We report the results of PBPC collection by large-volume leukaphereses and the hematologic recovery after high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous PBPC reinfusion in a series of cancer patients treated at the Hematological Intensive Care Unit (UCHI) (Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Lisbon). Large volume leukaphereses were used to increase the efficacy of the PBPC collection. This modification of the standard apheresis technique allowed the harvesting, in only one session, of enough progenitors to proceed to transplantation in nearly 2/3 of patients and without significant toxicity. From December 1993 until September 1997, 95 autologous PBSC transplants were performed at the UCHI; 45% were performed in solid tumor patients and 55% in patients with hematologic malignancies. Hematologic recovery was similar to that published in the literature and related to the number of CD34+ cells infused. Patients supported with bone marrow in addition to PBPC showed delayed hematopoietic recovery, probably because the bone marrow harvest was only performed when an insufficient number of PBPC had been collected (2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/Kg). The speed of hematological recovery differed per diagnosis, being higher in multiple myeloma and solid tumor patients and lower in Hodgkin's disease patients.