Controversy in multiple myeloma transplants: Tandem autotransplants and mini-allografts

Autologous stem cell transplantation appears to enhance outcome in multiple myeloma patients. To improve upon these results, various groups have utilized tandem autografts, as well as used reduced-conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These two approaches, discussed herein, have been promising. Inherent patient selection, however, appears to play a role and much of the data have not yet been subjected to peer-review scrutiny. At present, these strategis remain investigational and cannot be considered the standard-of-care for multiple myeloma patients.