Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently utilized as a treatment option for a variety of life-threatening conditions affecting children and young adults including leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, brain tumors, inherited immune deficiency syndromes, blood disorders, and inherited metabolic diseases.

This expertly written reference provides current information on methods and outcomes in a wide range of pediatric diseases, using a variety of HSCT approaches. It guides the pediatric professional in the proper execution and understanding of HSCT, and provides illustrative discussions of the hematopoietic and immune systems, clear outlines of current chemotherapy regimens, and expert guidance on each phase of stem cell transplantation and management, including patient evaluation and recovery.

Summarizing the currently available data and offering evidence-based recommendations, this authoritative guide:

• Specifically focuses on the specialized needs and diseases of the pediatric patient
• describes the developmental biology of children and the impact of these mechanisms on the risks and benefits of HSCT in comparison with adult patients
• discusses management regimens to decrease transplant-related complications and toxicity, and the length of hospitalization, as well as improve patient outcomes
• explores the latest medical strategies and documents their impact on specific organ systems
• describes recent procedures including umbilical cord blood transplantation and gene therapy
• contains strategies for the prevention of infection in pediatric HSCT recipients