Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as first-line treatment in myeloma: a global perspective of current concepts and future possibilities.

Stem cell transplantation forms an integral part of the treatment for multiple myeloma. This paper reviews the current role of transplantation and the progress that has been made in order to optimize the success of this therapy. Effective induction chemotherapy is important and a combination regimen incorporating the novel agent bortezomib is now favorable.