Preparative regimen dosing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic hepatic impairment: analysis of the literature and recommendations.

ABSTRACT

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially life-saving therapy for patients with malignant and nonmalignant disease states. Transplant has been associated with high treatment-related morbidity and mortality, therefore limiting its usefulness in patients with baseline liver dysfunction. In the event that a patient with hepatic insufficiency is selected for HSCT, dosage adjustments may be considered; however, no reliable endogenous biomarkers can serve as a guide for adjustments. There is no clear standard or guideline for how to approach these patients, and most adjustments are made empirically on the basis of expert opinion. This article offers practical advice and outlines our personal approaches to provide dosing recommendations for commonly-used preparative agents in the setting of hepatic impairment with the aim to optimize dosing for this patient population.