Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hungary

Introduction and aim: The publication summarizes the 2548 stem cell transplantations performed in the period of 1993-2015 in Szent LaszlA Hospital, Budapest and provides a detailed discussion of the 425 allogeneic transplantations during 2007-2013. Method: The analysis explains the major steps of the evolution of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and compares the results of the unique Hungarian allogeneic center. Results: The significant shift in the transplantation indications from chronic myeloid leukemia to myelodysplastic syndromes and the rising age of the recipients are in line with world wide tendencies. The latter one is the consequence of the introduction and improvement of the concept of reduced intensity conditioning regimens, originally arising from the idea of Endre Kelemen. The most limiting factor, the donor availability seems to be resolved with the use of a new immunomodulating regimen, the application of posttransplantation cyclophosphamide, which allows the transplantation through HLA barriers with haploidentical family donors with comparable results to the HLA matched volunteer unrelated donors. The above mentioned tendencies result the wider use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation less dependent from recipient age, comorbidities and even donor availability. Conclusions: The publication highlights the need of expanding the stem cell transplantation budget and the involvement of new centers in Hungary in allogeneic of stem cell transplantation.