The principles of bone marrow and stem-cell transplantation

This article, the first of three on bone-marrow/stem-cell transplantation, looks at the general principles, uses and risk of this type of transplantation. The treatment has progressed from a last-resort experimental therapy to being a routine component for treating some forms of malignancy. Potential new sources of stem cells offer the hope of extending the number of transplants that can be performed. The second article in the series will discuss details of the different types of transplant, while the third will cover nursing aspects of transplantation.