Dr. Richard on Treatment According to Transplant Eligibility in Multiple Myeloma

Shambavi Richard, MD, assistant professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology, Center of Excellence for Multiple Myeloma, Mount Sinai Hospital, discusses treatment according to transplant eligibility in multiple myeloma. 

Historically, melphalan was not considered a ​frontline treatment for patients who were eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, says Richard. However, melphalan is currently used for both transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients.

Notably, transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients may have more overlapping therapies available to them than in the past, Richard explains. While dose modifications for frail patients or those with comorbidities may occur, the ultimate goal of treatment is the same in both groups. 

Moreover, transplant-ineligible patients are living longer due to the increased efficacy of treatment regimens. As such, future research efforts should seek ways to increase remissions without impacting quality of life, Richard concludes