Role of autologous stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the diseases in which the impact of dose intensity has been demonstrated. Consequently, in 2005 MM was the first disease for which autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) was indicated in Europe and the US. However, ASCT is not curative, and most patients relapse in a median of 3 years. The introduction of novel agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib (Velcade®) or lenalidomide (Revlimid®) was logical to try to improve the high-dose strategy, and promising results have been reported. This article will focus on the current results of ASCT and will discuss the main research area to try to improve this strategy.