Early lymphocyte recovery predicts longer survival after stem cell transplantation

07-27-2006

Early lymphocyte recovery predicts longer survival after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

According to a recently published study from South Korea, "To understand the prognostic value of lymphocyte recovery after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT), we performed a retrospective study of 59 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients who underwent frontline APBSCT. Conditioning regimens were melphalan 100 mg/m2 for 2 days."

"Following APBSCT, all patients showed complete or partial response. Median follow-up time was 29.57 months and median recovery of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) {{>=}}1000/mm3 was 23 days.

"Univariate analysis revealed that significant predictors of overall survival (OS) included bone marrow (BM) plasma cells {{<=}}40% at diagnosis (p=0.0243) and recovery of ALC {{>=}}1000/mm3 by day +23 (p=0.0156)," reported H. Kim and colleagues at the University of Ulsan in Seoul.

The authors continued, "Positive predictors for progression-free survival (PFS) were BM plasma cells {{<=}}40% at diagnosis (p=0.0134) and recovery of ALC {{>=}}1000/mm3 by day +23 (P + 0.0243). Absolute neutrophil count {{>=}}1000/mm3 on day +12 was marginally significant for OS and PFS (p=0.0821 and p=0.1153, respectively)."

"Multivariate analysis showed that ALC {{>=}}1000/mm3 on day +23 independently predicted OS (p=0.031) and prolonged PFS (p=0.011)," continued researchers, "and that serum beta 2-microglobulin was marginally significant for prolonged OS (p=0.066)."

"ALC recovery was an independent predictor of both OS and PFS in MM," investigators concluded.

Kim and colleagues published their study in Bone Marrow Transplantation (Early lymphocyte recovery predicts longer survival after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. Bone Marrow Transplant, 2006;37(11):1037-1042).

For additional information, contact C. Suh, University of Ulsan, Dept. Internal Medicine, ASAN Med Center, College Med, Division Oncology, 388-1 Punganp-2dong, Seoul 138736, South Korea.

Publisher contact information for the journal Bone Marrow Transplantation is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

Keywords: Seoul, South Korea, Multiple Myeloma, Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation, Prognostic Indicator.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.