Dr. Cavo on Upfront ASCT in Multiple Myeloma

Michele Cavo, MD, professor, Seràgnoli Institute of Hematology Bologna University School of Medicine, discusses the results of the phase III EMN02/HO95 MM trial, which compared the efficacy of upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) versus novel agent-based therapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.

In the study, patients were randomized to receive 4 cycles of bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone versus high-dose melphalan and single or double ASCT as intensification therapy following induction with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone and subsequent collection of peripheral blood stem cells.

The difference between the 2 arms was statistically significant, Cavo explains. Additionally, there was an improvement in progression-free survival with ASCT. Results show that ASCT remains to be a preferred treatment regimen in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma, he adds.

<<<

View more from the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting