Is split‐dose better than single‐dose? Results of Turkish Stem Cell Coordination Center (TURKOK) donors in the era of rising biosimilar G‐CSF

Background Turkish Stem Cell Coordination Center (TURKOK) carries out the procurement process of unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in Turkey. This study aims to compare the efficacy of both once‐daily and divided‐dose G‐CSF administration and the original and biosimilar G‐CSF use and the frequency and severity of adverse events in TURKOK donors. Method The study was conducted retrospectively with 142 healthy TURKOK donors. For PBSC mobilization, two different subcutaneous G‐CSF programs were used as 10 μ/kg/day single‐dose and 5 μ/kg/12 h. Neupogen (Amgen, Puerto Rico) and Tevagrastim (Teva, Kfar Saba, Israel) were used as G‐CSF. All donors started apheresis on the fifth day, and all side effects were recorded during the procedure. Results Stem cell yield was similar between single‐dose and divided‐doses based on donor weight, favoring the split‐dose based on recipient weight (P = .506 and P = .023, respectively). Both G‐CSF posologies were comparable if the target CD34+ cell yield was ≥4 × 106/kg. CD34+ cell yield was equivalent when evaluated against recipient weight, significantly favoring Tevagrastim vs Neupogen by donor weight (P = .740 and P = .021, respectively). Side effects, duration of pain, and need for analgesia favor Tevagratim over Neupogen. Conclusion Split‐dose may be recommended for cases where the need for large numbers of CD34+ cells to be harvested is anticipated due to significant cell yield relative to recipient weight. However, sufficient hematopoietic stem cells can be collected with both posology. Tevagrastim is non‐inferiority effective to Neupogen. Side effects during administration are both low‐grade and temporary.