Have drug combinations supplanted stem cell transplantation in myeloma?

Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2012:2012:335-41. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2012.1.335.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Boronic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Bortezomib
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Drug Therapy / methods
  • Drug Therapy / trends
  • Female
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology / methods
  • Medical Oncology / trends
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Pyrazines / therapeutic use
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Boronic Acids
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib