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Oral Abstract

Biotherapies/Cellular Therapies and Immunotherapies - Cord blood (including cord tissue and perinatal cells)

Oral Abstract Session - Advances in Cord Blood Therapy

#OA3-AM25-MN-18 - Analysis of Impact to HLA Coverage and Usability of Cord Blood Units Banked Between 2017 and 2024

Monday, October 27, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT

Room: SDCC 32

Presenting Author(s)

Christina Melief, PhD

Executive Director
National Cord Blood Network
Maple Valley, Washington

Disclosure information not submitted.

Background/Case Studies: Barker et al. 2019 conducted the first evaluation of CD34⁺ cell content of 126341 cord blood units (CBU) in the United States inventory in the NMDP Be the Match Registry (NMDP) (January 2007-September 2017), reporting few CBUs acceptable as single-unit grafts for patients with weight >70 kg. Barker et al. 2019 concluded that units with the highest TNC dose may not have the highest CD34⁺ dose, supporting evaluation of both measures for unit suitability and ongoing support of double-unit graft use, high-dose unit banking, and expansion technology development. The present study aims to conduct a meaningful analysis of the most recent NMDP inventory and evaluate whether continued and/or targeted collection of CBUs is necessary.

Study

Design/Methods: This analysis reconstructed the original dataset using methods published by Barker et al. 2019 and separately evaluated 7 additional years of data (October 1, 2017-September 30, 2024) for comparison. All analyses were conducted for the reconstructed dataset and the 7-year follow-up dataset separately. Data quality was assessed for CD34⁺, TNC, and volume by summarizing absence. Summary statistics for unit CD34⁺ dose and TNC were calculated using race group specific patient weight ranges similar to Howard et al 2008. Evaluations were conducted for unit acceptability rate by protocol (e.g., ASTCT guidelines, UM-171, and Omisirge®), patient weight, and race stratified by adult versus pediatric population. A comparative analysis of reconstructed results and follow-up results was conducted. The proportion of newly collected units with unique Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) was calculated.

Results/Findings: A reduced proportion of absent data was observed. The rate of unit acceptability for single-unit grafts increased for all three protocols evaluated and was also observed when each protocol was further evaluated by race stratified by adult and pediatric populations. The acceptability rate for single-unit grafts for patients with weight >70 kg approximately doubled. About three-quarters of newly collected units over the 7-year period had unique HLA. Of those new units without unique HLA, over one quarter demonstrated higher CD34⁺ dose per unit than the existing CBU in inventory.

Conclusions: Data quality of CBUs uploaded to the NMDP Registry improved. Advancements in collection techniques and expansion technologies are improving acceptability rates of CBUs over time. Additionally, newly collected CBUs continue to enhance the inventory as evidenced by the contribution of unique HLA and/or increased CD34⁺ dose per unit. Results support the continued collection of CBUs and continued improvement to collection protocols and enhancement techniques.