Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

High-dose chemotherapy and AHCT is the therapy of choice for patients with chemosensitive relapsed DLCL, but the part it plays in primary therapy in high-risk NHL patients and in primary and salvage therapy for non-DLCL subtypes remains to be clarified. The continuation of phase III trials is the most efficient and effective route to defining this role. A large number of NHL patients succumb to their disease, so it is hoped that alternate therapies, such as cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines, may improve the results of HDT.