The treatment of patients with CML in chronic phase by high dose chemo
therapy followed by transfusion of autologous haemopoietic stem cells
collected and cryopreserved previously may theoretically prolong survi
val. This benefit could result from reducing the number of leukaemia s
tem cells at risk for transformation or by partial re-establishment of
Ph-negative haematopoiesis. In practice some patients achieve partial
Ph-negative haematopoiesis after autografting but most patients have
entirely Ph-positive haematopoiesis by one year after autografting. Re
sults may be improved if methods to favour reconstitution with Ph-nega
tive haematopoiesis can be perfected.