Expanding indications for stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the indications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), including standard-of-care and experimental diseases. DATA SOURCES: Research studies, book chapters, websites, and articles describing diseases treated with HSCT. CONCLUSION: The indications for HSCT are continually changing and expanding rapidly beyond the traditional use as a treatment for malignant and non malignant diseases. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses who care for transplant patients will need to become knowledgeable of not only the diseases treated traditionally with HSCT, but also the many other diseases or disorders in which HSCT may play a role. Copyright © 2009 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]