Bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone versus bortezomib, thalidomide, and prednisone as induction therapy followed by maintenance treatment with bortezomib and thalidomide versus bortezomib and prednisone in elderly patients with untreated multiple myeloma: a randomised trial

Myeloma today: Disease definitions and treatment advances

There have been major advances in the diagnosis, staging, risk-stratification, and management of multiple myeloma (MM). In addition to established CRAB (hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and lytic bone lesions) features, new diagnostic criteria include three new biomarkers to diagnose the disease: bone marrow clonal plasmacytosis ≥60%, serum involved/uninvolved free light chain ratio ≥100, and >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. MM can be classified into several subtypes based on baseline cytogenetics, and prognosis varies according to underlying cytogenetic abnormalities. A Revised International Staging System has been developed which combines markers of tumor burden (albumin, beta-2 microglobulin) with markers of aggressive disease biology (high-risk cytogenetics and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase). Although the approach to therapy remains largely the same, the treatment options at every stage of the disease have changed. Carfilzomib, pomalidomide, panobinostat, daratumumab, elotuzumab, and ixazomib have been approved for the treatment of the disease. These drugs combined with older agents such as cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide dramatically increase the repertoire of regimens available for the treatment of MM. This review provides a concise overview of recent advances in MM, including updates to diagnostic criteria, staging, risk-stratification, and management.

Multiple Myeloma: Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma has changed dramatically in the past decade. The disease definition has been updated to include highly specific biomarkers in addition to established markers of end-organ damage. The staging system has been revised to combine both measures of tumor burden and disease biology. Advances in therapy have resulted in a marked improvement in overall survival. New drugs introduced in the past few years include carfilzomib, pomalidomide, panobinostat, ixazomib, elotuzumab, and daratumumab. In this review, we outline the current approach to the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of multiple myeloma.

Limiting early mortality: Do's and don'ts in the management of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

In the era of novel biological agents, multiple myeloma (MM) is often approached as a chronic condition. While survival continues to improve, population-level data indicate that early mortality remains a substantial barrier to advances in MM outcomes. Here we provide "do's and don'ts" management recommendations that may minimize the risk of early mortality and ensure that patients have the opportunity to benefit from the long term impact of new effective MM agents. Such recommendations encompass the early introduction of novel agents even in the presence of comorbidities and advanced age and aggressive management of MM-related complications.

Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Elderly Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of the elderly, with a median age at diagnosis of approximately 70 years old, and more than 30 % of patients aged >75 years. This latter and very elderly population is going to significantly rise in the near future given the increase in life expectancy in Western countries, and, most importantly, global health status of elderly patients is improving, justifying appropriate treatments. Changes in treatment paradigm from the old melphalan-prednisone regimen used since the 1970s to its use as a backbone in a nontransplant setting since the late 1990s have highlighted different subgroups in elderly MM. Some "elderly" patients could be treated like transplant eligible patients, more likely those aged between 65 and the early 70; while a second group would rather be referred to current approved treatment regimens for the non-transplant setting. A dose-intensity approach seems reasonable for this group, aiming for the best response, eventually the complete response (CR) or even minimal residual disease (MRD). The advent of novel agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and most recently lenalidomide have allowed a major improvement in outcome as compared to historical combinations, and soon the novel class of monoclonal antibodies should help to further improve these patients' survival. Nonetheless, elderly patients are more susceptible to side effects and are often unable to tolerate full drug doses, and thus require lower dose intensity regimens, or novel drugs or combinations with more favourable safety profile. Recent developments in MM have focused on identifying these vulnerable patients through geriatric assessment and novel myeloma scoring system, including the notions of frailty, disability and comorbidities. Eventually, we have reached an era in which we should be able to provide individualized treatment strategies and drug doses-"tailored therapy"-to improve tolerability and optimize efficacy and ultimately survival for most elderly MM patients.

Bence-Jones Protein λ-type Multiple Myeloma Patient Withdrawn from Maintenance Hemodialysis after Long-term Bortezomib and Dexamethasone Therapy

The effectiveness of bortezomib treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) is well established. However, the protocol by which maintenance therapy using bortezomib should be continued for myeloma patients requiring regular hemodialysis remains to be established. We herein report a case of MM with severe renal insufficiency requiring hemodialysis for nearly 30 months which was finally withdrawn from renal replacement therapy during monthly maintenance treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone for two years. The details of this case are essential for establishing clinical guidelines for applying intermittent low-frequency bortezomib therapy in dialysis-dependent myeloma patients.

Maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma in the era of novel agents

Despite many recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, the course of the disease is characterized by a repeating pattern of periods of remission and relapse as patients cycle through the available treatment options. Evidence is mounting that long-term maintenance therapy may help suppress residual disease after definitive therapy, prolonging remission and delaying relapse. For patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), lenalidomide maintenance therapy has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS); however, it is still unclear whether this translates into extended overall survival (OS). For patients ineligible for ASCT, continuous therapy with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone was shown to improve PFS and OS (interim analysis) compared with a standard, fixed-duration regimen of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide in a large phase 3 trial. Other trials have also investigated thalidomide and bortezomib maintenance for ASCT patients, and both agents have been evaluated as continuous therapy for those who are ASCT ineligible. However, some important questions regarding the optimal regimen and duration of therapy must be answered by prospective clinical trials before maintenance therapy, and continuous therapy should be considered routine practice. This article reviews the available data on the use of maintenance or continuous therapy strategies and highlights ongoing trials that will help to further define the role of these strategies in the management of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Infectious complications in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A complication from the past?

