Overview of autologous stem cell transplantation

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of autologous peripheral b lood stem cell transplants over the last decade. Faster recovery of cell co unts, lesser transplant morbidity, shorter hospital stay and reduced cost c ompared with marrow autografts have been the main advantages of autologous peripheral blood cell over marrow transplants. In this paper we attempt to review the advances in the biology and mobilization of stem cells, and focu s on clinical results of autologous peripheral stem cell and marrow transpl ants for disease specific sites such as breast cancer, myeloma, autoimmune diseases, germ cell tumors, the acute and chronic leukemias, the non-Hodgki n's lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease. We also discuss transplant related com plications, gene therapy and the different methods of purging. This review was intended for autologous peripheral stem cell transplants, however, unav oidably, it also discusses autologous marrow transplantation and aspects co mmon to both procedures (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, All rights r eserved.