In a nutshell
This study compared the safety and effectiveness of donor peripheral blood (PB) with bone marrow (BM) transplant in the treatment of leukemia. Researchers found that bone marrow transplants are safer and more effective in the treatment of leukemia.
Some background
Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow. It may lead to abnormal immune cells. It is often treated by destroying the abnormal cells and replacing them with healthy cells (hematopoietic cell transplant). This is carried out by transplant of donor cells. This may be done with blood samples or samples from the bone marrow. It is important to research the safest and most effective treatment.
Methods & findings
5,200 patients who received a donor transplant were included in this study. Effect on survival and transplant rejection were measured.
2-year survival without signs of disease or transplant rejection was higher in patients with BM (16%) compared to PB (10%) transplants. Five years after treatment, overall survival was 43% in patients with BM transplant compared to 38% in patients who received PB.
The bottom line
The study concluded that donor bone marrow is more effective than donor peripheral blood in the treatment of leukemia.
The fine print
This study was looking at relatively old data. Newer research is needed to confirm these findings.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options for leukemia.
Published By :
Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Date :
Oct 03, 2018