Infectious complications are an important risk factor for early mortality in patients with multiple myeloma. However, data about the impact and severity of infections in these patients in the era of new therapies have not been properly analyzed. This review has reviewed the incidence and severity of infections complications and infection-related mortality during induction treatment in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma receiving regimens with new drugs within randomized trials. The results show that infections are still a major cause of morbidity, especially among elderly patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs seen in up to 28% of patients in some trials vs less than 10% among transplant-eligible patients. Overall infection-related mortality ranged from 0-7% in transplant-ineligible patients, with no infection-related deaths in the majority of the trials including younger patients. Strategies directed to further reduce these complications and a better knowledge of their impact in patients treated outside clinical trials are needed.

Outcomes of primary refractory multiple myeloma and the impact of novel therapies

Over the past decade, use of novel agents, including immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs) has resulted in high response rates and improvement in overall survival (OS) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM); however, the prognostic significance of refractoriness to these agents when used as initial therapy has not been extensively studied. We reviewed the outcomes of 816 consecutive patients treated for MM at our institution since 2006 to evaluate the survival difference between those achieving at least a partial response (PR) to induction therapy and those who were primary refractory. The median OS from start of therapy was significantly shorter for the primary refractory group at 3.6 vs. 7.6 years for the responding patients (P < 0.001). The difference in median OS persisted when only patients receiving a novel agent as part of induction therapy were considered (3.6 vs. 7.9 years, P < 0.001) and in a 4-month landmark analysis (4.2 vs. 7.6 years, P < 0.001). The median OS for patients achieving a complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), PR, or less than PR was not reached (NR), 6.1, 6.4, and 4.2 years from the 4-month landmark, respectively (P < 0.001). The comparatively poor outcomes of patients refractory to induction therapy in the current era of novel agents suggests that this high-risk subpopulation must be further studied for predictors of resistance and, when identified, should be targeted for clinical trials.

Sequential vs alternating administration of VMP and Rd in elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM

Bortezomib plus melphalan and prednisone (VMP) and lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (Rd) are 2 standards of care for elderly untreated multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We planned to use VMP and Rd for 18 cycles in a sequential or alternating scheme. Patients (233) with untreated MM, >65 years, were randomized to receive 9 cycles of VMP followed by 9 cycles of Rd (sequential scheme; n = 118) vs 1 cycle of VMP followed by 1 cycle of Rd, and so on, up to 18 cycles (alternating scheme; n = 115). VMP consisted of one 6-week cycle of bortezomib using a biweekly schedule, followed by eight 5-week cycles of once-weekly VMP. Rd included nine 4-week cycles of Rd. The primary end points were 18-month progression free survival (PFS) and safety profile of both schemes. The 18-month PFS was 74% and 80% in the sequential and alternating arms, respectively (P = .21). The sequential and alternating groups exhibited similar hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Both arms yielded similar complete response rate (42% and 40%), median PFS (32 months vs 34 months, P = .65), and 3-year overall survival (72% vs 74%, P = .63). The benefit of both schemes was remarkable in patients aged 65 to 75 years. In addition, achieving complete and immunophenotypic response was associated with better outcome. The present approach, based on VMP and Rd, is associated with high efficacy and acceptable toxicity profile with no differences between the sequential and alternating regimens. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00443235.

GEM2005 trial update comparing VMP/VTP as induction in elderly multiple myeloma patients: do we still need alkylators?

Melphalan (M), in combination with prednisone (MP), has been the backbone of new combinations, including bortezomib plus MP (VMP). However, new alkylator-free schemes, such as lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone, are challenging the role of alkylators in myeloma treatment of elderly patients. Here we have updated, after a long follow-up (median 6 years), the results of the GEM2005 study that addressed this question by comparing VMP with bortezomib plus thalidomide and prednisone (VTP) as induction. Between April 2005 and October 2008, 260 patients were randomized to receive 6 cycles of VMP or VTP as induction. The median progression-free survival was 32 months for the VMP and 23 months for the VTP arms (P 5 .09). VMP significantly prolonged the overall survival (OS) compared with VTP (median of 63 and 43 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.67, P 5 .01). Achieving immunophenotypic complete response was associated with a significantly longer OS, especially in the VMP arm (66%remain alive after 8 years). Melphalan, plus bortezomib, should be maintained as standard care for the treatment of elderly multiple myeloma patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00443235.

Patterns of relapse and outcome of elderly multiple myeloma patients treated as front-line therapy with novel agents combinations

We report the characteristics of relapse, treatment response, and outcomes of 145 elderly patients with multiple myeloma in first relapse after front-line treatment with VMP or VTP. Reappearance of CRAB symptoms (113 patients) and more aggressive forms of disease (32 patients) were the most common patterns of relapse. After second-line therapy, 75 (51.7%) patients achieved at partial response and 16 (11%) complete response (CR). Overall survival was longer among patients receiving VMP as front-line induction (21.4 vs. 14.4 months, P=0.037), in patients achieving CR (28.3 vs. 14.8 months; P=0.04), and in patients without aggressive relapse (28.6 vs. 7.6 months; P=0.0007).

