[Bone marrow transplantation in leukemias in the absence of HLA-identical siblings--results of the 4th meeting of experts of the Kind-Philipp Foundation at Reisenburg 11/12 November 1985].

During recent years allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has been shown to be of clear value in the therapy of childhood leukemia. Presently the availability of an HLA identical sibling is necessary. Recently there are several attempts to pass this natural barrier. Possible alternatives are autologous transplantation or the use of an nonidentical family member or an identical unrelated person as a donor. Members of 17 bone marrow transplantation teams of the western world discussed during two days the various possibilities and the results obtained up to now. The paper reflects the state of the art as it was represented during the meeting. This is meant to help advice patients with leukemia and their parents on the further therapeutic proceedings.