Preparations for unrelated donor transplantation

This mini-review briefly describes some of the issues that are important for a transplant physician preparing a patient for an unrelated donor (UD) stem cell transplant. It is primarily directed at referring hemato-oncologists and trainees in transplantation and aims to provide them with the information they require to deal with these patients appropriately and efficiently. It discusses search strategies, the need for urgency and early identification of the major problems that will determine the outcome of the transplant. Excellent communication with the histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory and the referring physician are emphasized. Many of the recommendations are derived from personal experience; there is a need for more of an evidence base to aid decision-making.