This session addresses three pressing issues. One speaker will present progress on how reactive oxygen species can enhance the proliferation of the transfused progenitor cells and can shorten the length of the profound neutropenia associated with most HSCT. Another speaker will talk about therapeutic targeting of the hematopoetic niche, its ligands and how this approach can be used to eliminate leukemic contamination. Using a murine model of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), the speaker will show that manipulation of selecting ligands such as CD44 can alter the engraftment of leukemia-initiating cells. In addition, bone-modifying agents such as parathyroid hormone can alter the hematopoietic niche and thereby suppressing CML stem cells. These and other novel molecular approaches to improve outcomes in HSCT will be discussed. The third speaker will present the journey of searching novel peptide(s) or small molecules in cord blood expansion and will discuss how this approach can potentially affect the use of cord blood products in future HSCT practice.

Dr. Luo did not consent to presentation capturing and recording