The role of autologous stem cell transplantation in the management of multiple myeloma.
In the past 10 years, the concept of dose intensity with autologous hematopoietic stem cell support has modified the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We review here the rationale for high dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of myeloma patients, its benefit as compared to standard therapy, indications according to patients' age and clinical status, modalities and optimal timing. We also discuss the future prospects for improvement.
Fermand
J P
JP
Service d'Immunologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
Brechignac
S
S
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome