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Updated: May 6, 2026
Establishment of a Human Multiple Myeloma Xenograft Model in the Chicken to Study Tumor Growth, Invasion and Angiogenesis
Published on: May 1, 2015
Kidney transplantation in multiple myeloma in 2023: A short review
Abstract:
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) frequently present with kidney involvement, of which a non-negligible proportion will progress to end-stage kidney disease. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred kidney replacement therapy for selected patients; however, there are still many uncertainties regarding its application in MM patients. The risk of hematological relapse and subsequent graft loss or patient death often leads nephrologists to deem these patients unfit for KT. As such, data on KT in MM patients are heterogeneous and originate from individual case reports and small case series. Although MM is still an incurable disease, the addition of newer drugs and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in the standard of care has been increasing patients' overall survival in recent decades. Risk stratification using cytogenetic studies and minimal residual disease detection are helpful in assessing the risk of relapse in patients who attain a complete response after HSCT. The greatest challenges remain the correct identification of patients who will most probably benefit from KT from a survival perspective and the determination of how long relapse-free survival should be before the transplant is performed.
Insights
Kidney transplantation (KT) offers hope for multiple myeloma (MM) patients with end-stage kidney disease. Careful patient selection is crucial to balance MM relapse risks against the benefits of KT for improved survival.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) frequently causes kidney damage, potentially leading to end-stage kidney disease.
- Kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease, but its use in MM patients remains controversial due to relapse concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and challenges of kidney transplantation (KT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
- To identify criteria for selecting MM patients who may benefit from KT.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature, case reports, and small case series on KT in MM patients.
- Analysis of factors influencing MM relapse post-transplant and their impact on graft survival.
Main Results:
- Data on KT in MM patients are limited and heterogeneous.
- Advancements in MM treatment, including novel drugs and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), have improved patient survival.
- Risk stratification tools like cytogenetics and minimal residual disease detection aid in assessing relapse risk after HSCT.
Conclusions:
- Selecting MM patients who will benefit most from KT requires careful consideration of survival advantages versus relapse risks.
- Determining optimal relapse-free survival duration before KT is a critical challenge.
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