Overview of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation

Bone marrow transplants and peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplants have improved survival of many patients with hematologic malignancies. This aggressive approach uses high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy for acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and selected solid tumors. High-dose therapy requires intensive medical and nursing care. The focus of care is the management of side effects, monitoring of toxicities, and prevention of complications. The outcome of bone marrow and peripheral cell transplants is related to patient age, underlying disease status, and type of transplant.