Non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation

As a result of the evolution of knowledge in the area of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transplantation, several dogmata have been broken. We now have the following information: a) successful engraftment if allogeneic HSC bone marrow ablation of the recipient is not required; b) HSC create their own space through graft-vs.-host reactions; c) several malignancies are eradicated by the graft-vs.-tumor effect; d) allografting can be conducted on an out-patient basis; e) allografting can be done in aged or debilitated individuals; f) allografting can be achieved without transfusion of blood products, and g) costs of the allografting procedures can be substantially diminished. Breaking all these dogmata has resulted in availability of HSC allografting to a larger number of individuals, thus offering true curative therapeutic options to patients who otherwise would not qualify to receive these opportunities.