Ancestim

Summary

Ancestim is a recombinant methionyl form of human stem cell factor (r-metHuSCF) produced in E. coli. It is used in combination with filgrastim (G-CSF) to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) for autologous transplantation in patients with cancer who are poor mobilizers with G-CSF alone.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to the c-Kit receptor (CD117) on hematopoietic progenitor cells, activating tyrosine kinase signaling pathways that promote survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells; synergizes with other colony-stimulating factors to mobilize CD34+ stem cells into peripheral blood.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilizationHematopoieticHigh
• Rescue mobilization in patients failing G-CSF aloneHematopoieticModerate
• Augmentation of CD34+ cell yields for autologous transplantOncology/TransplantationHigh

Contraindications

• Asthma or reactive airway diseasePulmonaryHigh
• PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
• History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to ancestim or related compoundsHypersensitivityHigh
• Active systemic mastocytosisHematologicHigh

Adverse Effects

• Bone painMusculoskeletalCommon
• Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
• Urticaria / generalized pruritusDermatologicCommon
• FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
• SplenomegalyHematologicUncommon
• Systemic allergic/anaphylactic reactionsImmunologicUncommon

Drug Interactions

• Filgrastim (G-CSF)Low
• CorticosteroidsLow
• Antihistamines (H1 blockers)Low

Population Constraints

• Patients with prior severe allergic reactions to SCFImmunologicAbsolute
• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Patients with asthma or reactive airway diseasePulmonaryAbsolute
• Pregnant or breastfeeding womenReproductiveRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionUnapprovedNot approved by EMA; not available as a licensed medicine in the EU.
• United StatesUnapprovedNot approved by the FDA; clinical development discontinued in the US.
• United KingdomUnapprovedNot licensed in the UK; may have been available under named patient programs historically.

Approved in Canada and Australia (as Stemgen by Amgen/Bayer) for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization. Not approved by the US FDA or EMA for routine clinical use. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.