Circulating stem cell autografts.

The role of autologous bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of malignant disease is currently being evaluated. The peripheral blood represents an alternative source of haemopoietic progenitors and the use of circulating rather than bone marrow stem cells permits autografting in patients with infiltrated bone marrows. It may also offer a lower risk of tumour contamination, although this is not yet proven. Several autografts using circulating stem cells (CSCs) have recently been reported. These are reviewed and current uncertainties and future prospects are discussed.