Immunomagnetic purging of lymphoma cells from autografts.

This report describes experiences at the Norwegian Radium Hospital in immunomagnetic purging of lymphoma from autologous stem cell grafts by negative and positive selection. Clinical data from 83 patients who received purged marrow grafts and 3 patients who received purged, mobilized leukapheresis products are presented. Early data indicate that immunomagnetic enrichment of CD34+ cells from leukapheresis products does not routinely achieve effective purging, as 1%-2% residual lymphoma cells could still be detected in the selected grafts.