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Plerixafor, a CXCR4 antagonist, has shown to be effective in increasing the number of circulating stem cells, even in patients failing a previous mobilisation attempt. Recently a number of non-glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been clinically approved for the same indications as the originator G-CSF for comparable safety and efficacy and their reduced cost. In an attempt to provide a less toxic strategy, 14 patients affected by haematological malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma = 4, Hodgkin's disease = 2 and multiple myeloma = 8), received the combination of biosimilar filgrastim and plerixafor as a first line mobilising strategy. The median number of circulating CD34+ cells on day 4 was 16 (3-42); Plerixafor was administered to all, but one patient who had already 42 CD34+ cells per μL on day 4. On day 5, after plerixafor administration, the median number of circulating CD34+ cells had raised to 60 per μL (14-138). All the patients underwent leukapheresis and were able to collect a number of CD34+ cells ≥2.0 × 106/kg in a median number of procedures of one. Although preliminary, these data show the combination of biosimilar filgrastim and plerixafor is effective and provides a non-toxic approach to mobilise stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents letters to the editors related to the dose increase of imatinib mesylate may overcome acquired resistance in bcr/abl-positive acute lymphoid leukemia. Principal mechanisms by which resistance to imatinib can develop; Indication on the increase of imatinib in chronic myelogenous leukemia; Inclusion of the complete hemtologic, cytogenetic and molecular remission with standard induction therapy.