Allogeneic stem cell transplantation

The survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved over the past decade [1]. The most significant gains have been in patients without high-risk molecular markers. Despite these gains, multiple myeloma remains fatal and curative strategies are needed. Allogeneic stem cell transplant (Allo-SCT) includes both myeloablative and nonmyeloablative or “reduced intensity conditioning” (RIC) transplants. Allogeneic transplant is appealing in theory because it avoids infusion of stem cells contaminated with myeloma cells and because there can be a beneficial graft vs. myeloma effect [2]. The role of Allo-SCT in myeloma, however, is debated due to the high mortality and morbidity. The high treatment-related mortality and significant toxicity from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) have limited the role of this procedure in the treatment of myeloma.