Exploring the Relationship Between Daratumumab Treatment and Stem Cell Collection in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Patients Undergoing Transplantation: Insights From a Single-Center Investigation

Daratumumab-induction regimen has benefitted the multiple myeloma patients with long-lasting effective response. However, studies have showed daratumumab induction therapy reduced CD34+ stem cell yield and increased dependence on plerixafor use during mobilization therapy for subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Here, we aim to explore the influence of daratumumab-based induction therapy on CD34+ stem cell yield in Indian multiple myeloma patients.

In this retrospective study, electronic medical records of transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients (n = 91) between December 2015 and February 2023 were considered. Clinical information about induction therapy, mobilization therapy, stem cell collection and transplant status were collected. Data analysis was done using SPSS v.26, with statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Among the 91 patients, 8 received daratumumab induction regimen. The CD34+ stem cell yield among daratumumab and non-daratumumab induction groups did not show significant difference (5.29 ± 1.64 × 10⁶ versus 6.08 ± 3.11 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg; p = 0.101). Patients on daratumumab induction regimen exhibited an increased use of plerixafor when compared to non-daratumumab induction regimen (p < 0.001).

The addition of daratumumab in induction therapy of multiple myeloma did not affect stem cell yield but increased dependence on plerixafor during mobilization therapy.