[gardengirl]

Early stem cell transplant for smoldering myeloma?

by gardengirl on Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:42 pm

Can anyone give me their opinion on early SCT for evolving SMOLDERING myeloma (ultra-high-risk)? My doctor thinks that is the way to go (4 cycles of CyBorD then SCT), but he is letting me decide for myself (not easy!!)

Thank you!

Moderator's Note: This posting originally was made in the thread,

"New study finds early transplantation better than late"

but we thought it might be better to set it off in a thread of its own.

[micallie]

Re: Early stem cell transplant for smoldering myeloma?

by micallie on Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:58 am

Hi there. I've had 2 auto stem cell transplants (2008/2011), and for me, neither had long lasting success.

I look at SCT as bullets in a gun. You only have so many to use and you should use them wisely. Knowing what I know now, and with 7 years of improved drug therapies, I would hold off as long as possible before using your bullets; usually you have no more than 2 shots at SCT. The longer you can hold off, the more options you have down the road.

Of course this is just my opinion. Good luck to you.

[Keithv]

Re: Early stem cell transplant for smoldering myeloma?

by Keithv on Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:39 pm

I understand your angst about transplants. Where, may I ask, are you being treated? My brother had 3 total transplants which helped him immensely and extended his life with his having low risk disease stage III at diagnosis. He had over 5 years of quality life. Much depends on your age, overall general health, and whether management is your goal or a possible cure.

At a minimum you should weigh all these and at the very least have your stem cells harvested and stored for later use.

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Early stem cell transplant for smoldering myeloma?

by Eric Hofacket on Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:52 pm

I do not remember anything being discussed before on SCT for smoldering myeloma or a seeing any information on this treatment approach for smoldering myeloma. I wonder if this has ever been studied before from a research or trial perspective, which would be good information to have to help make a decision.

Seems a very reasonable question to ask and I feel it would not be unreasonable to get a second opinion.