Kidney problems in Multiple Myeloma: do they affect the success of stem cell transplant?

This study investigated the effect of kidney problems on the success of stem-cell transplant for Multiple Myeloma (MM). The main finding was that the stage of the kidney problems did not impact the effects of stem-cell transplant.

Stem-cell transplant involves the transfer of cells to a patient. It is commonly used in the treatment of MM. Kidney problems are linked with worse outcomes in MM. Patients with MM who experience kidney problems are often not chosen to undergo stem-cell transplant. However, it is not known if patients with MM and kidney problems, who receive stem-cell transplant, have worse outcomes than those without kidney problems. It is therefore important to investigate the relationship between kidney problems and the success of stem-cell transplant in patients with MM.

Three hundred and seventy-four patients with MM who had received a transplant were included in this study. The kidney function of these patients was measured. Patients were divided into three groups based on their kidney function. The first group included patients who did not have kidney problems and underwent stem-cell transplant. The second group included patients who had kidney problems at the time of MM diagnosis which were no longer apparent when they received stem-cell transplant. The third group included patients who were experiencing kidney problems at the time of stem-cell transplant. Patients’ general survival and their survival without MM getting worse were monitored.

It was found that patients’ whose kidney problems were worse when they were diagnosed with MM had worse survival in general. However, the extent of the kidney problems did not impact the worsening of MM after stem-cell transplant. This study suggested that stem-cell transplant is safe for patients with MM and kidney problems that are not severe.

The study concluded that kidney problems did not affect survival in patients with multiple myeloma treated with a stem cell transplant. 

All patients included in this study attended hospitals in Austria. Therefore the results of the study may not apply to other patient populations.

If you have questions about the management of MM, please consult a doctor.