Hypovitaminosis D Is Prevalent in Patients With Renal AL Amyloidosis and Associated With Renal Outcome

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D deficiency is common, but no data have been reported on vitamin D levels in light chain (AL) amyloidosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this exploratory study, stored serum samples from 173 patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were analyzed for vitamin studies which included 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D] and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Measurements were made by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Kidney survival and overall survival (OS) were assessed in association to vitamin D status.

RESULTS

Cardiac and kidney involvement occurred in 69% and 63% of patients, respectively. 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was seen in 56.6% of the patients and was notably found among patients with heavy proteinuria (96%), hypoalbuminemia (84.3%) and morbidly obese patients (68.3%). Heavy proteinuria (>5 gr/24-h) and vitamin D supplementation were independent predictors of 25(OH)D level on nominal multivariate regression analysis. 1,25(0H)₂D deficiency was noted in 37.6% of patients and was independently associated with low eGFR and hypoalbuminemia. Progression to ESRD occurred in 23.7% of evaluable patients. Patients who progressed to ESRD had lower serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D levels compared to those who did not progress to ESRD. On a multivariate analysis, severe 25(OH)D deficiency was an independent predictor of progression to ESRD as was renal stage, while 1,25(OH)₂D deficiency was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypovitaminosis D is common in AL amyloidosis, particularly among patients with heavy proteinuria. Severe 25(OH)D deficiency at time of diagnosis predicts progression to ESRD.

Mortality trends in multiple myeloma after the introduction of novel therapies in the United States

Advances in the understanding of disease biology, drug development, and supportive care have led to improved outcomes in multiple myeloma. Given that these improvements have been reported in clinical trial and referral center populations, questions remain about the generalizability of this observation to patients treated in the community. Contrasting the overall survival experience of 3783 patients seen at Mayo Clinic and 57,654 patients followed in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) between 2004 and 2018, we observed different mortality trends across patient populations and subgroups. Early mortality decreased and estimated 5-year overall survival increased over time in both patient populations. Excess mortality (compared to the general population) declined over time in Mayo Clinic patients and remained largely unchanged in SEER patients. Improvements over time were primarily observed in patients with favorable disease characteristics and older patients with multiple myeloma remain a vulnerable population with significant excess mortality compared to the United States general population. Patients with unfavorable disease characteristics have derived disproportionately less benefit from recent advances in the field. Future efforts need to focus on the development of safe and effective therapies for these patients and on increasing timely access to specialized care for patients in the community.

The Prognostic Role of MYC Structural Variants Identified by NGS and FISH in Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE

Structural variants (SV) of the MYC gene region are common in multiple myeloma and influence disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of different MYC SVs in multiple myeloma has not been clearly established.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective study of multiple myeloma comparing MYC SV subtypes identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and FISH to MYC expression and disease survival using 140 cases from Mayo Clinic and 658 cases from the MMRF CoMMpass study.

RESULTS

MYC SVs were found in 41% of cases and were classified into nine subtypes. A correlation between the presence of a MYC SV and increased MYC expression was identified. Among the nine MYC subtypes, the non-immunoglobulin (non-Ig) insertion subtype was independently associated with improved outcomes, while the Ig insertion subtype, specifically involving the IgL gene partner, was independently associated with poorer outcomes compared with other MYC SV subtypes. Although the FISH methodology failed to detect approximately 70% of all MYC SVs, those detected by FISH were associated with elevated MYC gene expression and poor outcomes suggesting a different pathogenic role for FISH-detected MYC subtypes compared with other MYC subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the impact of different MYC SVs on disease outcome is necessary for the reliable interpretation of MYC SVs in multiple myeloma. NGS approaches should be considered as a replacement technique for a more comprehensive evaluation of the multiple myeloma clone.

Multimodal evaluation of donor site morbidity in transgender individuals after phalloplasty with a free radial forearm flap: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

In phalloplasty, there is a lack of standardized follow-up examinations of motor function and strength after harvesting oversized radial forearm free flaps (RFFF).

METHODS

We evaluated the donor site of 20 transmen after phalloplasty, using a multimodal, standardized approach, assessing the following parameters: opposition of the thumb, composite range of motion of the finger joints, grip strength, mobility of the wrist, lesion of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, the sensation of pain, and cold intolerance. The contralateral, nonoperated forearm was used as a control.

