PO-03. First pediatric cases of autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in Armenia
Mane S. Gizhlaryan1,3, Karen H. Meliksetyan2, Inga V. Khalatyan1,2, Armine Pepanyan4, Andranik G. Shamilyan4, Medea G. Anastasiadi1,2, Taguhi J. Hovhannisyan1,2, Gevorg N. Tamamyan1,3, Samvel H. Danielyan4, Lusine M. Krmoyan1,2
1 Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, Prof. R. H. Yeolyan Hematology Center, Yerevan, Armenia
2 Prof. R. H. Yeolyan Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Department, Hematology Center
3 Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
4 R. H. Yeolyan Hematology Center, Yerevan, Armenia
Correspondence:
Dr. Mane Gizhlaryan, e-mail: gizhlaryan.maneh@mail.ru
Summary
Hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), either autologous or allogeneic, is an effective treatment for many malignant and non-malignant disorders. Unfortunately, due to economical and/or political constraints, not all countries have enough resources and expertise to establish an HSCT program.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed all pediatric cases of autologous HSCT, which were performed at the HSCT Department of the Hematology Center after Prof. R. H. Yeolyan from 2018 till 2020.
Results
The first pediatric autologous HSCT in Armenia was conducted in 2018. During last 2 years 10 children received auto-HSCT in Armenia. The median age was 6 years, range [2-16] years. 6 (60%) patients were males. 6 (60%) patients had neuroblastoma, 1 patient with relapsed Ewing sarcoma, 1 with medulloblastoma, 1 case of relapsed nephroblastoma, and a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma relapsed. 2 patients with neuroblastoma underwent tandem auto-HSCT. From the 12 transplants there was only 1 case of transplant related mortality (8.3%). 4 patients later had a disease progression with a subsequent lethal outcome. The longest disease-free survivor is now 2 years out from transplantation.
Conclusions
Here we report the introduction of pediatric autologous HSCT in Armenia and the results of the first transplants. During the 2 years of starting pediatric autologous HSCT program in our country from the performed 12 transplants, the transplant related mortality was 8.3%, which is comparable to the outcomes from the developed countries.
Keywords
HSCT, autologous, solid tumors, pediatric, Armenia.
