conditioning regimen
High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy given before stem cell transplantation to eliminate diseased cells and suppress immunity.
Full Definition
A conditioning regimen is the intensive preparatory treatment administered before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, consisting of high-dose chemotherapy alone or combined with total body irradiation. The goals are to eradicate malignant cells, create space in the bone marrow for engraftment, and provide sufficient immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. Regimens are classified as myeloablative (completely destroying bone marrow function) or reduced-intensity/non-myeloablative. Common pediatric conditioning regimens include busulfan/cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation/etoposide combinations.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate. Distinguish from other treatment phases like induction or consolidation.
In Context
- "The patient will receive a myeloablative conditioning regimen with busulfan and cyclophosphamide." — Transplant protocol
- "Conditioning regimen toxicity was manageable with appropriate supportive care." — Post-transplant note