[Role of stem cell transplantation in treatment of multiple myeloma].

The role of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) is described. High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) is routinely recommended for most patients with newly diagnosed MM under 65 years of age. However, recently published meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated PFS benefit but not OS benefit for HDT with autologous SCT performed early in MM. Tandem autologous SCT is superior to single transplantation in terms of event-free survival. Survival in recipients of autologous SCT followed by reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic transplantation is superior to that in recipients of tandem autologous SCT. Recently developed new drugs including thalidomide, lenalidomide or bortezomib in combination with SCT might improve survival of myeloma patients.