The 26S proteasome is a multifaceted target for anti-cancer therapies

Proteasomes play a critical role in the fate of proteins that are involved in major cellular processes, including signal transduction, gene expression, cell cycle, replication, differentiation, immune response, cellular response to stress, etc. In contrast to non-specific degradation by lysosomes, proteasomes are highly selective and destroy only the proteins that are covalently labelled with small proteins, called ubiquitins. Importantly, many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, are intimately connected to the activity of proteasomes making them an important pharmacological target. Currently, the vast majority of inhibitors are aimed at blunting the proteolytic activities of proteasomes. However, recent achievements in solving structures of proteasomes at very high resolution provided opportunities to design new classes of small molecules that target other physiologically-important enzymatic activities of proteasomes, including the de-ubiquitinating one. This review attempts to catalog the information available to date about novel classes of proteasome inhibitors that may have important pharmacological ramifications.

Evolving Paradigms in the Management of Multiple Myeloma: Novel Agents and Targeted Therapies

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell disorder defined by bone marrow infiltration and osteolytic bone lesions and is the second most common hematologic malignancy after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The landscape of MM treatment was transformed at the dawn of the twenty-first century by the introduction of novel agents including proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide), which have prolonged the survival of MM patients. The recently revised International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria for MM added validated biomarkers (clonal bone marrow plasma cell ≥60%, involved:uninvolved serum free light chain ratio ≥100, or >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging) to identify near inevitable progression to symptomatic MM requiring therapy. In addition, the definition of myeloma-defining CRAB features (hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and bone lesions) has been refined based on advances in imaging and laboratory techniques since the 2003 IMWG consensus. Despite expanded treatment options, MM remains an incurable disease. Drug resistance and clonal evolution remain problematic, and novel therapeutic agents are needed. New approaches to myeloma treatment include anti-CD38 antibodies, next generation proteasome inhibitors, epigenetic modulation with histone deacetylase inhibitors, and targeting the tumor microenvironment. In this article, the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic stratification of newly diagnosed MM will be reviewed. Clinical data pertaining to the emerging targeted agents will be discussed, and a suggested framework for integration of these new therapeutic options will be provided.

Design Issues in Randomized Clinical Trials of Maintenance Therapies

A potential therapeutic strategy for patients who respond (or have stable disease) on a fixed-duration induction therapy is to receive maintenance therapy, typically given for a prolonged period of time. To enable patients and clinicians to make informed treatment decisions, the designs of phase III randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing maintenance strategies need to be such that their results will provide clear assessment of the relevant risks and benefits of these strategies. We review the key aspects of maintenance RCT designs. Important design considerations include choice of first-line and second-line therapies, minimizing between-arm differences in follow-up schedules, and choice of the primary endpoint. In order to change clinical practice, RCTs should be designed to accurately isolate and quantify the clinical benefit of maintenance as compared with the standard approach of fixed-duration induction followed by the second-line treatment at progression. To accomplish this, RCTs need to utilize an overall survival (or quality of life) endpoint or, in settings where this is not feasible, endpoints that incorporate the effects of the subsequent line of therapy (eg, time from randomization to second progression or death). Toxicity and symptom information over both the study treatment (maintenance) and the second-line treatment should also be collected and reported.

Analysis of clinical features, treatment response, and prognosis among 61 elderly newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a single-center report

Background

We identified the clinical features of 61 cases of multiple myeloma (MM) patients over 65 years and analyzed the treatment and prognosis of the era of new drugs in elderly patients.

Methods

We identified 61 newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma (NDMM) among elderly Chinese patients more than 65 years old diagnosed from 2006 to 2012.

Results

Of the 205 consecutive MM patients whom we reviewed, 61 (29.76 %) cases were NDMM patients aged more than 65 years and the others were younger than 65 years old. Among them, 40 (65.6 %) cases were in end-stage (ISS stage III); meanwhile, 19 (31.2 %) cases of them had MM with extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), observed in 42.1 % patients at diagnosis, and the top three incidence of position were spinal canal, pleural, and soft tissue. In the whole column, the median follow-up was 38 months and median age was 72.5 years. Patients received bortezomib- or thalidomide-containing regimens as initial therapy. Comparing the two treatment groups, the complete remission (CR)/near-complete remission (nCR) rate was significantly higher in the bortezomib-containing regimens (61.5 vs.18.18 %, P = 0.001), no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients of age over 75 years had shorter OS than those of age over 65 years (49 vs. 24 months, P = 0.001). The patients with EMP had shorter OS than those without EMP in two age groups (32 vs. 42 and 15 vs. 24 months, P = 0.017 and 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

The results highlight that patients over 75 years and MM with EMP have a poorer outcome. While the CR rate is higher in bortezomib-containing regimens, no significant improvement is noted in respect to the survival outcomes; also, it cannot overcome the negative influence on survival of age and MM with EMP in elderly patients.

