Fresh and cryopreserved stem cell transplantation in myeloma patients: Does it make a difference on transplant outcomes?

Objective: The standard approach for multiple myeloma patients eligible for transplantation includes 4–6 cycles of induction therapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). The aHSCT process starts with stem cell mobilization and collection, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and reinfusion of the harvested stem cells. These cells can be infused fresh within 24–48 h post-collection or cryopreserved for future use. Herein we analyzed the outcomes of aHSCT patients receiving infusions of fresh versus cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells. Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 88 adult patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma who underwent aHSCT (n = 43 for cryopreserved; n = 45 for fresh infused group). Results: A total of 88 patients were included in the study. 39.7 % of patients were female and 60.3 % of patients were male. No correlation was observed between pre-mobilization disease status, mobilization regimen, and disease risk status as defined by the R-ISS system (p = 0.1, p = 0.8). The median neutrophil engraftment time was 10 days in the fresh group and 12 days in the cryopreserved group (p < 0.01). In contrast, the median platelet engraftment time was 12 days in the fresh group and 11 days in the cryopreserved group (p < 0.01). Engraftment was achieved in all patients included in the study. Conclusion: The shorter neutrophil engraftment time in the fresh group and the shorter platelet engraftment time in the cryopreserved group, along with successful engraftment in all patients, suggest that both options are reasonable within the MM aHSCT protocol.