[High-dose treatment with autologous stem cell support in a Norwegian region].
BACKGROUND: The introduction of high-dose treatment with autologous stem cell support (HMAS) in Norwegian regional hospitals in the early 1990s was controversial. Concerns that low numbers of patients would lead to unacceptably low quality were expressed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present treatment results in the health region of Middle Norway, based on nearly 10 years of experience and 100 treated patients. Myeloma results are compared to the results from other Norwegian regional hospitals. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Overall survival for multiple myeloma after HMAS (median 6.8 years) was not significantly different in middle Norway compared to the rest of the country, and comparable with published results. Treatment-related mortality was low (1.2%). Results and complications in malignant lymphoma, breast cancer or germ cell tumours are described. HMAS can be satisfactorily given in a regional hospital with relatively few patients.