Meeting Overview
The 2003 meeting of the EBMT was held July 20-23 in Istanbul. Approximately 80% of the original planned reports were included in this meeting due to the war in Iraq and the postponement of the meeting from March 2003.

Stem Cell Transplants for Acute Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Allogeneic stem cell transplants have been an integral component of treatment of young patients with acute leukemia since the 1970’s. In the early studies, approximately 10% of refractory patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) could be cured with an allogeneic transplant from an HLA-matched sibling.

Stem Cell Transplant for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Allogeneic stem cell transplants remain the only known method of curing patients with CML. Results of allogeneic transplant from siblings or unrelated donors are excellent if carried out early in the disease course.

Stem Cell Transplants for Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Autologous transplants are standard therapy for patients with Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy.

Update on Stem Cell Transplants for Solid Tumors
Autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants have played a limited role in the treatment of patients with solid tumors.

Stem Cell Transplants for Multiple Myeloma
Autologous stem cell transplantation has become an integral part of the management of patients with multiple myeloma who are under the age of 65-70 years.