Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from siblings, unrelated donors or HLA mismatched family members has become an important procedure to offer a chance of cure to children and adolescents with acute leukemia at high risk of relapse and those with certain genetic diseases. Bone marrow (BM) was the only stem cell source for many years. During the past 15 years, peripheral blood stem cells from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized healthy donors, or umbilical cord blood from related or unrelated donors, have become available. Each stem cell source has different risks/benefits for patients and donors, the choice depending not only on availability, but also on HLA compatibility and urgency of the HSCT. This review will analyze the advantages and limitations of each of these options, and the main criteria which can be applied when choosing the appropriate stem cell source for pediatric transplant recipients with acute leukemia.
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