Is there a role for consolidation therapy pre-transplantation?

There is much confusion and uncertainty regarding the need for consolidation therapy before bone marrow transplantation. There are no prospective studies that have established clear guidelines and much of the information has been based on retrospective analyses of data obtained from the international bone marrow transplant registries. These data suggest that there may not be a role for consolidation therapy before an allogeneic transplantation. However, this may not be applicable to transplants performed following reduced intensity conditioning or to transplants performed beyond first remission. The data for autologous transplantation are substantially more confused. Common practice includes the administration of consolidation therapy prior to transplantation, although there is enormous variability in the amount of cycles and in the doses that are given before transplantation.

Key words: consolidation therapy pre-transplantation