Abstract
High dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell support is a standard approach in the management of selected hematological malignancies. Autoimmune diseases which do not respond to conventional immunosuppression might benefit from high dose immunoablative chemotherapy.
The transplantation of hematopoietic cells is necessary after the high dose chemotherapy to restore bone marrow function. The immune system undergoes a new ontogeny which can result in the development of tolerance.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has so far been the most common indication for this kind of treatment. Experience with preclinical studies on murine experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), as well as the course of MS following bone marrow transplantation for coincidental malignancy in humans formed the basis of the first clinical studies involving high dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic support.
Results of the first studies confirm that the method is feasible in patients with MS, and that the effect is very promising. Nonetheless, more consistent results vis a vis the therapeutic effect should emanate from upcoming studies.