High dose chemotherapy with autologous marrow rescue in the treatment of resistant solid tumors.

Toxicity in the form of marrow suppression has hampered the investigation of intensive chemotherapy as it applies to the treatment of solid tumors. The use of autologous marrow rescue to ameliorate protracted aplasia permits the application of high dose chemotherapy to the treatment of solid tumors. We review the theoretical limitations of this technique and present results reported in selected solid tumors. Autologous marrow rescue from intensive chemotherapy is an innovative approach in overcoming the resistence to chemotherapy that is typical of solid tumors. The role of this therapy in the treatment of solid tumors remains to be defined.