Haploidentical transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells

Nelson Hamerschlak

To review and discuss the literature on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with haploidentical donors in Brazil. Literature review. The haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantations have become a safe option in hematology since the 80s, with the possibility of ex-vivo T-cell depletion. However, its broad use worldwide occurred with the advent of haploidentical nonmyeloablative transplants using in vivo T-cell depletion with the administration of post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The results were encouraging, despite the increased risk of infection and post-transplantation recurrence. Recent publications on acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and Hodgkin's lymphoma have shown similar results among haploidentical, unrelated and related full-match transplants. Obviously, these findings of retrospective studies should be confirmed by clinical trials. Transplantation with haploidentical donor has shown to be feasible in Brazil and the first publications and results are showing encouraging results.