Stem cell collection in patients with multiple myeloma: impact of induction therapy and mobilization regimen

A Nazha1, R Cook, D T Vogl

  • 1Hematologic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Insights

Lenalidomide treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) does not hinder stem cell collection. Combining cyclophosphamide (CY) with G-CSF for mobilization improves stem cell yield compared to G-CSF alone in MM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation

Background:

  • Lenalidomide is a key treatment for multiple myeloma (MM).
  • Concerns exist regarding lenalidomide's impact on stem cell mobilization with G-CSF alone.
  • Autologous stem cell transplantation is a crucial component of MM therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of lenalidomide-containing induction regimens on CD34+ cell collection.
  • To compare stem cell mobilization strategies in multiple myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide.
  • To determine if lenalidomide impacts the success of autologous stem cell harvest.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 364 multiple myeloma patients undergoing stem cell mobilization and harvest.
  • Data collected from January 2002 to December 2007.
  • Comparison of mobilization with G-CSF alone versus cyclophosphamide (CY) and G-CSF in 43 patients who received lenalidomide.

Main Results:

  • Mobilization with CY and G-CSF resulted in fewer apheresis cycles and lower failure rates compared to G-CSF alone.
  • Patients mobilized with CY and G-CSF achieved a higher mean number of collected CD34+ cells.
  • The number of lenalidomide cycles did not correlate with stem cell yield in this study.

Conclusions:

  • Lenalidomide in induction therapy does not preclude adequate CD34+ cell collection for autologous stem cell transplant.
  • Mobilization with both G-CSF and CY is a more effective strategy for obtaining sufficient stem cells in lenalidomide-treated MM patients.
  • This study suggests that combination mobilization is key for successful stem cell harvest in this patient population.