Hemopoietic stem cell transplants for multiple myeloma

Oncology (Williston Park). 1994 Nov;8(11):89-103; discussion 103-6.

Abstract

Recently, high-dose therapy has been evaluated in patients with multiple myeloma, mainly with autologous transplant support. As a result of rapid hemopoietic engraftment with peripheral blood stem cells collected after chemotherapy and/or hemopoietic growth factor priming, procedure-related mortality has dropped to below 5%. When applied within 12 months from initial therapy, autologous transplants effect complete remissions in up to 50% of patients, with median event-free and overall survival durations on the order of 2.5 and 4 to 5 years, respectively. Complete response rates with allogeneic transplantation range from 30% to 50%, and procedure-related mortality is approximately 40%. Although the median durations of event-free and overall survival are shorter with allogeneic transplants, approximately 35% to 40% of patients survive with minimal disease for at least 5 to 6 years. Direct comparisons of standard therapy and autologous transplants have just begun.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Survival Rate
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors