Improving security of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with light-chain amyloidosis

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has demonstrated to be an effective treatment for patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. However, a high transplant-related mortality (TRM) rate was reported in previous series of patients and questioned the role of transplant in this disease. Recently, experienced groups have shown a significant TRM decrease that has been attributed to an accurate selection of patients. Moreover, application of several supportive measures has decreased toxicity over amyloid-involved organs. We analyzed a series of 66 patients with AL amyloidosis, who underwent ASCT at a single institution and evaluated the impact of these measures beyond patient selection. Four temporary groups were established: group-A (non-selection plus post-transplant G-CSF use) with 29 patients, group-B (selection) with 13, group-C (selection and G-CSF avoidance) with 14, and group-D (selection, G-CSF avoidance and corticosteroid’s prophylaxis) with 10. A decreasing TRM was observed over time from group-A (38%), to group-D (0%); p = 0.02. We also observed a progressive increase of three-year OS from 62% in group-A to 100% in group-D; p = 0.049. On the multivariate analysis, cardiac involvement was the only independent predictor of survival. Therefore, tailored selection policy together with transplant supportive measures have allowed ASCT to be a safe procedure in AL amyloidosis.