Stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders (report from an EBMT preceptorship meeting)

Abstract

The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Chronic Malignancies Working Party held a preceptorship meeting in Turin, Italy on 25–26 September 2014, to discuss the role of stem cell transplantation (SCT) in the treatment of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. Scientists and clinicians working in the field gathered to discuss a variety of topics including the results of recent clinical trials, basic research, the concept of minimal residual disease, and immune modulation. As individual presentations revealed, important advances have occurred in our understanding of the pathophysiology of myeloma and the role that SCT, along with other forms of immunotherapy, plays in treating it. Each presentation stimulated discussion and exchange of ideas among the attendants. We decided to summarize and, importantly, to update the meeting proceedings in this review to share stimulating discussions and ideas on potentially novel treatment strategies among clinicians.

Keywords:

• Multiple myeloma
• new drugs
• stem cell transplantation

Acknowledgements

The ‘EBMT Stem Cell Transplantation in Myeloma’ preceptorship 2014 was held in Turin, Italy, 25–26 September 2014. We wish to thank the Sanofi-Aventis Groupe for an unrestricted educational grant support. The organizers thank all participants for sharing their ideas, slides, and all speakers for making the event a success. The authors of this review also thank Richard Vernell for his assistance with manuscript preparation.

Potential conflict of interest

B. Bruno: Honoraria from Gilead, Pfizer, Celgene, Hospira and research support from Celgene, Pierre Fabre, ADIENNE, Hospira Italia, MSD Italia. A. Holger: No conflict of interest to declare. G. Gahrton: Advisory work for Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Company and Takeda Oncology, Research grant from Celgene. L. Garderet: Honorariums from BMS and Amgen. M. Festuccia: No conflict of interest to declare. M. Ladetto: Research support from Janssen-Cilag, Amgen, Roche and Italfarmaco, and honoraria from Celgene, Roche, Bayer, Amgen and Mundipharma C. Morris: No conflict of interest to declare. A. Palumbo. Consultancy: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GenmabA/S, Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, Millenium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Onyx Pharmaceuticals. Honoraria: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GenmabA/S, Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, Millenium Pharmaceuticals Inc, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis. S. Schönland. Travel support Medac. Advisary board Janssen and Prothena. Financial support of research projects by Janssen and Sanofi. M. Boccadoro: Research support, consultancy and scientific advisory board for Celgene and Janssen-Cilag N. Kröger. Lecture fees: Sanofi, Janssen, Celgene, and Neovii.

Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10428194.2015.1131278.