Dr. Waxman on the Role of Transplant in Multiple Myeloma

Adam J. Waxman, MD, MS, assistant professor of clinical medicine, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the role of transplant in patients with multiple myeloma.

When considering patients for stem cell transplant, organ function and age have to be taken into consideration, Waxman explains. If patients are older than 70 and have heart problems, lung problems, or kidney problems, transplant might not be recommended.

Most trials have evaluated stem cell transplant in patients up to age 70. Though, the field agrees patients as old as 75 can safely undergo transplant, according to Waxman. As such, age is often used as a surrogate marker for transplant eligibility. Transplant continues to show benefit, despite the use of novel drugs. However, it is a non-curative therapy and should be given to patients at minimal risk for complications, Waxman concludes.