Milestones in the development of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation--50 years of progress.
In the 1950s, the first infusions of hematopoietic stem cells were given as a form of treatment for childhood leukemia. This heralded the beginning of a field that has expanded to include the treatment of immune deficiencies, a variety of leukemias and solid tumors, and then genetic diseases. A number of milestones are highlighted, particularly in regard to the use of alternative sources of hematopoietic stem cells such as unrelated donors, peripheral blood stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells. In addition, newer techniques of using non-myeloablative preparative regimens helped to reduce the toxicity and long-term consequences of hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Many diseases now benefit from the replacement of the marrow stem cells and the provision of a new immune system and improved immune surveillance.
Trigg
Michael E
ME
Department of Pediatrics, A I duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, USA.mtrigg@nemours.org
D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000266:history; D002648:Child; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy; D036102:Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000266:history; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000266:history