Dr. Kumar Discusses the Role of Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma

Shaji Kumar, MD, professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, discusses the role of stem cell transplant in treating patients with multiple myeloma.

Many researchers in the field question whether or not a stem cell transplant is necessary for patients with multiple myeloma, especially with the variety of therapies currently available. According to Kumar, stem cell transplant still plays a very important role in this disease.

In one study, patients who received a combination therapy of lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone had an improvement in overall survival when they received a stem cell transplant compared with patients who did not receive a transplant.

Another study demonstrated similar results, says Kumar. Patients received a triplet therapy of bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Patients who received a stem cell transplant early on in their treatment course experienced better responses and longer progression-free survival compared with patients who waited to receive a transplant at relapse.