Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is a promising new therapy in the treatment of malignancies. It is being used to supplement and in place of bone marrow transplantation to restore hematopoiesis after myeloablative therapy. PBSCs are collected through apheresis, generally after a course of myelosuppressive therapy to prime the progenitor cells. Problems that potentially could arise during PBSC collection include citrate toxicity, hypovolemia, and thrombocytopenia. PBSC infusion is similar to the infusion of bone marrow. Engraftment following PBSC transplantation progresses rapidly, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The future of PBSC therapy looks promising, but much still has to be learned about this innovative treatment.