Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in South Africa : current limitations and future perspectives
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Date
Authors
Grobbelaar, Simone
Mercier, Anne Elisabeth
Verburgh, Estelle
Brittain, David
Pepper, Michael Sean
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
The growing need for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is reflected in the increasing number of transplants performed
globally each year. HSCT provides life-changing and potentially curative therapy for a range of pathologies including haematological
malignancies; other indications include certain congenital and acquired disorders of the haematopoietic system, autoimmune conditions
and hereditary diseases. The primary goals of HSCT are either to replace haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) following
myeloablative chemotherapy or to cure the original pathology with allogeneic HSPCs. Success depends on optimal outcomes at various
stages of the procedure including mobilisation of marrow stem/progenitor cells for harvesting from the patient or donor, long-term and
sustainable engraftment of these cells in the recipient, and prevention of graft-versus-host disease in the case of allogeneic HSCT. Challenges
in South Africa include high cost, limited infrastructure and lack of appropriately trained staff, as well as limitations in securing suitable
haematopoietic stem cell donors. This review aims to provide an overview of HSCT and some of the challenges that are faced in the South
African context.
Description
Keywords
Hematological therapy, Neoplasms, Autoimmune diseases, Stem cell transplantation, Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), South Africa (SA), Prevention, Control, Graft-Host disease
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Grobbelaar, S., Mercier, A.E., Pepper, M.S. et al. 2019,' Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in South Africa : current limitations and future perspectives', South African Medical Journal, vol. 109. no. 8, pp. S47-S53.