Consolidation With Second High Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Is Associated With Improved Overall Survival in Patients With Multiple Myeloma in First Relapse

Abstract

Background

High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) remains the preferred first line consolidation strategy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). However, The role of HDT/ASCT in first relapse is uncertain in the context of novel therapies. This study evaluates real-world outcomes of MM patients in first relapse, focusing on the role of consolidative HDT/ASCT.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large tertiary referral center in Northern Netherlands. MM patients who received first-line HDT/ASCT and obtained a good response were included. The time to next treatment or death (TTNT-D 2) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, while identifying prognostic factors. A landmark analysis was performed at 6 months, including only patients with a partial response (PR) or better after re-induction.

Results

This study identified 237 patients potentially eligible for repeated HDT/ASCT of whom 111 (47%) underwent a second consolidative HDT/ASCT. The median follow-up is 40 months. Baseline characteristics were largely similar, though second HDT/ASCT was applied only after achieving PR or better. In the landmark analysis, absence of high-risk cytogenetics and good performance status were associated with longer TTNT-D 2. Consolidative second HDT/ASCT, absence of high-risk cytogenetics and longer first response duration were associated with longer OS. Transplantation-related mortality rate was < 1%.

Conclusion

This study highlights the viability of second HDT/ASCT as treatment option for relapsed MM, particularly for patients with good responses to first-line HDT/ASCT. In the era of novel agents, second HDT/ASCT should be considered a feasible and effective consolidative strategy.