Stem cell transplantation

Stem cell transplantation, performed as support for high-dose chemotherapy, is a treatment option for many patients with myeloma. Studies have shown that this treatment improves both the response rate and survival in myeloma over that obtained with conventional chemotherapy.

The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) estimates that approximately 4,700 stem cell transplants of various types were performed in patients with myeloma in North America in 2003 (CIBMTR, 2005).*

*The data presented here are preliminary and were obtained from the Statistical Center of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). The analysis has not been reviewed or approved by the Advisory or Scientific Committee of the CIBMTR.

What It Is

A stem cell transplant is a procedure that is used in conjunction with high-dose chemotherapy, which is frequently more effective than conventional chemotherapy in destroying myeloma cells. Because high-dose chemotherapy also destroys normal blood-producing stem cells in the bone marrow, these cells must be replaced in order to restore blood cell production.

The first step in the process of stem cell transplantation is the collection of stem cells from a patient or a donor. When a patient's own stem cells are used, they are frozen and stored until needed. Stem cells can be collected from a donor when they are needed. The patient then receives high-dose chemotherapy and the stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream. The stem cells travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells, replacing the normal cells lost during high-dose chemotherapy.

High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are typically performed following several cycles of conventional chemotherapy (also known as induction therapy). Induction therapy is performed first in order to reduce the tumor burden.