Tandem autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation with sequential use of total marrow irradiation and high-dose melphalan in multiple myeloma

The goal of this phase II trial was to evaluate safety and efficacy of a tandem autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) using sequentially total marrow irradiation (TMI) at the dose of 12 Gy (4 Gy on days -3, -2, and -1) and melphalan 200 mg/m(2) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). TMI was performed using helical tomotherapy. Additional "boosts" (total 24 Gy) were applied for patients with active lesions as revealed by PET-FDG. Fifty patients with median age 58 years (41-64 years) were included and received tandem auto-HCT. TMI resulted in absolute neutropenia in all patients. Grade 3 infections were reported in 30% patients. Other toxicities were rare. Proportion of patients who achieved at least very good partial response increased from 46% before the first auto-HCT to 82% after tandem transplantation. Complete remission rates changed from 10% to 42%, respectively. The probabilities of overall and progression-free survival at 5 years were 74% and 55%, respectively. No patient died without progression. We conclude that conditioning with TMI +/- PET-guided "boosts" represents personalized treatment approach in MM and is characterized by very good toxicity profile. Tandem auto-HCT using TMI in sequence with high-dose melphalan appears safe with encouraging early efficacy.