To Skip or Delay a Stem Cell Transplant
- A stem cell transplant may be the best treatment option for many patients with multiple myeloma. But is it the best option?
- It is important to note that not all multiple myeloma patients are eligible for transplant.
- Multiple myeloma patients who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant typically have a prolonged period of induction treatment followed by maintenance therapy.
First off, it’s important to note that not all multiple myeloma patients are eligible for a stem cell transplant. Factors that can impact a person’s eligibility include age, fitness and co-morbidities (other current medical problems) such as heart, lung, kidney or liver problems. But even if you’re unable to have a stem cell transplant, that doesn’t mean your treatment won’t be as effective as others who are eligible.
Read MoreThis has also opened up the conversation surrounding timing of the stem cell transplant for those who are eligible. In fact, some myeloma specialists think that a stem cell transplant should be performed right after induction treatment, but others think it’s OK to collect the stem cells and save them for actual implementation later on when the disease has relapsed.
“It’s interesting that the transplant actually is a treatment option developed quite some time ago, several decades ago,” Dr. Ye says. “Nowadays we have more and more chemo-free types of multiple myeloma treatment available. So there is also a debate in our myeloma field among experts (about when to offer the stem cell transplant).”
RELATED: How Do Doctors Determine Who Can Get a Stem Cell Transplant?
And many multiple myeloma patients actually do try to save the treatment for relapse, according to Dr. Ye.
"Patients now have an option if they would like to consider transplant at a later stage of their disease," she says.
Like the other variable aspects of multiple myeloma treatment, these different approaches will suit different people with different goals and circumstances. All of these options should be weighed with the close guidance of a multiple myeloma specialist.
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