The role of high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell support in the era of novel agents.

This review discusses the initial studies concerning the role of high-dose therapy (HDT) in multiple myeloma (MM) and gives the major conclusions drawn from this "historical period." Later, current studies using new drugs for HDT (induction, conditioning regimen, consolidation, and maintenance) are described and the promising results of this strategy reported. Finally, the issue of HDT in the era of new drug regimens is discussed, as well as the necessity of designing future trials comparing HDT and new drug regimens.