Current Challenges and New Opportunities in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

STATEMENT OF NEED

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a potentially curative therapy for patients with hematologic malignancies. There are 2 primary types of HSCT: autologous, where the cells are taken from the patient, and allogeneic, where the cells come from a matched sibling donor or an unrelated donor. Advances in HSCT include the introduction of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens that allow transplant in older patients and alternative graft sources that afford a donor for nearly all patients who require a transplant. Despite these advances, studies continue to show that the use of HSCT remains suboptimal, placing many patients at increased risk for poor survival outcomes.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Hematology/oncology physicians, oncology advanced practitioners, oncology nurses, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients eligible for HSCT.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Assess the susceptibility of hematologic malignancies to the graft-versus-leukemia effects of HSCT
2. Evaluate emerging data on conditioning and consolidation/maintenance therapies that can optimize HSCT outcomes
3. Apply strategies to manage transplant-related complications so that patients may achieve their goals of cancer therapy

Note: The learning objectives listed above apply to nurse practitioners and registered nurses in addition to physicians.