Patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndrome who received either CD34⁺ selected or unmodified hematopoietic stem cells transplants experienced similar overall survival, but other outcomes favored CD34⁺, according to an analysis involving 145 individuals. Investigators assessed outcomes in low- and high-risk participants.

In the low risk group:

• At 1 year, grade II-IV acute GVHD occurred in 18% of the CD34⁺ subgroup, vs 41% of those in the unmodified subgroup.
• At 3 years, chronic GVHD rates were 5.3% and 56%, respectively.
• Relapse and relapse-free survival rates were similar.
• The combined chronic extensive GVHD free and relapse free status (CRFS) rates were 60% and 19%, respectively.

In the high-risk group:

• At 1 year, grade II-IV acute GVHD rates were 32% and 24%, respectively.
• At 3 years, chronic GVHD rates were 0% and 28%, respectively.
• Relapse (32% vs 69%), relapse-free survival (32% vs 11%), and CRFS (32% vs 6%) rates favored CD34⁺.

In both low- and high-risk patients, 1-year grade III-IV acute GVHD and 3-year overall survival rates were similar in both transplant groups.