Zinc as Enhancer in Immune Recovery After Stem Cell Transplantation for Hematological Malignancies

A Mono-centric, No-profit, Case-control Study With Daily Oral Supplementation of Zinc Sulphate After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients Affected by Multiple Myeloma

Patients affected by multiple myeloma undergone autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) are enrolled at the moment of stem cell collection. They are randomized 1:1 in two groups at the moment of the graft. Patients of the Control group take only standard antimicrobial prophylaxis after SCT; the Sample group takes in addition a daily oral supplementation of Zinc Sulfate (600 mg/die) from day +5 until day +100 after SCT. Laboratory tests are performed on peripheral blood samples.

Patients affected by multiple myeloma undergone autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) are enrolled at the moment of stem cell collection. They are randomized 1:1 in two groups at the moment of the graft. Patients of the Control group take only standard antimicrobial prophylaxis after SCT; the Sample group takes in addition a daily oral supplementation of Zinc Sulfate (600 mg/die) from day +5 until day +100 after SCT. The aim of the study is to investigate the immune reconstitution in presence of Zinc, focused on thymic reconstitution. Laboratory tests are performed on peripheral blood samples, collected at 4 time-points: two before transplant (at the moment of the enrollment and the day before conditioning) and two after transplant (day +30 and +100).

Inclusion Criteria:

• eligibility to stem cell transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to Zinc
• copper deficiency or Wilson's syndrome
• patients who admit zinc assumption in other drugs