Side Effects Associated With a Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma

People who have a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma face an increased risk of infection, bleeding, and other side effects due to large doses of chemotherapy or radiation. In addition, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur in people who receive stem cells from a donor. In GVHD, the donated stem cells react against the patient's tissues and affect the liver, skin, or digestive tract. GVHD can be serious, and it can occur at any time after the transplant. Steroids or other drugs may be used to treat or control GVHD.