These results build on previous reports of better outcomes with sequential allogeneic or autologous SCT than with single transplants.
Autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT) is the standard therapeutic approach for younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM), because it often lengthens duration of response and survival (N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1875). However, virtually all patients ultimately relapse following this procedure, so a variety of therapeutic strategies are being evaluated to lengthen survival further and to achieve a cure. One promising alternative is second SCTs (autologous or allogeneic) during remission (N Engl J Med 2003; 349:2495 and J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:1674).
Investigators in Italy and Washington treated 162 consecutive patients (age, ≤65) with newly diagnosed MM. All patients received VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) induction chemothera…