The Impact of CD34+ Cell Collection Yields for Autologous Transplant on Survival Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

IntroductionAccording to previous data, higher yields of stem-cells collected to support autologous transplantation may predict for improved outcomes. We aimed to assess the association between high stem-cells collection and survival outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) Materials and MethodsWe reviewed all patients who underwent autologous transplantation for MM at our center over a 10-year period, and initially used a predefined threshold of 8 × 106/kg used in previous studies. ResultsSix hundred twenty-one patients were analyzed. Higher mobilization did not correlate with favorable outcomes post-transplant. The most efficient mobilizers, collecting ≥8 × 106/kg (n = 478) achieved a shorter median progression-free survival (PFS) of 24.1m versus 34.5m in patients collecting 4.5 to 8 × 106/kg (n = 129). A small group (n = 14) collecting ≤4.5 × 106/kg but minimum of 2 × 106/kg to support autologous transplantation exhibited the worst outcomes (median PFS 11.4m). Further analysis of potential confounders identified greater use of bortezomib induction in the lower mobilizers, however, sensitivity analysis in patients receiving bortezomib revealed similar results- worst outcomes to the most efficient mobilizers. ConclusionAlthough bortezomib is not considered stem-cell toxic, it may be associated with lower stem cell collection yields. Bortezomib's efficacy at induction may partially explain the improved outcomes, however, other factors may be involved, and are discussed. We can conclude that with our large cohort and long follow-up, high stem-cell mobilization does not appear to predict for a long-term survival advantage.