[Consolidation and maintenance therapy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

High-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is recommended as part of the initial treatment strategy in symptomatic multiple myeloma. To improve the outcome, the treatment approach to reduce tumor burden after transplantation and maintain the responses will be needed. Consolidation therapy incorporating novel agents improves the depth of responses and progression-free survival. Maintenance therapy also improves the duration of disease control and survival. Although consolidation/maintenance treatment has not been established as a widely accepted standard, this approach can be considered at least for patients with less than a complete response and high-risk factors for early relapse. Treatment decisions for individual patients must balance potential benefits and risks in clinical practice.