Evaluation of minimal residual disease by interphase FISH in multiple myeloma: does complete remission exist?

As in other hematological malignancies, the achievement of a complete remis sion (CR) is important in multiple myeloma but is still based on common cyt ological and electrophoretic criteria. In this report, we studied 14 patien ts who achieved an apparent CR following high-dose therapy using fluorescen ce in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Although the results were difficu lt to interpret in two patients, 12 of 14 patients had unequivocal persiste nce of abnormal plasma cells in their bone marrow. Our results suggest that only a few patients, if any, are in true CR following one course of high-d ose therapy and are in favor of post-transplantation treatments.