An update in treatment options for multiple myeloma in nontransplant eligible patients

INTRODUCTION

Despite the fact that multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease, the outcome of patients who are eligible and ineligible for high-dose therapy has dramatically improved with the introduction of novel agents, that is proteasome inhibitors (PIs) and immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs). However, this improvement is often not seen in elderly patients (above 75 years).

AREAS COVERED

This review will focus on the impact of known prognostic factors in elderly MM patients, and risk factors to identify frail elderly patients. Furthermore, data on known and novel PIs and IMiDs, as well as data on other promising novel treatment strategies, chosen based on current practice and anticipated timely approval, will be discussed. Novel treatment strategies include the use of monoclonal antibodies, such as elotuzumab, daratumumab, SAR650984 and more targeted therapies, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, kinesin spindle protein inhibitors, and selective inhibitors of nuclear export.

EXPERT OPINION

Besides efficacy of treatment, toxicity and quality of life play an important role in treatment choice. Treatment and treatment dosing for the frail elderly as well as risk factors to identify the frail elderly require further consideration, as these patients frequently do not benefit from these novel agents due to early discontinuation of treatment due to toxicity.

Bendamustine, bortezomib and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: results of a prospective phase 2 Spanish/PETHEMA trial

Bendamustine is a bifunctional alkylating agent with proven activity in myeloma. In this study 60 newly diagnosed myeloma patients were given bendamustine plus bortezomib and prednisone in a regimen consisting of one cycle of bortezomib twice weekly for 6 weeks (1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29, and 32), plus bendamustine (90 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 4) and prednisone. The following cycles included bortezomib once weekly. Patients who were transplant candidates proceeded to stem cell collection after four cycles and the transplant was performed after six cycles. Patients who were not candidates for transplantation received up to nine cycles. Forty-two patients were transplant candidates and after six cycles, 50% achieved at least a very good partial response, with 24% having complete responses; 35 proceeded to a transplant, and the complete response rate was 54%. Seventeen patients continued up to nine cycles, and 57% achieved at least a very good partial response, including 26% with complete responses. The 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 62% and 86%, respectively. The safety profile was manageable, but stem cell mobilization was compromised in 35% of patients. In summary, this combination is effective in untreated patients, with an acceptable toxicity profile, but given the introduction of second-generation novel agents and monoclonal antibodies, the combination will probably be better reserved for relapsing patients, in whom stem cell collection is not needed, while cost-effective combinations with non-cross-resistant drugs continue to represent a medical need. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01376401.

Bendamustine in multiple myeloma

The advent of high-dose melphalan with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), the availability of novel agents such as thalidomide, lenalidomide (immunomodulatory drugs or IMiDs) and bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) and improvements in supportive care have allowed to increase overall survival in multiple myeloma (MM) patients; nevertheless, MM remains an incurable pathology. For this reason, newer agents are required for continued disease control. Bendamustine is an old drug rediscovered in the last decade. In fact, its unique mechanism of action with structural similarities to both alkylating agents and antimetabolities, but which is not cross-resistant to alkylating agents, has reawakened interest in the use of this drug in the treatment of MM. Studies have proven the safety and efficacy of bendamustine administered alone or in combination with new drugs in both upfront and relapse/refractory settings of MM patients, including those with renal impairment. Moreover, bendamustine has been successfully used as conditioning for autologous stem-cell transplantation. Finally, the use of bendamustine does not compromise peripheral blood stem-cell collection. This drug is generally well tolerated, with the majority of adverse events being due to myelosuppression. Non-haematological adverse events are infrequent and usually mild.

Melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide vs melphalan, prednisone, and lenalidomide (ECOG E1A06) in untreated multiple myeloma

This phase 3 trial (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] E1A06) compared melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (MPT-T) with melphalan, prednisone, and lenalidomide (mPR-R) in patients with untreated multiple myeloma (MM). A noninferiority design was used, and inferiority was defined as a progression-free survival (PFS) hazard ratio (HR) of MPT-T/mPR-R ≤0.82. A total of 306 patients enrolled, with a median age of 75.7 years. Median follow-up was 40.7 months. Median time on therapy was 12.1 months and 23.1 months for the 46.6% of treated patients who received maintenance, with no differences by arm. Median PFS was 21 months on MPT-T and 18.7 months on mPR-R (HR, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.09). Overall survival was 52.6 months (MPT-T) vs 47.7 months (mPR-R) (P = .476). Per-protocol response rates were 63.6% (MPT-T) and 59.9% (mPR-R) (P = .557). Grade ≥3 nonhematologic toxicity was 59.5% for MPT-T vs 40.0% for mPR-R (P = .001). Second malignancies were observed in 18 MPT-T patients vs 14 mPR-R patients. Quality-of-life analysis favored mPR-R by induction end (P = .007). Use of MPT-T or mPR-R in elderly patients with untreated MM demonstrates no statistical or clinically relevant differences in response rates, PFS, and OS; however, quality of life at end of induction was improved and lower toxicity reported with mPR-R. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00602641.

