High Dose Granulocyte Transfusions for the Treatment of Infection in Neutropenia: The RING Study (Resolving Infection in Neutropenia With Granulocytes)

Neutropenia, a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of infection-fighting
white blood cells called neutrophils, commonly develops in people who have undergone
chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. The severely reduced immunity
of those with neutropenia can put them at risk of entry of life-threatening infections,
making the implementation of treatments that increase white blood cell numbers important.
Several studies have shown that the transfusion of donor granulocytes, a type of white blood
cell that includes neutrophils, is effective in promoting the recovery of adequate numbers of
granulocytes. However, granulocyte transfusions can cause side effects, and it is not known
whether the success of the therapy outweighs the health risks of the side effects. This study
will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of granulocyte transfusions in treating people
with a bacterial or fungal infection during neutropenia.