High-Dose Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy With Bone Marrow Transplantation in the Management of the Non-Hodgkin's...

The application of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation followed by marrow stem cell rescue has been extensively used over the last decade in the management of relapsed and refractory lymphomas. More recently, this approach has also been evaluated as consolidation therapy in first remissions or even as primary therapy for high-risk lymphoma patients. Although the experience with this approach has provided evidence for its effectiveness, it has also highlighted the risks involved in this mode of treatment. This review describes some of the techniques in current use, and analyzes the published data on the therapeutic effects and risks involved with this approach. Special emphasis is placed on the role of radiation therapy in programs that require bone marrow transplantation.