Daratumumab and its potential in the treatment of multiple myeloma: overview of the preclinical and clinical development

Despite the recent major advancement in therapy for multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable disease. There remains an unmet need for novel therapies that target different mechanisms of action. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies is a promising area of development and will expand our therapeutic armamentarium in the fight against myeloma. Daratumumab is a novel, high-affinity, therapeutic human monoclonal antibody against unique CD38 epitope with broad-spectrum killing activity. It has a favorable safety profile as monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and also demonstrates significant single-agent activity. Abundant preclinical data supports its use in combination therapy and clinical studies on various exciting combinations are underway. This review focuses on the CD38 antigen and its targeting with daratumumab and provides an update on the results of recent clinical studies involving daratumumab.

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced CXCL10 mRNA Level and Six Stimulant-mRNA Combinations in Whole Blood: Novel Biomarkers for Bortezomib Responses Obtained from a Prospective Multicenter Trial for Patients with Multiple Myeloma

To identify predictive biomarkers for clinical responses to bortezomib treatment, 0.06 mL of each whole blood without any cell separation procedures was stimulated ex vivo using five agents, and eight mRNAs were quantified. In six centers, heparinized peripheral blood was prospectively obtained from 80 previously treated or untreated, symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) patients with measurable levels of M-proteins. The blood sample was procured prior to treatment as well as 2-3 days and 1-3 weeks after the first dose of bortezomib, which was intravenously administered biweekly or weekly, during the first cycle. Six stimulant-mRNA combinations; that is, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), LPS-CXCL chemokine 10 (CXCL10), LPS-CCL chemokine 4 (CCL4), phytohemagglutinin-CCL4, zymosan A (ZA)-GMCSF and ZA-CCL4 showed significantly higher induction in the complete and very good partial response group than in the stable and progressive disease group, as determined by both parametric (t-test) and non-parametric (unpaired Mann-Whitney test) tests. Moreover, LPS-induced CXCL10 mRNA expression was significantly suppressed 2-3 days after the first dose of bortezomib in all patients, as determined by both parametric (t-test) and non-parametric (paired Wilcoxon test) tests, whereas the complete and very good partial response group showed sustained suppression 1-3 weeks after the first dose. Thus, pretreatment LPS-CXCL10 mRNA and/or the six combinations may serve as potential biomarkers for the response to bortezomib treatment in MM patients.

Treatment for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in 2015

Multiple myeloma is the second most frequent haematological disease. The introduction of high-dose melphalan followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplant (HDT/ASCT) for young patients and the availability of novel agents for young and elderly patients with multiple myeloma have dramatically changed the perspective of treatment. However, further research is necessary if we want to definitively cure the disease. Treatment goals for transplant-eligible and non-transplant-eligible patients should be to prolong survival by achieving the best possible response, while ensuring quality of life. The treatment should be individualized on the basis of host and disease features and better monitoring of the response upon use of high-sensitivity techniques for evaluating residual disease. For young patients, HDT/ASCT is a standard of care for treatment and its efficacy has been enhanced and challenged by the new drugs. For elderly patients, treatment options were limited to alkylators, but new upfront treatment combinations based on novel agents (proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs) combined or not with alkylators have significantly improved outcomes.Extended treatment for young and elderly patients improves the quality and duration of clinical responses; however,the optimal scheme, appropriate doses and duration of long-term therapy have not yet been fully determined.This review summarises the progress in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, addressing critical questions such as the optimal induction, early versus late ASCT, consolidation and/or maintenance for young patients, and how we can choose the best option for non-transplant-eligible patients.

Management of Elderly Patients with Plasma Cell Myeloma

Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is a hematologic malignancy that primarily affects the elderly. Approximately two-thirds of patients are aged 65 years or older at diagnosis. Major advances in testing, treatment, and supportive care have resulted in substantial improvement in overall survival in younger, standard-risk, PCM patients over the past 3 decades. However, this positive impact progressively diminishes with advancing age, with some studies showing no improvement in survival outcomes in the elderly. Slow improvement in survival for elderly PCM patients is likely multifactorial, influenced by factors such as age-related physiologic changes, increased comorbidities, decreased treatment tolerance, socioeconomic barriers, and possible differences in disease biology. The standard approach of basing treatment decisions on age and performance status does not account for this complexity, and can be insufficient to determine the risks and benefits of treatment. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) produces a more thorough iteration of the factors influencing an individual's treatment risk, and can potentially identify targets for intervention to lower risk. Ongoing studies are looking at developing and refining the tools available for risk screening and assessment. Treating elderly PCM patients with novel agent-based regimens with or without autologous stem cell transplantation has improved response rates and survival in some studies, but elderly PCM patients have benefitted less than their younger counterparts from recent advances in PCM treatment. Personalizing treatment decisions, based on predictions of risk, determined by geriatric assessment, and response, determined by precision medicine (our understanding of the genetic, molecular, and cellular pathways that drive an individual's cancer) will help maximize the benefit and minimize the risk of PCM treatment for each patient. Continued evaluation of new strategies and treatments for PCM in clinical trials specifically designed for elderly patients is needed to continue to improve outcomes for elderly PCM patients in the future.

Frontline therapy of multiple myeloma

In the past decade, one of the major advances in the management of patients with symptomatic newly diagnosed multiple myeloma has been the introduction of novel agents, thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide, as part of frontline treatment in both transplant and nontransplant candidates. These drugs have markedly improved the rate of complete remission, and time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival have significantly increased. This article focuses on more recent frontline therapeutic approaches both in older patients, not eligible for high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and in younger patients eligible for early ASCT.

