Stem cell transplants (sometimes still called bone marrow transplants) can be an effective part of myeloma treatment — though it's worth knowing upfront that they don't cure myeloma on their own. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan.
Here's how they help:
- They allow doctors to use high-dose chemotherapy to Show Full Answer
Stem cell transplants (sometimes still called bone marrow transplants) can be an effective part of myeloma treatment — though it's worth knowing upfront that they don't cure myeloma on their own. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan.
Here's how they help:
- They allow doctors to use high-dose chemotherapy to wipe out as many myeloma cells as possible
- Healthy stem cells are then infused to rebuild the bone marrow
- This can lead to longer remission and better progression-free survival
The most common type for myeloma is an autologous transplant, where your own stem cells are collected before chemo and returned afterward. Studies show this can keep myeloma in remission for around five and a half years on average before it returns. There are real risks to be aware of too, including:
- Serious short-term side effects like fatigue, nausea, fever, and infection
- A recovery period of 2–3 weeks in hospital for most people
- Long-term effects like organ changes or hormonal shifts
After a transplant, maintenance therapy is typically given for several years to help sustain the response. It's a significant treatment, but for eligible people, it remains one of the most effective tools available for managing myeloma. A conversation with your hematologist-oncologist is the best way to know if it's right for your situation.
June 4
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