Dr. Manasanch on Eligibility for Autologous Transplant in Multiple Myeloma

Elisabet E. Manasanch, MD, associate professor, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses eligibility for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma.

As it currently stands, treatment for patients with multiple myeloma is generally not associated with significant, life-altering disruptions in terms of toxicities, Manasanch says. However, ASCT with high-dose melphalan can be very detrimental and some patients may experience a quality-of-life decline on treatment, Manasanch explains. As such, eligibility criteria are strict regarding transplant, so patients should be evaluated and treated at renowned transplant centers, Manasanch adds. 

However, the criteria defining transplant eligibility may be arbitrary in many cases, and a majority of patients may, in fact, be fit enough to undergo ASCT, Manasanch explains. Although some patients may not be willing to undergo transplant, careful assessment and evaluation of individual patients is critical to ensure they are properly deemed eligible or ineligible for such a procedure, Manasanch concludes.