Stem cell transplantation: Current and prospective therapies to treat leukaemia

Stem cell therapies represent an important treatment option for leukemia patients, even with the expanding role of modern chemotherapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Despite their strong curative potential, the use of hematopoietic stem cells carries a significant associated morbidity and mortality and is limited by the need to find an appropriately matched donor. While new stem cell sources like peripheral and umbilical cord blood (UCB) have increased the number of eligible patients, these therapies carry their own risks such as increased incidences of transplant related mortality with UCB. In this paper, we compare the effective outcomes of current stem cell therapies and their implications for use. Additionally, we also review the literature on emerging therapies like reduced intensity conditioning and donor lymphocyte infusion, and consider developing approaches like the use of mesenchymal stem cells and sex steroid ablation. Finally, we look at the potential applications of induced pluripotent stem cells and spermatogonial stem cells combined with gene correction as a future source of autologous stem cells for leukemia therapy.