Primary Objective
1. Determine differences in post transplant symptom burden as measured by M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) scores in older patients with myeloma, or patients with amyloidosis undergoing high dose melphalan therapy with either a standard CD34+ cell dose of 4-6 x 10 e 6/kg or a high dose of CD34+ cells of between 10-15 x 10 e 6/kg.
Secondary Objectives
1. Determine differences in neutrophil and platelet recovery rates in older patients with myeloma, or patients with amyloidosis undergoing high dose melphalan therapy with either a standard CD34+ cell dose of 4-6 x 10 e 6/kg or a high dose of CD34+ cells of between 10-15 x 10 e 6/kg.
2. Determine differences in cognitive function and measurements of physical assessment in older patients with myeloma, or patients with amyloidosis undergoing high dose melphalan therapy with either a standard CD34+ cell dose of 4-6 x 10 e 6/kg or a high dose of CD34+ cells of between 10-15 x 10 e 6/kg.
3. Determine differences in cytokine profiles and their correlation with symptom burden, cognitive function, sensory function, and physical function in older patients with myeloma, or patients with amyloidosis undergoing high dose melphalan therapy with either a standard CD34+ cell dose of 4-6 x 10 e 6/kg or a high dose of CD34+ cells of between 10-15 x 10 e 6/kg. |