Allogeneic stem cell transplantation methods

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #18.

This report has been prepared following interest by the Alberta Cord Blood Bank in obtaining advice on the comparative effectiveness and costs of different types of stem cell transplantation. Earlier assessments by the Foundation have considered peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and cord blood transplantation.

This assessment is in three sections. First, we present information on the illnesses which can be treated with allogenic stem cell transplantation; from these data, inferences can be drawn about the need for the technology. In the second section, we describe the technology in its institutional context, as well as the factors which influence its use. We then consider attributes of the three stem cell transplantation methods, addressing safety, effectiveness, cost, cost effectiveness, availability and ethical issues. Although stem cell transplantation can be used to treat a number of conditions, the focus here is on leukemia, and especially childhood leukemia.

NOTE: In 2006 the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research HTA unit moved to IHE. Documents produced in and prior to 2006 have different formats; the format was determined by the agency for which the document was produced.