Optimizing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: The Significance of Pre-Transplant Controlling Nutritional Status Score


Özkan S. G., Avcı S., Kimiaei A., Safaei S., Altuntaş Y., Yüksel Öztürkmen A., ...More

Life, vol.15, no.2, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/life15020289
  • Journal Name: Life
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: autologous stem cell transplantation, Controlling Nutritional Status Score, multiple myeloma
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nutritional status is an important prognostic factor in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score has shown promise in predicting outcomes in various malignancies; however, its role in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with MM remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of pre-transplant CONUT scores in predicting post-transplant engraftment kinetics and early complications in patients with MM undergoing ASCT. This single-center, retrospective study analyzed 59 multiple myeloma patients who underwent ASCT between 1 October 2022, and 1 July 2024. Pre-transplant CONUT scores were calculated, and their associations with various post-transplant outcomes were assessed using statistical analyses. Higher CONUT scores were independently associated with longer neutrophil engraftment times (p = 0.012). Patients who developed oral mucositis (OM) had significantly higher CONUT scores than those without OM (p = 0.028). A CONUT score cut-off of 2.5 demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 57.14% specificity in predicting OM (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.792, 95% CI: 0.654–0.930, p = 0.033). Our study demonstrates that a higher pre-transplant CONUT score is significantly associated with a delay in neutrophil engraftment and an increased risk of developing oral mucositis. These findings suggest that the CONUT score can serve as a valuable predictive tool for early post-transplant complications, thereby guiding targeted interventions and improving patient management.