[New therapeutic possibilities for leukemia in adults. Indications and progress measures for allogeneic bone marrow...

Marrow ablation with cytotoxic drugs and/or total body irradiation followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling cures many patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukaemia. We have obtained good results with this treatment. Up to now the necessary funds to cover the minimal requirements for transplantations in Norway have not been granted. It is now possible to use unrelated, HLA-matched donors, which will more than double the need for allogeneic bone marrow transplantations within a few years. This article discusses indications, results, costs and practical procedures connected to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for leukaemia in adults.