Multiple myeloma (MM) continues to be an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is part of the treatment strategy for the majority of patients. Based on the heterogeneous distribution of the transplantation centers in Brazil, the authors describe their experience treating this disease in a northeastern hospital. From February 2000 to December 2005, 21 autologous HSCT were performed for patients with MM in the Portuguese Hospital in Bahia. There was a prevalence of women (1.6:1) and Caucasians (61.9%). The median age at diagnosis was 58, with the majority secreting IgG (71.4%) and presenting as stage III A (90.5%). The overall survival rate was 74.7%, disease free survival was 61.9% and the mortality rate (MR) was 5% over the first 100 days. The results also showed that patients in complete remission had better overall survival and disease free survival than those not in complete remission (90.9% vs. 64% and 68.2% vs. 56%). Therefore it is possible to conclude that even with a peculiar epidemiology, the results proved to be similar to the literature reinforcing the fact that HSCT is fundamental in the therapeutic strategy against MM and is available in the northeast of Brazil.
Multiple myeloma; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; treatment
