¹Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Correspondence: Dr KR Cooke, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (CGC 6303), Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0942, USA. E-mail: krcooke@umich.edu

²Dr Cooke is a National Marrow Donor Program Amy Strelzer-Manasevit Scholar and a fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Minority Faculty Development Program.

³Drs Cooke and Yanik are recipients of a Translational Research Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an important therapeutic option for a number of malignant and nonmalignant conditions but the broader application of this treatment strategy is limited by several side effects. In particular, diffuse lung injury is a major complication of SCT that responds poorly to standard therapeutic approaches and significantly contributes to transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Historically, approximately 50% of all pneumonias seen after SCT have been secondary to infection, but the judicious use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial prophylaxis in recent years has tipped the balance of pulmonary complications from infectious to noninfectious causes. This mini review will discuss the definition, risk factors and pathogeneses of noninfectious lung injury that occurs early after allogeneic SCT.