Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Review

Abstract

Autologous bone marrow transplantation allows the use of high-dose cytotoxic therapy in the treatment of refractory malignancies. This approach has resulted in cures of otherwise incurable malignancies, including relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, relapsed Hodgkin's disease, and acute leukemias. The approach is being applied with promising results to other diseases, including breast cancer. Although morbidity is often significant, mortality is low when the procedure is carried out in the appropriate setting. The morbidity of the procedure will be reduced by hematopoietic growth factors; this will allow investigators to focus on improving antitumor activity.