Real-time qPCR for chimerism assessment in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants from unrelated adult and double umbilical cord blood

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the standard therapy for patients with various malignant hematologic disorders. A successful treatment results in complete engraftment of donor cells in the absence of the patient’s own hematopoietic system. Chimerism analysis, aimed at determining the coexistence of genetically different cell populations, is considered a useful method to measure treatment success. A new, qPCR based, commercially available chimerism assay was recently introduced. Here we report our results of comparing STR with qPCR-based chimerism analysis, and assessment of sensitivity and reproducibility of the qPCR chimerism assay. A specific emphasis is put on analyzing chimerism in recipients of double cord blood transplantation. We conclude that the qPCR chimerism assay for engraftment monitoring is a reliable and sensitive assay. Advantages and limitations of the assay in its current format are summarized.