Syngeneic Graft-Versus-Chronic-Myeloid-Leukemia-Effect?

Fefer et al first suggested in 1979 that the Ph1-positive clone in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can be eradicated by chemotherapy, and that the marrow can be repopulated by stem cells from identical twins. Since then, there have been increasing reports of a graft-versus-leukemia-like effect following syngeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in CML. This case report describes three CML patients who achieved complete hematological, cytogenetic and molecular remission following syngeneic SCT. We suggest that syngeneic SCT should be included in the treatment decisions for CML patients with available identical twins, considering the reduced incidence of morbidity and mortality compared to allogeneic SCT.