Autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of cancer

High-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell rescue has proven to be an effective treatment in relapsed lymphoma and neuroblastoma. This treatment approach should be considered also in selected patients with leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and testicular cancer. Relative contraindications include progression of the disease on appropriate conventional treatment, poor performance status, active infection as well as serious renal, pulmonary, liver and cardiac dysfunction. Increasing age should also be taken into consideration when autologous stem cell transplantation is planned. Every effort should be made to eliminate malignant cells that can be present in the stem cell containing population, which will be infused to the patient following myeloablative treatment.