EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-02 Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

BOOK TITLE: Recent Advances in Hematology-3

Author
1. Song Kevin W
ISBN
9788184488883
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11240_2
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2011
Pages
10
Author Affiliations
1. Vancouver General Hospital Hematology, St Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma is well established as standard treatment for eligible patients. Until recently efforts were focused on optimizing the conditioning chemotherapy and the number of transplant required to achieve the best response to improve survival for as many eligible patients as possible. With the advent of novel agents, particularly lenalidomide and bortezomib, recently the focus has shifted to how to integrate these agents into the transplant procedure to obtain the best response. Data is maturing in the use of novel agents as a part of induction therapy, clearly demonstrating the advantage of this approach. Other areas of research include integrating novel agents into the conditioning regimens and as a part of maintenance/consolidation. Coupled with these therapeutic advances is an increasing understanding of the biology of the malignant cells which has led to improvements in prognostication. Future advances in ASCT in myeloma will be in determining how to most effectively utilize novel agents; tailoring the approach to the biology of the malignancy that the individual suffers from; and the cost and convenience of the treatments. What is uncertain is whether ASCT will remain the standard of care in the future. This will be determined by the continued progress in the development of novel agents in the battle against myeloma and the willingness of the physician to offer and patients to accept ASCT with its toxicities as the number of therapeutic options and the duration of survival increase.

Related Books

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved