Enhanced immune system regeneration in humans following allogeneic or autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation by temporary sex steroid blockade

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if temporarily blocking sex steroids prior to stem cell transplantation can increase thymus function and thus enhance the rate of T cell regeneration. Experimental Design: This was a pilot study of luteinizing hormone - releasing hormone agonist (LHRH-A) goserelin given 3 weeks prior to allogeneic or autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation and administered up to 3 months posttransplantation. Patients (with or without LHRH-A administration) were assessed from 1 week to 12 months posttransplantation for multiple immunologic variables by flow cytometry (particularly naïve T cells), quantitative PCR to assess T-cell receptor excision circle levels (as a correlate o..