Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther. 2019 Aug 20. pii: S1658-3876(19)30054-8. doi: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2019.08.001. [Epub ahead of print]

Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) recommendations for establishing a hematopoietic cell transplantation program (Part I): Minimum requirements and beyond.

Pasquini MC¹, Srivastava A², Ahmed SO³, Aljurf M³, Atsuta Y⁴, Doleysh C⁵, Galeano S⁶, Gluckman E⁷, Greinix H⁸, Hale G⁹, Hari P⁵, Hashmi SK³, Kamani N¹⁰, Laughlin MJ¹¹, Niederwieser D¹², Seber A¹³, Szer J¹⁴, Snowden JA¹⁵, Van Biesen K¹⁶, Watry P⁵, Weisdorf DJ¹⁷, Apperley J¹⁸.

Abstract

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a highly complex procedure that requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team to optimize its safety. In addition, institutions may have different needs regarding indications based on regional disease prevalence or may have an interest in developing specialized services. Yet, structured recommendations are not commonly available. Here, the Transplant Center and Recipient Issues Standing Committee for the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) organized a structured review of all pertinent elements to establish a transplant program. First, we solicited components from committee members and grouped them in domains (infrastructure, staff, cell processing laboratory, blood banking, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, HLA testing, ancillary services and quality). Subsequently, reviewers scored all elements on a 7-point scale, from an absolute requirement (score of 1) to not required (score of 7). An independent group of five experienced transplant physicians reviewed the rankings. Minimum requirements to establish any HCT program were identified among elements with mean score of ≤2.0, and specific elements for allogeneic and autologous HCT were identified. Mean scores >2.0-4.0 were classified as preferred recommendation, and mean scores of >4.0 to ≤7.0 were considered ideal recommendations for advanced and complex types of transplantation. This structured set of recommendations guides the prioritization of minimum requirements to establish a transplant program and to set the path for expansion and further development.

Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.