This chapter describes hematopoietic stem cells and their therapeutic uses to
cure otherwise lethal, malignant and non-malignant diseases. Here we analyze the
biological characteristics of different hematopoietic stem cell sources and how they are
mobilized, collected, selected from the patient himself for autologous transplantation,
or from matched or mismatched, related or unrelated donors for allogeneic
transplantation [1 - 3]. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been implemented
for decades and has undergone many improvements over the years [3]. Today it is a
safe, feasible option for selected patients and it still remains the only cure for a wide
range of malignancies or non-malignant diseases despite advances in understanding
disease genetics and biology. Moreover, with improvements in conditioning regimens
and graft manipulation [2, 4], cells can be transplanted to enhance immune
reconstitution and reduce relapse, which are the most common cause of transplant
failure [2, 4]. Given the immunological modulation and anti-leukemic effect of these
cells, conditioning regimen can be reduced and transplantation is now extended to
elderly patients who are more susceptible to drug toxicity.
Keywords: Autoimmune diseases, Hematological diseases, Immunology, Solid
tumors, Stem cell transplantation, Stem cells.
