Bone marrow transplantation - a field in continuous development

The symptoms of the radiation syndrome are described briefly and the Vinca accident in 1958 is used as an illustration of the application of bone marrow transplantation as a treatment in radiation accidents. Thereafter the immunological problems arising when a permanent substitution of donor marrow is required are discussed. Greatest experience in bone marrow transplantation has been had in the treatment of aplastic anemia and acute leukemia. In these cases the recipient's bone marrow cells must be killed by whole body irradiation or by cyclophosphamide to preclude graft-host reaction. The removal of marrow from the donor and transplanting in the recipient are described, as is the progress of the patient in a typical case. The graft-host reaction is then discussed, as is the danger of secondary infections. In conclusion the long term results are evaluated and the future developments of the treatment discussed. (JIW)