[Eight years using the "Mexican method" for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transplant Immunology
• Oncology

Context:

• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a crucial treatment for various hematologic malignancies and non-malignant disorders.
• Developing countries often face challenges in accessing advanced medical procedures like HSCT due to high costs and resource limitations.
• The development of cost-effective and accessible HSCT protocols is essential for improving patient outcomes globally.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and accessibility of a novel, non-myeloablative conditioning regimen for allogeneic HSCT, termed the "Mexican method."
• To assess the outcomes of the "Mexican method" across different hematologic conditions in patients from Mexico and other developing nations.
• To analyze the impact of this accessible HSCT approach on academic development in participating countries.

Summary:

• Over 350 patients in developing countries have received allogeneic HSCT using the Mexican non-myeloablative conditioning regimen in the past eight years.
• The "Mexican method" has demonstrated optimal results in patients with stage 1 chronic myelogenous leukemia and aplastic anemia.
• Outcomes for acute lymphoblastic leukemia were less favorable, while mild to moderate results were observed in acute myelogenous leukemia cases.

Impact:

• The "Mexican method" significantly enhances the affordability and availability of allogeneic HSCT in resource-poor settings.
• This approach has democratized access to life-saving stem cell transplant procedures for a broader patient population.
• The implementation of this protocol has stimulated academic engagement and research among physicians in developing countries within the field of transplantation.