The addition of dexamethasone to bortezomib for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma improves outcome but ongoing maintenance therapy has minimal benefit

Despite the common practice of combining dexamethasone (Dex) with bortezomib (Bz) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), until now there has been few prospective trials undertaken. We undertook a trial that recapitulated the original APEX study except that dexamethasone was incorporated from cycle 1. We also incorporated an exploratory maintenance component to the study. Twenty sites enrolled 100 relapsed/or refractory MM patients utilizing eight 21 day cycles of IV Bz [1.3 mg/m(2) ; Day (D) 1, 4, 8, 11] and three 35 day cycles; Bz (1.3 mg/m(2) ; Day (D) 1, 8, 15, 22). Our study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00335348). Patients with stable disease or better received maintenance Bz (1.3 mg/m(2) ) every 14 days until progression. Dexamethasone (20 mg) was given for 2 days with each Bz dose. A prospectively defined matched-analysis of primary (overall response rate; ORR) and secondary endpoints [Complete Response (CR) and time to progression (TTP)] compared our cohort to those on the Bz arm of the APEX trial. The addition of Dex improved ORR by 20% (56% vs. 36%) [odds ratio 0.44 (0.24-0.80)]. The median TTP was also significantly longer (10.1 vs. 5.1 months) (hazard ratio 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35-0.72, P = 0.0002) and our landmark analysis demonstrated that this was largely due to the early use of dexamethasone, as we were unable to demonstrate any benefit of bortezomib/dexamethasone maintenance therapy.

APOBEC family mutational signatures are associated with poor prognosis translocations in multiple myeloma

We have sequenced 463 presenting cases of myeloma entered into the UK Myeloma XI study using whole exome sequencing. Here we identify mutations induced as a consequence of misdirected AID in the partner oncogenes of IGH translocations, which are activating and associated with impaired clinical outcome. An APOBEC mutational signature is seen in 3.8% of cases and is linked to the translocation-mediated deregulation of MAF and MAFB, a known poor prognostic factor. Patients with this signature have an increased mutational load and a poor prognosis. Loss of MAF or MAFB expression results in decreased APOBEC3B and APOBEC4 expression, indicating a transcriptional control mechanism. Kataegis, a further mutational pattern associated with APOBEC deregulation, is seen at the sites of the MYC translocation. The APOBEC mutational signature seen in myeloma is, therefore, associated with poor prognosis primary and secondary translocations and the molecular mechanisms involved in generating them.

Translocation t(11;14) Is Associated With Adverse Outcome in Patients With Newly Diagnosed AL Amyloidosis When Treated With Bortezomib-Based Regimens

Purpose

Bortezomib has become a cornerstone in the treatment of AL amyloidosis. In this study, we addressed the prognostic impact of cytogenetic aberrations for bortezomib-treated patients.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed a consecutive series of 101 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with bortezomib-dexamethasone as first-line treatment by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH). Patients were ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy, which would put them at risk for cardiac or renal failure, and thus represented a poor-risk group.

Results

Presence of t(11;14), versus its absence, was associated with inferior hematologic event-free survival (median, 3.4 v 8.8 months, respectively; P = .002), overall survival (median, 8.7 v 40.7 months, respectively; P = .05), and remission rate (≥ very good partial remission; 23% v 47%, respectively; P = .02). In multivariable Cox regression models incorporating established hematologic and clinical risk factors, t(11;14) was an independent adverse prognostic marker for hematologic event-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.37 to 6.25; P = .006) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.16 to 8.33; P = .03), but not for remission (≥ very good partial remission). Markedly, the multiple myeloma high-risk iFISH aberrations t(4;14), t(14;16), del(17p), and gain of 1q21 conferred no adverse prognosis in this bortezomib-dexamethasone–treated group. After backward variable selection, the final multivariable model was validated in a consecutive series of 32 patients treated with bortezomib, dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide.

Conclusion

iFISH results are important independent prognostic factors in AL amyloidosis. In contrast to our recently published results with melphalan and dexamethasone standard therapy, bortezomib is less beneficial to patients harboring t(11;14), whereas it effectively alleviates the poor prognosis inherent to high-risk aberrations. Given the discrepant response to different treatment modalities, iFISH may help to guide therapeutic choices in these poor-risk patients requiring rapid hematologic response.

Effect of cumulative bortezomib dose on survival in multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone in the phase III VISTA study

This analysis, using data from the bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) arm of the Phase III VISTA study, investigated whether increased cumulative bortezomib dose could improve overall survival (OS) in transplant-ineligible patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma. Median cumulative bortezomib dose received by the 340 patients was 39 mg/m(2); this was selected as the cut-off for defining the dose groups to be compared for OS. Patient characteristics were well balanced between dose groups except for age. OS was significantly longer in the higher (≥39 mg/m(2)) versus lower (<39 mg/m(2)) cumulative bortezomib dose group (median 66.3 vs. 46.2 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.533, P < 0.0001; age-adjusted HR 0.561, P = 0.0002). To overcome confounding effects of early discontinuations/deaths, which were more common in the lower cumulative dose group (27 vs. 4% of patients discontinued due to adverse events (AEs) in the lower and higher cumulative dose groups, respectively), a landmark analysis was conducted at 180 days, eliminating patients who died or discontinued before this time from the analysis. OS from this landmark remained significantly longer in the higher dose group (median 60.4 vs. 50.3 months; HR 0.709, P = 0.0372). Thus, higher cumulative bortezomib dose, reflecting prolonged treatment duration and/or dose intensity, appears associated with improved OS. Approaches to achieve higher cumulative doses could include subcutaneous bortezomib administration, dose/schedule modifications, continuing therapy in responding patients, and proactive AE management.

