OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and prognosis of first-line autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma(MM).

METHODSFrom January 2005 to December 31, 2012, 60 patients with MM were enrolled. All patients received thalidomide or/and bortezomib-based induction therapy, then received high-dose melphalan (200 mg/m²) and autologous stem cell support to get a ≥ partial response (PR), and followed by thalidomide-dexamethasone (TD) ±bortezomib as consolidation or maintenance treatment. With the follow up to December 31, 2012, the overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and the prognostic factors, including ISS stage, response and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) data of cytogenetics were analyzed.

RESULTSWith a median follow up of 36.8 (12.0-102.5) months, the median OS and PFS estimate were not reached and 86.5 months, respectively. After transplantation, all (100%) patients received very good partial response (VGPR), and 34 (56.7%) patients achieved complete response (CR) after consolidation or maintenance treatment. The patients that achieved CR resulted in long term PFS (P=0.030), with no difference in OS (P=0.942). The univariate analysis showed that the abnormalities, including 13q14 deletion, 1q21 gain, IgH location and p53 deletion had the prognostic impacts. If the t(4;14) or p53 deletion was excluded, there would be no correlation between 13q14 deletion or 1q21 gain with PFS and OS. The patients with p53 deletion had a worst survival.

CONCLUSIONThere has been significant improvement in the outcome for young MM patients by using ASCT and novel drugs. Cytogenetic abnormalities and response to therapy are the main factors affecting the survival of patients.