Expression of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils after consolidation chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia and after high dose chemotherapy with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Quantitative expression of neutrophil CD11b/ CD18 following chemotherapy (either conventional dose consolidation chemotherapy or high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation) was investigated during the early recovery phase (neutrophil count 0.5-1.0x10(9)/1) and at full recovery (neutrophil count 1.0-2.5x10(9)/1) following treatment. CD11b/18 expression was normal in stem cell transplantation supported patients during both early and full neutrophil recovery. By contrast CD11b/CD18 expression was markedly decreased in patients who received chemotherapy without stem cell support. These results suggest that recovery of neutrophil count may not always coincide with recovery of neutrophil function and that G-CSF stimulated peripheral stem cell transplantation enhances neutrophil function post chemotherapy.