[Eight years using the "Mexican method" for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants]

Abstract

In the past eight years, in Mexico and in other developing countries, over 350 patients have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants using a non-myeloablative conditioning regimen developed in Mexico and based on international standards. The so called "Mexican method" to conduct allogeneic stem cell transplants is endowed with certain advantages which make it affordable and in turn, available to individuals living in resource-poor countries. The best results using this method have been observed among patients with stage 1 chronic myelogenous leukemia and aplastic anemia. The less favourable results have been observed among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia; mild to moderate results have been reported among patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. The "Mexican method" to conduct hematopoietic cells allografting has resulted not only in turning this method accessible to patients in developing countries, but also it has witnessed an increase in the academic activities of physicians from these countries involved in the field.