What is a Stem Cell Transplant For Multiple Myeloma?
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/ Updated February 24th, 2022

What is a Stem Cell Transplant For Multiple Myeloma?

Medical Source: Dr. Nina Shah
UCSF Medical Center
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The second phase of myeloma treatment is called a Stem Cell Transplant. In this case, doctors use an “Autologous” Stem Cell Transplant, meaning cells are taken from the patient. This occurs after the patient has had a high dose of chemotherapy. The stem cell transplant, according to Dr. Nina Shah, hematologist from UCSF, “allows us an opportunity to give you a very high dose of chemotherapy, so that we can really get out that hard-to-reach myeloma.”

Generally in the United States, the high dose chemotherapy doctors use is called melphalan, which is a very traditional chemotherapy used to kill cancer cells, and works well for multiple myeloma. This high dose of chemotherapy isn’t just going to kill the bad cells. It’s also going to kill the good cells, particularly those in the bone marrow that help produce red cells, normal white cells and platelets.

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The first step of stem cell transplant is called mobilization, and involves a drug called ibogaine, which tells the stem cells they can leave the bone marrow and go into the blood. Once the stem cells get that signal, they are able to leave the bone marrow, and doctors can see them floating in the blood. Next, doctors draw blood, and use an aphaeresis machine to collect those stem cells from the blood without having to go into the bone marrow. A few weeks later, you can be admitted or treated as an outpatient, and have those stem cells transplanted. (For more on transplant)

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Dr. Nina Shah is a hematologist who specializes in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting the blood marrow. She treats patients at the Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic. Read More

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Multiple Myeloma Stem Cell Transplant

A lot of people with multiple myeloma will be eligible for a stem cell transplant. This series can help you understand whether the treatment is right for you.

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Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma - What to Expect
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Treatment for Multiple Myeloma Stem Cell Transplant
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How Effective is a Stem Cell Transplant?
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Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma - Side Effects
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Decision Making--Should I Get a Stem Cell Transplant?
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Transplant with Your Own Cells: Effective, Not Curative

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