[Stem cell transplantation in the imatinib era].

Imatinib has profoundly changed our clinical practice in the treatment of CML. However, many questions remain to be answered including the role of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The main dilemma is that while there are no convincing data to support the hypothesis that imatinib is curative in CML, there are very good remissions without important side effects. On the other hand there is strong evidence with long follow-up that CML can be cured by stem cell transplantation, although there is a high risk of transplant-related complications. This review will focus on the current international practice, on the results of imatinib treatment as well as on that of stem cell transplantation. The author will attempt to provide a framework for the decision-making process in the treatment of CML in which the contribution of the patient's preferences should be crucial.