Hematopoietic cell transplantation: Progress and obstacles

The use of hematopoietic cell transplantation has expanded and evolved substantially in the last decade. New stem cell sources and stem cell mobilizing agents have been introduced in clinical practice. The incidence of life-threatening complications following autologous stem cell transplant procedures has decreased dramatically. Understanding the immune mediated effect of allogeneic stem cell transplantation has resulted in the development of reduced intensity and non-myeloablative conditioning regimens, allowing transplantation of elderly patients. Long-term complications are starting to emerge, and will gain in importance in the near future.