GM-CSF is a clinically approved and effective agent for stimulating growth of progenitor blood cells. They are also enumerating hematopoietic stem cells in blood extracted from umbilical cords.
Umbilical cord is a richer source of stem cells than peripheral blood.
In these studies, Drs. Jaszcz and Gajl-Peczalska use the antigen CD34 combined with other maturation antigens as markers for progenitor cells. Both projects are done in collaboration with the University Blood Bank. The objective is to find an alternative source of progenitor cells that can used in place of conventional bone-marrow transplantation, which will reduce the risk of graft vs. host disease and the recurrence of malignancy in the patient with autologous bone marrow transplantation. In a third project, the research is focused on improvement in monitoring immunosuppressive drug protocols in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation including kidney, pancreas, hear and lung.