1. ¹Centre for Clinical Haematology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
2. ²Institute of Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Correspondence: Professor CF Craddock, Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TH, UK. E-mail: charles.craddock@uhb.nhs.uk

Received 15 August 2007; Revised 1 November 2007; Accepted 4 November 2007; Published online 21 January 2008.

Abstract

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation represents the most active form of anti-leukaemic therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Advances in transplant technology and supportive care have resulted in improved outcomes in patients allografted using a myeloablative conditioning regimen. At the same time the use of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens has allowed an immunologically mediated graft-versus-leukaemia effect to be exploited in older patients who were previously ineligible for transplantation on the grounds of age or comorbidity. This coupled with the increased availability of alternative stem cell sources, in the form of either unrelated or cord blood donations, has established allogeneic transplantation as a key therapeutic strategy in the treatment of both younger and older adults with AML.