Myeloablative conditioning
High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy given before stem cell transplantation to eradicate malignant cells and suppress immune system.
Full Definition
Myeloablative conditioning refers to intensive preparative regimens administered prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation designed to achieve maximum anti-leukemic effect while creating space for donor cell engraftment. These regimens typically include high-dose chemotherapy agents such as busulfan, cyclophosphamide, or total body irradiation at doses that completely ablate the recipient's bone marrow. While providing optimal disease control, myeloablative conditioning is associated with significant acute and long-term toxicities, limiting its use to younger, fit patients. Recovery requires successful donor stem cell engraftment to restore hematopoiesis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from reduced-intensity regimens; specify individual conditioning agents when documenting.
In Context
- "The patient received myeloablative conditioning with busulfan and cyclophosphamide prior to matched unrelated donor transplantation." — Transplant procedure note
- "Given the patient's age and comorbidities, reduced-intensity conditioning was chosen over myeloablative conditioning." — Treatment planning discussion