Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

This policy addresses hematopoietic cell transplantation (autologous or allogeneic, from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood) to restore hematopoiesis after marrow‑toxic chemotherapy or whole‑body irradiation and to treat certain malignancies, selected non‑malignant disorders, and historically as a treatment modality for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, HCT for AIDS/HIV is considered experimental, investigational and/or unproven with very limited human evidence (notably only isolated cases), allogeneic transplants require HLA compatibility while autologous do not, high donor chimerism appears necessary for durable remission, and the policy is inactive with no professional guideline or national Medicare coverage supporting HCT for AIDS.

"Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to restore bone marrow function in cancer patients receiving bone‑marrow‑toxic doses of cytotoxic drugs with or without whole‑body radiation therapy."