The International journal of artificial organs
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The prognosis of hematologic malignancies has improved over the past three decades. However, the prognosis in hematologic malignancies with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome has remained poor. Initial reports regarding the utility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in hematologic malignancies have been controversial, with limited evaluations of acute leukemia patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ⋯ Currently, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with hematologic malignancies who develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome remains controversial. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is associated with poorer outcomes, our data suggest that salvage extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is a viable option to manage moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome while completing therapeutic chemotherapy and following in the peri-induction phase of acute leukemia.