Is Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation the Standard Treatment for Transplant-eligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma?

Autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT) is a standard choice for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). ASCT is an important therapy for MM not only in the era of classical drugs but also in the times of new medicines. As literature reported, the length of progression-free survival of MM patients can be extended by ASCT. But the effect of ASCT on the overall survival is still unknown, especially for high-risk patients with cytogenetic abnormalities. Consolidation and maintenance after the ASCT is very important to maintain the effects of ASCT. It is necessary to be aware of the side effects and second primary malignances after ASCT.