Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Agents and Targeted Therapies

Multiple myeloma, the second commonest hematologic malignancy, is characterized by neoplastic proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells in the bone marrow producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin and ultimately causing various complications and organ dysfunction. Over the last 10 years, management of multiple myeloma has dramatically changed due to the introduction of several novel therapies that have improved the disease outcome and prognosis. Also; these agents have improved the quality of life of patients with myeloma due to their safety, tolerability and efficacy. The utilization of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is still the standard of care for transplant eligible patients, as well as the implementation of new therapeutic strategies such as drug combinations in addition to consolidation and maintenance therapies have resulted in further improvements in response rates and survival in patients with multiple myeloma.