Trial Watch: Proteasomal inhibitors for anticancer therapy

The so-called "ubiquitin-proteasome system" (UPS) is a multicomponent molecular apparatus that catalyzes the covalent attachment of several copies of the small protein ubiquitin to other proteins that are generally (but not always) destined to proteasomal degradation. This enzymatic cascade is crucial for the maintenance of intracellular protein homeostasis (both in physiological conditions and in the course of adaptive stress responses), and regulates a wide array of signaling pathways. In line with this notion, defects in the UPS have been associated with aging as well as with several pathological conditions including cardiac, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic disorders. As transformed cells often experience a constant state of stress (as a result of the hyperactivation of oncogenic signaling pathways and/or adverse microenvironmental conditions), their survival and proliferation are highly dependent on the integrity of the UPS. This rationale has driven an intense wave of preclinical and clinical investigation culminating in 2003 with the approval of the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in multiple myeloma patients. Another proteasomal inhibitor, carfilzomib, is now licensed by international regulatory agencies for use in multiple myeloma patients, and the approved indications for bortezomib have been extended to mantle cell lymphoma. This said, the clinical activity of bortezomib and carfilzomib is often limited by off-target effects, innate/acquired resistance, and the absence of validated predictive biomarkers. Moreover, the antineoplastic activity of proteasome inhibitors against solid tumors is poor. In this Trial Watch we discuss the contribution of the UPS to oncogenesis and tumor progression and summarize the design and/or results of recent clinical studies evaluating the therapeutic profile of proteasome inhibitors in cancer patients.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: prognosis and management

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by monoclonal immunoglobulin M protein in the serum and infiltration of bone marrow with lymphoplasmacytic cells. Asymptomatic patients can be observed without therapy. First-line therapy should consist of the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, given typically in combination with other agents. We prefer dexamethasone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide (DRC) as initial therapy for most patients with symptomatic WM. Other reasonable options are bortezomib, rituximab, dexamethasone (BoRD) or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR). All of these regimens are associated with excellent response and tolerability. Initial therapy is usually administered for 6 months, followed by observation. Response to therapy is assessed using the standard response criteria developed by the International Working Group on Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Relapse is almost inevitable in WM but may occur years after initial therapy. In symptomatic patients relapsing more than 1–2 years after initial therapy, the original treatment can be repeated. For relapse occurring sooner, an alternative regimen is used. In select patients, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation may be an option at relapse. Options for therapy of relapsed WM besides regimens used in the front-line setting include ibrutinib, purine nucleoside analogs (cladribine, fludarabine), carfilzomib and immunomodulatory agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide).

The role of pre-transplant induction regimens and autologous stem cell transplantation in the era of novel targeted agents

Outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has greatly improved with the use of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and new agents, such as immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide and lenalidomide) and proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib). When compared to conventional chemotherapy, high-dose melphalan with ASCT significantly improved response rates and progression-free survival, while overall survival benefit was not consistent across all trials. ASCT is considered the standard treatment for patients who are younger than 65 years and who do not have limiting comorbidities. New, effective agents have been introduced as part of induction, consolidation and maintenance treatments within ASCT and in combinations with chemotherapy for patients not eligible for ASCT. The remarkable results obtained with these regimens are questioning the role of ASCT for newly diagnosed MM patients. This article aims to delineate the role of ASCT in the era of novel agents based on the results of recent clinical trials.

New approaches to management of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is still an incurable disease with pattern of regression and remission followed by multiple relapses raising from the residual myeloma cells surviving even in the patients who achieve complete clinical response to treatment. New antimyeloma drugs such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib have dramatically changed treatment paradigm leading to both tumor reduction and tumor suppression. Much progress has been made, but still many unsolved questions remain. In the mode of sequencing treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, we are still using old drugs such as the alkylating agent melphalan, which continues to play a central role in the transplantation setting. Newer drugs are now emerging and are being tested: monoclonal antibodies, histone deacetylase (romidespsin), MLN9708 (ixazomib) a new oral proteasome inhibitor, carfilzomib, signal transduction modulator perifosine. Many advances have been made, but there is still a long way to go.

Multiple myeloma: from front-line to relapsed therapies

Recent developments in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have led to improvements in response rates and to increased survival. A major advance in the last decade has been the introduction of the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide as part of front-line treatment in both the transplant and nontransplant settings. However, disease relapse is inevitable for the majority of patients and myeloma typically recurs more aggressively with each relapse, eventually leading to the development of treatment-refractory disease. Several phase II and III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of recently approved agents in the setting of relapsed and relapsed and refractory MM, including pomalidomide and carfilzomib. Ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, and multiple other novel classes of agents are being investigated. These include monoclonal antibodies and histone deacetylase inhibitors, which may further add to the therapeutic armamentarium for this malignancy. Therefore, in a disease characterized by multiple relapses, the optimal sequencing of the different effective options is an important consideration in attempting to prolong survival.

Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone (VMP) Regimen for Multiple Myeloma

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.

Multiple myeloma in the older adult: better prospects, more challenges

PURPOSE

Multiple myeloma (MM) is disproportionately diagnosed in older adults; with the aging of the population, the number of older adults diagnosed with MM will increase by nearly 80% in the next two decades. Duration of survival has improved dramatically over the last 20 years, but the improvements in older adults have not been as great as those in younger adults with MM.

METHODS

In this article, we address treatment approaches in older adults who are eligible for and those ineligible for high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation as well as supportive care considerations and the potential role for geriatric assessment in facilitating decision making for older adults with MM.

RESULTS

The evidence from recent studies demonstrates that combinations of novel and conventional antimyeloma agents result in improved response rates and, in some cases, improved progression-free and overall survival. However, some older adults are particularly vulnerable to toxicities of therapy and discontinuation of therapy and, consequently, they have poorer survival. In addition, older adults may prioritize other outcomes of therapy, such as quality of life, over more conventional end points such as disease response and duration of survival. Geriatric assessment can facilitate risk-stratification of older adults at greater risk for adverse events from therapy and aid in personalizing therapy for vulnerable or frail older adults.

CONCLUSION

Survival in older adults with MM is improving with novel therapeutics, but efficacy must be balanced with risk of toxicity of therapy and maintenance of quality of life. Novel instruments such as geriatric assessment tools may facilitate these aims.

Multiple myeloma: a model for scientific and clinical progress

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a unique cancer paradigm for investigating the mechanisms involved in the transition from a premalignant condition (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) into a malignant disease (MM). In the pathogenesis of myeloma, the dialogue between plasma cells and their microenvironment is as important as the genotypic characteristics of the tumor clone. MM is genetically highly complex, with almost all patients displaying cytogenetic abnormalities and frequent intraclonal heterogeneity that play a critical role in the outcome of the disease. In fact, it is likely that myeloma will soon no longer be considered as a single entity. This, along with the availability of an unexpected number of new treatment possibilities, has reinforced the need for better tools for prognosis and for monitoring treatment efficacy through minimal residual disease techniques. The outcome of MM patients has significantly improved in the last 2 decades, first through the introduction of high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and, more recently, due to the use of proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib and carfilzomib) and immunomodulatory agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide). Moreover, the need to reexamine the diagnostic criteria of early MM and the possibility of early intervention opens up new therapeutic avenues. New drugs are also emerging, including second- and third-generation proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and kinesin spindle protein inhibitors, among others. Our goal is to find a balance among efficacy, toxicity, and cost, with the ultimate aim of achieving a cure for this disease.

Older patients with myeloma derive similar benefit from autologous transplantation

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) for plasma cell myeloma is performed less often in people >70 years old than in people ≤70 years old. We analyzed 11,430 AHCT recipients for plasma cell myeloma prospectively reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 2008 and 2011, representing the majority of US AHCT activity during this period. Survival (OS) was compared in 3 cohorts: ages 18 to 59 years (n = 5818), 60 to 69 years (n = 4666), and >70 years (n = 946). Median OS was not reached for any cohort. In multivariate analysis, increasing age was associated with mortality (P = .0006). Myeloma-specific mortality was similar among cohorts at 12%, indicating an age-related effect on nonmyeloma mortality. Analyses were performed in a representative subgroup comparing relapse rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). One-year NRM was 0% for age >70 years and 2% for other ages (P = not significant). The three-year relapse rate was 56% in age 18 to 59 years, 61% in age 60 to 69 years, and 63% age >70 (P = not significant). Three-year PFS was similar at 42% in age 18 to 59 years, 38% in age 60 to 69 years, and 33% in age >70 years (P = not significant). Postrelapse survival was significantly worse for the older cohort (P = .03). Older subjects selected for AHCT derived similar antimyeloma benefit without worse NRM, relapse rate, or PFS.

Tretatment approach of nontransplant patients with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is still an incurable disease with pattern of regression and remission followed by multiple relapses raising from the residual myeloma cells surviving even in the patients who achieve complete clinical response to treatment. In recent years there is a huge improvement in treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The milestones of these improvement are: autologous transplantation and high-dose melphalan, imunomodulating drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide), proteosom inhibitors (bortesomib, carfilzomib). The most significant improvement in overall survival has been achieved in the patients younger than 65 years. So, the major challenge for hematologist is to translate this improvement in the elderly patients with multiple myeloma. Today, physicians are able to offer wider variety of treatment options for elderly patients with multiple myeloma. Therapeutic options should be tailored and personalized according to patient's characteristics by balancing efficacy and toxicity of each drug which is especially important for elderly patients. In the mode of sequencing treatment for elderly patients with multiple myeloma, our goal is to achieve and maintain maximal response while limiting treatment -related toxicities as much as possible. Second-generation novel agent, such as carfilzomib, pomalidomide, elotuzumab, bendamustine are currently being evaluated as an option to improve treatment outcome in elderly patients.