Summary:Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is becoming an increasingly recognized indication for treatment of autoimmune diseases and severe immunemediated disorders. However, multicenter registry data have demonstrated higher than anticipated early toxicity, approximately 10% for autoimmune diseases in general, and 20-27% for diffuse systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). If uncorrected, this high treatment-related mortality will hinder development of stem cell therapy for immunemediated diseases. In order to develop safer regimens, we address some pitfalls and concepts involved in design and selection of conditioning regimens for autoimmune diseases in general, and because it is associated with the highest regimen-related toxicity, scleroderma in specific.
In an editorial published in BMT in the November 1, 2004 issue entitled 'The rationale behind autologous autoimmune hematopoietic stem cell transplant conditioning regimens: concerns over the use of total body irradiation', Kenneth Kallunian (sic) was included as an author in error. His name should be deleted as a coauthor.
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