IN-UTERO HEMATOPOIETIC STEM-CELL TRANSPLANTATION - CURRENT PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE POTENTIAL

In utero transplantation (IUT) of haematopoietic cells is a new therap eutic option for families with increased risk of having a child with a n inherited disorder, Immunological naivete and the rapidly expanding haematopoietic system in the first trimester human fetus, make therape utic intervention by IUT a real possibility for those disorders which can be diagnosed early in gestation, Fewer cells are required than in postnatal BR IT and therapy can be offered before the pathological seq uelae of a disorder become manifested. However, only a few cases of IU T have been performed in humans and it is imperative that consensus is reached quickly on issues such as cell numbers/cell types so that the benefits of this approach to treatment can be realised, This review p resents the current status of IUT, the cases thus far recorded and off ers a prospective view of developments in this rapidly expanding area.