MM-254: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma as a Standard Therapeutic Procedure. Is it Feasible? Single Center Experience

Abstract

Context Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) ideally should be performed in every myeloma patient, but in the elderly, the procedure might be risky because of comorbidities, and the possibility of the organism to fully compensate possible complications. Objective Our main goal was to show that the age limit for autologous PBSCT in myeloma patients can be safely shifted upwards. Design We used conditioning with melphalan, followed by autologous PBSCT for elderly patients with myeloma, using the age limit of 65 years. Setting All patients were transplanted in the bone marrow transplant unit in the University Clinic for Hematology Skopje. They underwent standard post-transplant preventive and prophylactic measures during the period of pancytopenia. Patients or Other Participants We have done a retrospective analysis of patients with MM where autologous SCT was done. The main inclusion criteria was the diagnosis, age over 65, acceptable comorbidity profile. Interventions Mobilizing and harvesting of stem cells, melphalan conditioning, and application of the graft via central venous catheter were standard for all patients. Main Outcomes Measures We evaluated the rates of transplant related mortality (TRM), post-transplant follow-up, complete remission (CR). Results Our analysis of data for 20 years shows that we performed autologous PBSCT on 25 patients with myeloma at the age of 65 or older. 17 males (68%) and 8 female (32%). Average age was 67 years (65-73). All patients received melphalan conditioning. In 23 of the patients, we used non-cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells. In two patients we performed tandem autologous PBSCT with no major complications. 75% had HTA, 20% some level of cardiomyopathy, 48% diabetes, and 12% with inserted prosthetic aortic valves. Our oldest patient was 73 years old and was still alive 2 years posttransplant. Our transplant related mortality was 0%. Conclusions Autologous PBSCT in elderly myeloma patients can be safe and effective, with careful selection of patients, balancing the risk profile of the patient, and the benefit of the procedure. Affective supportive care, monitoring, and reducing the risk of complications is an imperative to a good result. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) ideally should be performed in every myeloma patient, but in the elderly, the procedure might be risky because of comorbidities, and the possibility of the organism to fully compensate possible complications. Our main goal was to show that the age limit for autologous PBSCT in myeloma patients can be safely shifted upwards. We used conditioning with melphalan, followed by autologous PBSCT for elderly patients with myeloma, using the age limit of 65 years. All patients were transplanted in the bone marrow transplant unit in the University Clinic for Hematology Skopje. They underwent standard post-transplant preventive and prophylactic measures during the period of pancytopenia. We have done a retrospective analysis of patients with MM where autologous SCT was done. The main inclusion criteria was the diagnosis, age over 65, acceptable comorbidity profile. Mobilizing and harvesting of stem cells, melphalan conditioning, and application of the graft via central venous catheter were standard for all patients. We evaluated the rates of transplant related mortality (TRM), post-transplant follow-up, complete remission (CR). Our analysis of data for 20 years shows that we performed autologous PBSCT on 25 patients with myeloma at the age of 65 or older. 17 males (68%) and 8 female (32%). Average age was 67 years (65-73). All patients received melphalan conditioning. In 23 of the patients, we used non-cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells. In two patients we performed tandem autologous PBSCT with no major complications. 75% had HTA, 20% some level of cardiomyopathy, 48% diabetes, and 12% with inserted prosthetic aortic valves. Our oldest patient was 73 years old and was still alive 2 years posttransplant. Our transplant related mortality was 0%. Autologous PBSCT in elderly myeloma patients can be safe and effective, with careful selection of patients, balancing the risk profile of the patient, and the benefit of the procedure. Affective supportive care, monitoring, and reducing the risk of complications is an imperative to a good result.