Is There Still a Role for Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma?

The evidence is mixed. However, most thought leaders in the field believe that stem cell transplantation remains the standard of care for eligible patients for the time being. It would be inappropriate to subject the patient to stem cell transplantation if comorbidities predict a therapy -related mortality of 2% or greater. Trials are currently underway that replace stem cell transplantation with car T intervention. New maintenance trials are also underway using multiple agents to prolong PFS. It remains to be seen whether these interventions will make autologous stem cell transplantation unnecessary. However, currently, it remains the standard of care for patients with MM outside of clinical trial participation.