Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma: retrospective analysis of 16 patients

Abstract

The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) has not yet been established. We performed allo-SCT on 16 patients with MM in our hospital and an associated center, and retrospectively evaluated its efficacy. The median age at allo-SCT was 47 years. Eight patients underwent allo-SCT as a front-line therapy. Non-myeloablative treatment was provided for 14 patients. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates 3 years after transplantation were 72.9% and 37.5%, respectively, in patients who received front-line therapy, and were significantly higher than those in patients who received allo-SCT as salvage therapy (both P < 0.05). Transplant-related mortality at 3 years was 31.3%. Seven out of the 16 patients survived, and 4 patients who underwent allo-SCT as front-line therapy without maintenance showed relapse as an extramedullary mass, which was controlled by external radiation, and survived long-term, having a mean OS of 7.8 years. In our study, the OS and PFS recieved allo-SCT were not superior to those recieved more common therapies, such as autologous stem cell transplantation or combined chemotherapy with new agents. We need to have more progress in allo-SCT for MM while establishing safe and effective procedures.