Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is highly effective in selected patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Bortezomib, preceding or following ASCT, improves responses. Satisfactory responses, including at least a partial response, very good partial response (VGPR) with organ response, or complete response, can be observed after induction therapy alone. We report 139 patients treated upfront with cyclophosphamide/bortezomib/dexamethasone (CyBorD), followed by ASCT only if response was unsatisfactory. Only 1 treatment-related death was observed. After CyBorD, hematologic response (HR) rate was 68% (VGPR or better, 51%), with 45% satisfactory responses. Transplant was performed in 55 (40%) subjects and resulted in an 80% HR rate (65% ≥ VGPR). Five-year survival was 86% and 84% in patients treated with ASCT or CyBorD alone, respectively (P = .438). Also, 6- and 12- month landmark analyses did not show differences in survival. Duration of response was not different in the 2 groups (60 vs 49 months; P = .670). Twenty-one (15%) patients with an unsatisfactory response to CyBorD could not undergo ASCT because of ineligibility or refusal; instead, they received rescue chemotherapy, with HR in 38% of cases and 51% 5-year survival. This sequential response-driven approach, offering ASCT to patients who do not attain satisfactory response to upfront CyBorD, is very safe and effective in AL amyloidosis.
© 2020 by The American Society of Hematology.