RESULTS

No impairment of the mobility of the thumb (Kapandji score median 10, range 5-10) or fingers (all fingers at both sides pulp-to-palm 0 cm, nail-to-table 0 cm) were detected. Grip strength (median 36,3kg, p=0.629) and wrist extension (62.5°vs.70°, p=0.357), flexion (70°vs.70°, p=0.535), pronation (90°vs.90°), supination (90°vs.90°), radial (30°vs.30°, p=0.195), and ulnar deviation (40°vs.50°, p=0.125) did not statistically differ between donor and control hand. Injury of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was uncommon (0% hypoesthesia, 10% positive Tinel's sign). We did not observe any persistent pain of the donor forearm (NRS median 0, range 0-9). We did observe irritation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (hypoesthesia 40%, neuroma 45%).

CONCLUSION

The harvest of an oversized RFFF for phalloplasty does not cause any significant difference in motor function or strength between the donor and nonoperated hand. A potential risk of injuring the radial nerve branch is to be avoided. An aesthetic impairment could be addressed in future studies.

A population-based study of acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis in the United States: 2004 to 2015

e19003

Background: Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (APMF) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia characterized by acute panmyeloid proliferation with increased blasts, cytopenias with bone marrow fibrosis, and absence of splenomegaly. There is a paucity of population-based studies of APMF. Methods: We queried the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and National Cancer Database (NCDB) using the ICD-O-3 code 9931/3. The SEER 17 registries (2004-2015) were used to find data on incidence. For NCDB data, comorbid disease burden was calculated using the Charlson-Deyo Score (CDS). Hazard ratios (HR) with confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Variables significant in univariable analysis were included in a multivariable analysis. Results: We identified 260 APMF patients using the SEER database. Incidence was 0.3 cases/million individuals and did not change significantly from 2004-2015. With a median follow up of 6.9 years (95% CI 6.1-7.8), the median OS was 2.3 years (95% CI 1.7-2.8). We identified 530 APMF patients using the NCDB. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (range 22-90) and 311 (59%) were male. With a median follow up of 5.0 years (95% CI 3.0-7.6), the median OS was 2.3 years (95% CI: 0.8-6.5). OS was 69%, 31%, and 18% at 1-, 5-, and 10- years, respectively. Patients diagnosed in 2012-2015 had a significantly improved OS compared to those diagnosed in 2004-2007 (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.85; p=0.002). 271 patients (53%) patients received chemotherapy. The OS for those that received chemotherapy was 70% at 1 year and 30% at 5 years versus 70% and 32% at 1- and 5- years for those who did not ( p=0.99). The median time to chemotherapy from time of diagnosis was 25 days (range 0-532 days). 52 patients (10%) underwent transplantation and the OS of those patients was 90% at 1 year and 45% at 5 years versus 67% and 29% at 1- and 5- years for those who did not (HR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2-2.6), p=0.006). In univariable analysis, factors predicting inferior OS were age ≥ 65 years old at diagnosis (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.3; p<0.001), male sex (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8; p<0.001), CDS ≥ 1 (HR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2-2.0), p<0.001), government insurance (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3; p<0.001), diagnosis at a non-academic facility (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0, p<0.001), and not receiving a hematologic transplant (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.6; p=0.006). Multivariable-adjusted analysis is shown in the Table. Conclusions: The overall incidence of APMF has not changed between 2004 and 2015, but OS for 2012-2015 was improved compared to 2004-2007. Age ≥ 65 years old, male sex, CDS ≥ 1, and diagnosis at a nonacademic facility predicted inferior OS. Multivariable-adjusted analysis.[Table: see text]

RAS mutations drive proliferative chronic myelomonocytic leukemia via a KMT2A-PLK1 axis

Proliferative chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (pCMML), an aggressive CMML subtype, is associated with dismal outcomes. RAS pathway mutations, mainly NRASG12D, define the pCMML phenotype as demonstrated by our exome sequencing, progenitor colony assays and a Vav-Cre-NrasG12D mouse model. Further, these mutations promote CMML transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. Using a multiomics platform and biochemical and molecular studies we show that in pCMML RAS pathway mutations are associated with a unique gene expression profile enriched in mitotic kinases such as polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). PLK1 transcript levels are shown to be regulated by an unmutated lysine methyl-transferase (KMT2A) resulting in increased promoter monomethylation of lysine 4 of histone 3. Pharmacologic inhibition of PLK1 in RAS mutant patient-derived xenografts, demonstrates the utility of personalized biomarker-driven therapeutics in pCMML.

