Choosing a Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Regimen for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Fludarabine/Busulfan versus Fludarabine Melphalan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tania Jain, Fares Alahdab, Belal Firwana, Mohamad Bassam Sonbol, Diana Almader-Douglas, Jeanne Palmer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fludarabine with busulfan (FB) or melphalan (FM) are 2 more commonly used reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HCT).We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing these 2 RIC regimens. We searched electronic databases from inception through November 1, 2017 for literature searches to identify relevant studies. A DerSimonian random effects model was used to measure efficacy outcomes; hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Seven studies, including a total of 1955 patients, met criteria for inclusion, of which 6 were included in the overall pooled analysis because of repetition of some patients in 2 studies. Three studies were included in the subgroup analysis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 2 in the subgroup analysis of lymphoid malignancies. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were not statistically significantly different between the 2 RIC regimens in analysis of all studies. However, OS was better with FM in subgroup analysis of AML/MDS studies (HR,.83; 95% CI,.73 to.95). Nonrelapse mortality was lower with FB (HR,.64; 95% CI,.46 to.89), whereas relapse was lower with FM (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.06) in the analysis of all studies. This meta-analysis shows that FB and FM are associated with a similar OS in patients undergoing HCT. Relapse rates are lower with FM but at the cost of higher nonrelapse mortality.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)728-733
Number of pages6
JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Busulfan
  • Fludarabine
  • Melphalan
  • Reduced-intensity conditioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Transplantation

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