The role of stem cell transplantation in the management of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The role of stem cell transplantation has markedly improved the clinical outcomes of patients with aggressive and relapsed Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and has now become the treatment of choice. This paper examines the evidence which is resulting in the changing trends in the management of NHL, in the use of stem cell transplantation. Autologous bone marrow transplantation has been much favoured due to the reduced incidence of treatment related complications. Although allogeneic transplants have had equal success, its use has been hampered by the increasing difficulty in finding suitably matched donors. The use of peripheral blood stem cells continues to increase, although further research is required to improve the effects of priming and purging methods used in order to reduce the risk of myelodysplastic syndrome.