Autologous and Isologous Bone Marrow Storage and Infusion in the Treatment of Myelo‐Suppression *

During the past five years we have stored bone marrow from 82 individuals in 87 separate collections and freezings. All of these were autologous marrows collected prior to extensive radiotherapy or chemotherapy except for two infusions from a twin brother and two unsuccessful homologous donations. Since most patients did not suffer dangerous depression of the leukocyte and platelet counts, only 21 infusions of the bone marrow were performed in a total of 18 patients. Storage is accomplished by slow freezing in a glyceroltissue culture medium. Slow thawing and dilution with one‐half volume concentrated glucose solution is used for preparation for reinfusion. Recovery of peripheral blood counts in ten to 28 days, reticulocytosis in 11 to 25 days, and hyperplasia of the bone marrow in ten to 30 days following bone marrow infusion, contrasted with long‐standing or even permanent bone marrow hypoplasia in the controls indicate that successful replacement therapy with autologous and isologous bone marrow was possible. Extension of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and possible storage against occupational risk, are therefore feasible.