Have drug combinations supplanted stem cell transplantation in myeloma?
The introduction of proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drugs has considerably changed the treatment paradigm of multiple myeloma. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is superior to conventional chemotherapy and is considered the standard of care for patients younger than 65 years. Nevertheless, the favorable results shown by multidrug inductions, consolidations, and long-term maintenance approaches have challenged the role of ASCT. This article provides an overview of recent and ongoing clinical trials and aims to define the role of ASCT in the era of novel agents.
Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy. appalumbo@yahoo.com
Antonio
A
Palumbo
Federica
F
Cavallo
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous