Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: clinical overview and nursing implications

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To provide a comprehensive understanding of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), the new modality for treating advanced hematologic malignancies.

Data source: Journal articles/abstracts, published literature, clinical experience.

Data synthesis: Growth factor mobilization and apheresis is well tolerated by donors and supplies adequate numbers of stem cells for engraftment. Patients engraft sooner using PBSCT compared to bone marrow transplant (BMT).

Conclusions: Allogeneic PBSCT is a safe alternative to BMT and has distinct advantages for donors and recipients. Faster engraftment results in fewer transfusions, shorter hospitalization, and decreased cost. Future research to determine if long-term side effects from growth factors will negatively affect donors is essential. Data regarding durability of hematopoiesis and incidence of graft versus host disease warrant further analysis.

Implications for nursing practice: Care for patients is similar to that of standard BMT; however, care for donors is unique. Shorter hospitalization requires nurses to alter content and timing of patient education and preparation for discharge.