Commentary on Abstracts #2984 and #2983

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell support has clearly demonstrated efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s disease (Horning et al: Blood 89:801-813, 1997) and is probably superior to salvage chemotherapy in this setting (Yuen et al: Blood 89:814-822, 1997). Disease burden and chemosensitivity have been shown to be predictive of long-term outcome following the transplant. However, a clear advantage may be difficult to demonstrate because of late complications, including secondary malignancies, particularly acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (Roberts et al, abstract #2984).

The retrospective analysis presented by the City of Hope investigators (Nademanee et al, abstract #2983) suggested that the outcome of transplantation is best when performed during first remission. However, such an analysis is subject to selection bias and requires confirmation by prospective trials.