Predictive Factors for Early Relapse in Multiple Myeloma after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Despite advances in therapy for multiple myeloma, patients have continued to experience relapse. We sought to better understand this.

To identify factors that predict early relapse in patients with multiple myeloma who receive autologous hematopoietic peripheral stem cell transplant (HSCT).

Retrospective analysis of Kaiser Permanente Southern California patients who received HSCTs between 2008 and 2012.

A total of 141 patients were included. Factors found to be associated with inferior progression-free survival were disease status less than complete response at the time of HSCT, no use of maintenance therapy after HSCT, International Staging System stage III, and high Freiburg Comorbidity Index. Disease status less than complete response, stage III, higher Freiburg Comorbidity Index, no use of maintenance therapy, and male sex were the most predictive factors for early relapse (< 18 months).

Our results identified a subgroup of high-risk individuals with multiple myeloma who will continue to do poorly after HSCT with the best available treatment using a combination of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. These results highlight the need for consideration of alternative therapy in such instances.