Is autologous stem cell transplantation still relevant for multiple myeloma?

More than 30 years after its introduction, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for young patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

How long can you live after multiple myeloma stem cell transplant?

If untreated, the median survival for symptomatic patients is approximately 1 year. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) increases the median overall survival (OS) to more than 5 years.

What is a tandem stem cell transplant?

Doing 2 autologous transplants in a row is known as a tandem transplant or a double autologous transplant. In this type of transplant, the patient gets 2 courses of high-dose chemo as myeloablative therapy, each followed by a transplant of their own stem cells.

Is stem cell transplant curative for multiple myeloma?

Only allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is potentially curative, because of an immunologic graft-versus-myeloma effect. High transplant-related mortality associated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation is currentlythe major limitation to wider use of this modality.

What is life expectancy after stem cell transplant?

Conditional on surviving the first 2 to 5 years after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT), the 10-year overall survival approaches 80%. Nonetheless, the risk of late mortality remains higher than the age- and sex-matched general population for several years after BMT.

How long does it take to recover from an autologous stem cell transplant?

Recovery time depends on the type of transplant: Donated bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplant can take 2-3 weeks. Cord blood engraftment can take 3-5 weeks. Self-donated stem cell transplant (autologous) takes about 10 days for recovery.

Is autologous stem cell transplant painful?

Does a stem cell transplant hurt? You won’t feel pain during infusion of the stem cells. You may have some nausea. We have medicine to help.

How long are you in hospital for autologous stem cell transplant?

It usually takes about 3 months, but it’s also normal to take more or less time.

Can a stem cell transplant change your personality?

The treatment you receive as part of your stem cell transplant may affect your body in different ways, depending on the type of treatment and your physical condition. It can affect you emotionally (depression, stress, anxiety) and physically (fatigue, pain, hair loss, infertility).