) and 0.90x10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. The graft contained less than 0.1% T cells. The patient had a very good recovery, and maintained a good quality of life, until she died on Day 339 after her first PBSCT in third relapse. We conclude that autologous PBSCT for ATL patient has benefit in some instances, and cryopreserved PBSCs can be used for CD34+ selection.