OBJECTIVE To assess the current status of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous marrow transplantation in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. METHODS Studies reported between 1978 and May 1988 were identified through computer searches using Medline and Cancerline and through extensive manual searching of bibliographies of identified books and articles. METHODS More than 160 studies that contained adequate response, toxicity, or survival data were selected for analysis, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and proceedings of meetings. The most current or complete references were used for series reported more than once. METHODS Information abstracted included regimen used, number of patients, response rates, disease-free and overall survival, and toxicities. A meta-analysis of the pooled data was done. RESULTS For many tumor types, autologous marrow transplantation offers higher response rates than standard approaches. For leukemias and lymphomas, response rates of 60% to 80% may be achieved with the potential for cure. With solid tumors, response rates range from 30% in gliomas, 50% in melanomas and colon cancer, more than 60% in lung cancer, and 80% in breast cancer. Although responses tend to be short-lived, long-term survival can occasionally be seen. CONCLUSIONS Results with autologous marrow transplantation can be improved through systematically developed, carefully designed clinical trials that may be facilitated by collaborative research. Studies should focus on disease-directed drug combinations, several courses of high-dose therapy, treatment at a time of lower tumor burden, and reducing toxicity with hematopoietic growth factors.