An overview of the rationale, process, and nursing implications of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is the process of removing circulating stem cells from the peripheral blood through apheresis and returning these cells to the patient after dose-intensive chemotherapy. Clinical trials using PBSCT and dose-intensive chemotherapy are underway at cancer centers across the country. Nurses caring for patients who are undergoing PBSCT need an understanding of all aspects of the process in order to competently manage the toxicities, as well as to educate patients, families, and other staff. Nurses need to consider issues for nursing research to improve the quality of life for these patients.