THOMAS' HEMATOPOIETIC CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Haematopoietic cell transplantation is the intravenous infusion of haematopoietic progenitor cells designed to establish marrow and immune function in patients with a variety of acquired and inherited malignant and non- malignant disorders. These include hematological malignancies [leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma], non-malignant acquired bone marrow disorders [aplastic anaemia], and genetic diseases associated with abnormal haematopoiesis and function [thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and severe combined immunodeficiency]. Haematopoietic cell transplantation is also key in the support of patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant diseases for which hematological toxicity would otherwise limit drug administration [e.g. breast, germ-cell and ovarian cancers].This is an outstanding reference source on bone marrow transplantation which has become recognised as the bible in the field. The original editor, Donnall Thomas, was a pioneer in the field and won the 1990 Nobel Prize for his discoveries concerning organ and cell transplantation in the treatment of human diseases.