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Review
. 2019 Apr 8;9(4):44.
doi: 10.1038/s41408-019-0205-9.

Current status of autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

Rama Al Hamed  1 , Abdul Hamid Bazarbachi  1 , Florent Malard  1 , Jean-Luc Harousseau  2 , Mohamad Mohty  3
Affiliations
Review

Current status of autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

Rama Al Hamed et al. Blood Cancer J. .

Abstract

More than 30 years after its introduction, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for young patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Not only did the arrival of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), proteasome inhibitors (PI) and monoclonal antibodies not replace ASCT, instead they solidified its central role as standard of care. Novel agent use is now inarguably essential in induction, maintenance, and possibly consolidation. In light of these new advancements, new challenges arise in deciding on optimal practice. Who is most suited to undergo ASCT? Is there an age threshold that should not be surpassed? Should transplantation be embarked on early or is it reasonable to delay it? What are the optimal induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies? What is the role of tandem transplantation in the era of novel agents and where do patient-specific cytogenetics come into the equation when deciding on treatment? These are some of the questions addressed in this review which we will attempt to answer with the latest currently available data.

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Conflict of interest statement

M.M. discloses lectures honoraria and research support from Amgen, Celgene, Janssen, Sanofi, and Takeda whose products are discussed in this work.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. .
Evolution of ASCT in multiple myeloma
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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