Single-cell genomics reveals the genetic and molecular bases for escape from mutational epistasis in myeloid neoplasms

Large-scale sequencing studies of hematologic malignancies have revealed notable epistasis among high-frequency mutations. One of the most striking examples of epistasis occurs for mutations in RNA splicing factors. These lesions are among the most common alterations in myeloid neoplasms and generally occur in a mutually exclusive manner, a finding attributed to their synthetic lethal interactions and/or convergent effects. Curiously, however, patients with multiple-concomitant splicing factor mutations have been observed, challenging our understanding of one of the most common examples of epistasis in hematologic malignancies. In this study, we performed bulk and single-cell analyses of patients with myeloid malignancy who were harboring ≥2 splicing factor mutations, to understand the frequency and basis for the coexistence of these mutations. Although mutations in splicing factors were strongly mutually exclusive across 4231 patients (q < .001), 0.85% harbored 2 concomitant bona fide splicing factor mutations, ∼50% of which were present in the same individual cells. However, the distribution of mutations in patients with double mutations deviated from that in those with single mutations, with selection against the most common alleles, SF3B1K700E and SRSF2P95H/L/R, and selection for less common alleles, such as SF3B1 non-K700E mutations, rare amino acid substitutions at SRSF2P95, and combined U2AF1S34/Q157 mutations. SF3B1 and SRSF2 alleles enriched in those with double-mutations had reduced effects on RNA splicing and/or binding compared with the most common alleles. Moreover, dual U2AF1 mutations occurred in cis with preservation of the wild-type allele. These data highlight allele-specific differences as critical in regulating the molecular effects of splicing factor mutations as well as their cooccurrences/exclusivities with one another.

Phase 1 study of lenzilumab, a recombinant anti-human GM-CSF antibody, for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

In this phase 1 trial, inhibition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was associated with clinically meaningful responses in 5 of 15 patients with relapsed or refractory chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Preliminary data suggest that this approach may be tractable in CMML bearing activating NRAS mutations.

Abstract B03: Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia is associated with poor overall survival and enriched in JAK2 variants

In this study, we aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms of two very rare subtypes of AML: acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (APMF). Our goal is to describe the clinical-pathologic features of APMF and explore the genomic landscape AMKL to further understand these rare malignancies. We identified 35 patients diagnosed with AMKL (n=27) and APMF (n=8) at Mayo Clinic between 1995 and 2015 by retrospective chart review. For 10 of the AMKL patients, tissue was available for whole-exome sequencing and was analyzed in comparison to a published AML reference population. The median overall survival was shorter in patients with AMKL (3.9 months, 95% CI 1.7-7.4) than in patients with APMF (14.3 months, 95% CI 0.7-NE, p = 0.026,). For both AMKL and APMF, patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had better overall survival (14.3 months, 95% CI 1.9-NE) compared to those not undergoing transplantation (4.6 months, 95% CI 1.5-7.4, p = 0.003). Patients with AMKL presented more frequently with splenomegaly, with higher peripheral blood blast counts, and with higher serum lactate dehydrogenase concentrations. 9 out of 10 AMKL patients with available tissue for sequencing demonstrated variants in 22 of 35 AML driver genes, with JAK2 V617F as the most common mutation. Although our small study numbers preclude firm conclusions, it does reflect the rarity of these AML subtypes. Furthermore, inferior survival in AMKL (compared to APMF) was reflected in its proliferative disease features such as splenomegaly, high blast counts, and high lactate dehydrogenase. Interestingly, the presence of JAK2 V617F variants in 40% of the interrogated samples was higher than expected. Although JAK2 is a known molecular driver in myeloproliferative neoplasms, it is actually very rare in de novo AML (~1%). Despite improved survival with allogeneic stem cell transplant, we can conclude that treatment outcomes for AMKL and APMF with standard-of-care therapy were sobering and that patients with these rare AML subtypes should undergo molecular evaluation to qualify them for clinical trials with novel targeted therapies.

