Stem cell transplant or drug combo: which works better for myeloma?

NCT ID NCT01745588

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested two ways to treat multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to treatment. All 23 participants first received a combination of clarithromycin, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone. Then, half got a stem cell transplant followed by pomalidomide, while the other half continued the drug combo. The goal was to see which approach better controls the disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

pomalidomide, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, and autologous stem cell transplant

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors choose the best treatment sequence for relapsed multiple myeloma, potentially improving disease control.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 23 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both treatments have side effects, and the disease may still progress.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MULTIPLE MYELOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

plasma cell myeloma refractory plasma cell neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center @ Suffolk

    Commack, New York, 11725, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center

    Rockville Centre, New York, 11570, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center

    Sleepy Hollow, New York, 10591, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering West Harrison

    Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

  • North Shore LIJ

    New Hyde Park, New York, 11040, United States

  • Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

    New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, United States

  • SUNY Upstate Medical University

    Syracuse, New York, United States

  • Weill Medical College of Cornell University

    New York, New York, United States