Utility of Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Chimerism Analysis for Early Relapse Prediction following Allogenic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Chimerism monitoring following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) plays a pivotal role in evaluating engraftment status and identifying early indicators of relapse. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have introduced AlloSeq HCT as a more sensitive alternative to short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. This study aimed to compare AlloSeq HCT with STR, focusing on the prediction of early relapse post-allogeneic HCT. Chimerism levels in 29 HCT recipients were assessed using both STR and NGS, employing a total of 125 whole blood or bone marrow aspirate samples (68 post-HCT and 57 pre-HCT samples from recipients or donors). AlloSeq HCT exhibited high concordance with STR and demonstrated the potential for early detection of chimeric changes, particularly at extremely low levels. The combined advantages of high sensitivity and automated data analysis offered by AlloSeq HCT substantiate its clinical adoption for effective chimerism monitoring.