How Do Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilizers Work?

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilizers are drugs that are used for autologous blood transplantation (collection and re-transfusion of blood rich in HSCs to the same patient). HSCs produce all types of blood cells; thus, autologous transplantation restores the normal production of blood cells in patients with blood cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

HSC mobilizers are used along with filgrastim to mobilize HSCs to the peripheral blood. The mode of action of these drugs are as follows:

Plerixafor is a selective chemokine receptor (CXCR4) antagonist. It inhibits the binding of CXCR4 chemokine receptor to stromal cell-derived factor-1-alpha and results in the release of HSCs from the bone marrow and mobilizes them to the peripheral circulation, which are later collected and re-transfused into the body.

Ancestim binds to the c-KIT receptor expressed in HSCs. Activation of these receptors increases the number, differentiation and activation of the circulating peripheral blood progenitor cells such as CD34, granulocyte macrophage colony-forming units, and erythroid burst-forming units. These progenitor cells are collected and later transfused into the body.

HSC mobilizers are given as subcutaneous injections for autologous blood transplantation in patients with:

• Blood cancers
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Following chemotherapy

Side effects of HSC mobilizers include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Abdominal pain
• Tiredness
• Joint pain
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Injection site reactions
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of HSC mobilizers include:

• Ancestim (Stemgen)
• Plerixafor (Mozobil)