Citation Format: Marissa Li, Moritz Binder, Basma Basha, Ben Zhang, Alejandro Ferrer, Yuanhan Liu, Mrinal Patnaik, David Viswanatha, Naseema Gangat. Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia is associated with poor overall survival and enriched in JAK2 variants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Evolving Landscape of Cancer Modeling; 2020 Mar 2-5; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B03.

101 Dothideomycetes genomes: A test case for predicting lifestyles and emergence of pathogens

Dothideomycetes is the largest class of kingdom Fungi and comprises an incredible diversity of lifestyles, many of which have evolved multiple times. Plant pathogens represent a major ecological niche of the class Dothideomycetes and they are known to infect most major food crops and feedstocks for biomass and biofuel production. Studying the ecology and evolution of Dothideomycetes has significant implications for our fundamental understanding of fungal evolution, their adaptation to stress and host specificity, and practical implications with regard to the effects of climate change and on the food, feed, and livestock elements of the agro-economy. In this study, we present the first large-scale, whole-genome comparison of 101 Dothideomycetes introducing 55 newly sequenced species. The availability of whole-genome data produced a high-confidence phylogeny leading to reclassification of 25 organisms, provided a clearer picture of the relationships among the various families, and indicated that pathogenicity evolved multiple times within this class. We also identified gene family expansions and contractions across the Dothideomycetes phylogeny linked to ecological niches providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation across this group. Using machine-learning methods we classified fungi into lifestyle classes with >95 % accuracy and identified a small number of gene families that positively correlated with these distinctions. This can become a valuable tool for genome-based prediction of species lifestyle, especially for rarely seen and poorly studied species.

Inflammatory stays inflammatory: a subgroup of systemic sclerosis characterized by high morbidity and inflammatory resistance to cyclophosphamide

Background/purpose

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) have been linked to early inflammatory stages of the disease. This study has been designed to investigate CRP levels longitudinally in a cohort of SSc patients and to correlate these findings with comorbidities and disease characteristics.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with SSc treated at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, were analyzed. Only patients with at least three consecutive visits and at least 1 year follow-up were included in this study. CRP serum levels were measured at every visit and categorized as positive if CRP concentrations were ≥ 5 mg/l. Subjects with elevated CRP levels at more than 80% of visits were defined as inflammatory SSc. The longitudinal CRP profiles were correlated with disease characteristics and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 1815 consecutive visits of 131 SSc patients were analyzed. Over the observed time span (7.6 (1.0–19.5) years), 18.3% (n = 24) of patients had continuously elevated CRP levels (inflammatory SSc), whereas in 29% (n = 38), CRP levels were always in the normal range. There was no association between disease duration and CRP levels at first visit. Inflammatory SSc was associated with male gender (p = 0.022), anti-Scl-70 antibodies (p = 0.009), diffuse cutaneous SSc (p = 0.036), pulmonary fibrosis (p < 0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.007), and cardiac arrhythmia (p = 0.048). Moreover, patients with inflammatory SSc revealed higher modified Rodnan skin scores (p < 0.001); lower forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.001), total lung capacity (p = 0.001), and diffusing capacity (p = 0.008); and faster decline of FVC per year (p = 0.007). Even treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC) did not decrease CRP levels (p = 0.754).

Conclusion

Inflammatory SSc is characterized by a more severe phenotype, high morbidity, and a large proportion of male patients. Even treatment with CYC does not alter CRP levels in this subpopulation with a high unmet medical need.

