[Retrospective analysis on therapeutic effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed in 27 MM patients undergoing ASCT at our hospital from May 2004 to August 2011. After comparing with 28 patients achieving very good partial response (VGPR) or better outcome and not undergoing ASCT, the impact on the extent of response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as related prognostic factors of MM patients were analyzed.

RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent hematopoietic reconstruction without transplantation-related mortality. The complete remission (CR) rate of ASCT group increased from 25.9% (7/27) at pre-ASCT to 70.4% (19/27) at post-ASCT (P < 0.01). The estimated 5-year rate of progression-free survival was 56.2% (median not reached) in the ASCT group and 24.9% (median 29 months) in the non-ASCT group (P < 0.05). The 5-year probability of overall survival was 52.2% (median not reached) in the ASCT group and 33.1% (median 60 months) in the non-ASCT group (P > 0.05). Univariate analysis in ASCT group demonstrated that maintenance/consolidation therapy was associated with PFS (P = 0.010) and OS (P = 0.008).Patients on induction therapy containing bortezomib and early ASCT maintenance therapy all survived without disease progression until final follow-up (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS: ASCT can further increase the CR rate, prolong PFS and probably OS. The incorporation of novel agents into induction, consolidation and maintenance phases has optimized the anti-myeloma activity of ASCT and may be important for improved long-term outcomes.