Umbilical cord blood transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.

Purpose of Review: To discuss the recent advances in the field of umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplant (UCBT) for the treatment of adult acute myeloid leukemia. This topic is particularly relevant given the increasing use of UCBT and the plethora of clinical and biological studies being done to further optimize UCBT.
Recent Findings: We will focus on clinical outcomes, results of nonmyeloablative UCBT, graft-versus-leukemia effect and graft-versus-host disease, the effects of UCBT on the immune system, and the role of multiple UCBTs and ex-vivo expansion.
Summary: Ultimately, these findings and research will allow us to expand UCB to a larger number of patients. In addition, a better understanding of the biology of UCB and subsequent manipulation of UCB and the immune system will allow us to improve the graft-versus-leukemia effect, improve engraftment, and decrease infectious complications after transplant.