Suboptimal response rates to hypomethylating agent therapy in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia; a single institutional study of 121 patients

Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are currently the only FDA approved therapy for patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). In the current retrospective study, we assessed response rates as adjudicated by the IWG (International Working Group) MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) and MDS/MPN myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap syndrome response criteria, in 121 CMML patients treated with Azacitidine (AZA, n = 56) and Decitabine (DAC, n = 65). The overall response rates were 41% by the IWG MDS (AZA- 45%, DAC-39%), and 56% by the IWG MDS/MPN (AZA-56%, DAC-58%) response criteria, with CR (complete remission) rates of <20% for both agents, by both criteria. There were no significant differences in response rates between proliferative and dysplastic CMML. Moreover, 29% of CMML patients in a CR with HMA progressed to AML (blast transformation), underscoring the limited impact of these agents on disease biology. Progression after HMA response was associated with a median overall-survival (OS) of 8 months, while median OS in patients with primary HMA failure was 4 months. Lower serum LDH levels (<250 Units/L) were associated with HMA responses by both criteria; while ASXL1 and TET2 mutational status had no impact. HMA treated patients had a longer median OS (31 vs 18 months; P = .01), in comparison to those treated with conventional care regimens (excluding observation only patients), without any differences between AZA vs DAC (P = .37). In conclusion, this study highlights the inadequacies of HMA therapy in CMML, retrospectively validates the IWG MDS/MPN response criteria and underscores the need for newer, rationally derived therapies.

Continued improvement in survival in multiple myeloma (MM) including high-risk patients

8039

Background: Treatment of MM has evolved significantly over the past decade, with increasing use of multi-drug combinations for initial therapy. In addition, supportive care approaches have also improved. We examined how these improvements have translated to survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed MM. Methods: Patients (n=3449) with a diagnosis of MM made between 2004 and 2017 and seen at Mayo Clinic within six months of the diagnosis, were included in this analysis. Patients were divided into three groups based on the year of diagnosis; group 1- 2004-07 (n=831), group 2-2008-12 (n=1161), and group 3-2013-17 (n=1457). Survival of the groups were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method, and compared using log rank test. Results: The median age was 64 years (22 to 96); 60% were male and 40% were female. 14% were >75 years, 33% were aged 65-75 and 53% were <65 years. The median overall survival for the whole cohort was 5.7 years (95%CI; 5.4, 6.3). The median OS for the groups 1, 2 and 3 were 3.9, 6.3 and NR, respectively; p<0.001. The 4-year survival estimates were 50%, 62%, and 75%, respectively. We then explored the improvements in patient subgroups. While all patients experienced improvements in OS over time, improvement in group 3 was most prominent for those >75 years. In patients <65 years, the 4-yr OS for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 57, 71, and 79% respectively. In patients 65-75 years of age, the 4-yr OS for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 48, 60, and 75% respectively. In patients >75 years, the 4-yr OS for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 24, 35, and 56% respectively. While patients with high-risk disease did not see as much benefit in the earlier period, substantial progress was seen in the last group. The 3-yr OS for patients with high-risk cytogenetics were 52, 55, and 73% for groups 1, 2 and 3 compared to 67, 75, and 85% for standard-risk cytogenetics respectively. 2067 patients were staged according to the International Staging System and the median OS for stages 1, 2 and 3 were 6.5, 4.6 and 2.4 in group 1; 9.2, 6.6 and 3.5 in group 2 and NR for any of the stages in group 3. Conclusions: The results confirm continued improvement in survival of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, including elderly and high-risk MM.

Peripheral blood biomarkers of early immune reconstitution in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Peripheral blood biomarkers of tumor microenvironment and immune surveillance are independent prognostic factors in multiple myeloma. The timing and prognostic impact of immune reconstitution has been studied after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, less is known about its significance in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. We studied absolute lymphocyte (ALC) and absolute monocyte (AMC) counts at the time of treatment initiation and 1 month thereafter in 771 newly diagnosed patients. Two hundred and thirty-four patients (31%) had evidence of immune dysregulation at baseline (abnormal biomarkers). Eighty-seven of these patients (37%) recovered normal biomarkers at 1 month (early immune reconstitution). The absence of immune dysregulation at baseline (compared to the presence thereof) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97, P = 0.025, n = 771). The absence of immune dysregulation at 1 month (compared to the persistence or development thereof) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80, P < 0.001, n = 771). Early immune reconstitution (compared to the persistence or development of immune dysregulation) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.92, P = 0.016, n = 771). Cytogenetic high-risk disease was negatively, and treatment with immunomodulators positively, associated with early immune reconstitution. The presence or development of immune dysregulation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma is an independent risk factor. The favorable impact of early immune reconstitution suggests immune dysregulation to be a potentially modifiable risk factor that may be exploited for therapeutic benefit.