title: Autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma is not dead but alive and well.
abstract: In multiple myeloma (MM), the use of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) led to incremental advances in patient management in the 1990s. The clinical results for patients dramatically improved further in the 2000s with the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors. In the 'modern' era for MM treatment, transplant trials strongly support the use of upfront ASCT in the context of novel agents, and until proven otherwise, the old ASCT remains the standard of care for eligible patients. Nevertheless, some issues remain unresolved and this editorial aims to highlight the concerns to be addressed in the future.
authors.affiliation: Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera BMM , Via Melacrino n.1, 89100 Reggio Calabria , Italy +39 0965 393804 ; dr.massimomartino@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martino
authors.forename: Fortunato
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Morabito
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: autologous stem cell transplantation; high-dose melphalan; immunomodulatory drugs; multiple myeloma; new drugs; proteasome inhibitors