Age and organ damage correlate with poor survival in myeloma patients: meta-analysis of 1435 individual patient data from 4 randomized trials

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.

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.

Multiple myeloma and infections: a population-based study on 9253 multiple myeloma patients

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma. To estimate the risk of bacterial and viral infections in multiple myeloma patients, we used population-based data from Sweden to identify all multiple myeloma patients (n=9253) diagnosed from 1988 to 2004 with follow up to 2007 and 34,931 matched controls. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of infections. Overall, multiple myeloma patients had a 7-fold (hazard ratio =7.1; 95% confidence interval = 6.8-7.4) risk of developing any infection compared to matched controls. The increased risk of developing a bacterial infection was 7-fold (7.1; 6.8-7.4), and for viral infections 10-fold (10.0; 8.9-11.4). Multiple myeloma patients diagnosed in the more recent calendar periods had significantly higher risk of infections compared to controls (P<0.001). At one year of follow up, infection was the underlying cause in 22% of deaths in multiple myeloma patients. Mortality due to infections remained constant during the study period. Our findings confirm that infections represent a major threat to multiple myeloma patients. The effect on infectious complications due to novel drugs introduced in the treatment of multiple myeloma needs to be established and trials on prophylactic measures are needed.

Retrospective matched-pairs analysis of bortezomib plus dexamethasone versus bortezomib monotherapy in relapsed multiple myeloma

Bortezomib-dexamethasone is widely used for relapsed myeloma in routine clinical practice, but comparative data versus single-agent bortezomib are lacking. This retrospective analysis compared second-line treatment with bortezomib-dexamethasone and bortezomib using 109 propensity score-matched pairs of patients treated in three clinical trials: MMY-2045, APEX, and DOXIL-MMY-3001. Propensity scores were estimated using logistic regression analyses incorporating 13 clinical variables related to drug exposure or clinical outcome. Patients received intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, in 21-day cycles, alone or with oral dexamethasone 20 mg on the days of/after bortezomib dosing. Median bortezomib cumulative dose (27.02 and 28.60 mg/m(2)) and treatment duration (19.6 and 17.6 weeks) were similar with bortezomib-dexamethasone and bortezomib, respectively. The overall response rate was higher (75% vs. 41%; odds ratio=3.467; P<0.001), and median time-to-progression (13.6 vs. 7.0 months; hazard ratio [HR]=0.394; P=0.003) and progression-free survival (11.9 vs. 6.4 months; HR=0.595; P=0.051) were longer with bortezomib-dexamethasone versus bortezomib, respectively. Rates of any-grade adverse events, most common grade 3 or higher adverse events, and discontinuations due to adverse events appeared similar between the groups. Two patients per group died of treatment-related adverse events. These data indicate the potential benefit of bortezomib-dexamethasone compared with single-agent bortezomib at first relapse in myeloma. The MMY-2045, APEX, and DOXIL-MMY-3001 clinical trials were registered at, respectively, clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 00908232, 00048230, and 00103506.

European perspective on multiple myeloma treatment strategies in 2014

The treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone significant changes and has resulted in the achievement of molecular remissions, the prolongation of remission duration, and extended survival becoming realistic goals, with a cure being possible in a small but growing number of patients. In addition, nowadays it is possible to categorize patients more precisely into different risk groups, thus allowing the evaluation of therapies in different settings and enabling a better comparison of results across trials. Here, we review the evidence from clinical studies, which forms the basis for our recommendations for the management of patients with myeloma. Treatment approaches depend on "fitness," with chronological age still being an important discriminator for selecting therapy. In younger, fit patients, a short three drug-based induction treatment followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the preferred option. Consolidation and maintenance therapy are attractive strategies not yet approved by the European Medicines Agency, and a decision regarding post-ASCT therapy should only be made after detailed discussion of the pros and cons with the individual patient. Two- and three-drug combinations are recommended for patients not eligible for transplantation. Treatment should be administered for at least nine cycles, although different durations of initial therapy have only rarely been compared so far. Comorbidity and frailty should be thoroughly assessed in elderly patients, and treatment must be adapted to individual needs, carefully selecting appropriate drugs and doses. A substantial number of new drugs and novel drug classes in early clinical development have shown promising activity. Their introduction into clinical practice will most likely further improve treatment results.

Diagnosis and risk stratification in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a tumor of monoclonal plasma cells, which produce a monoclonal antibody and expand predominantly in the bone marrow. Patients present with hypercalcemia, renal impairment, anemia, and/or bone disease. Only patients with symptomatic MM require therapy, whereas asymptomatic patients receive regular follow-up. Survival of patients with MM is very heterogeneous. The variety in outcome is explained by host factors as well as tumor-related characteristics reflecting biology of the MM clone and tumor burden. The identification of cytogenetic abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization is currently the most important and widely available prognostic factor in MM.

From clinical trials to clinical practice: single-agent carfilzomib adverse events and their management in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is characterized by periods of remission followed by relapse, and eventually the disease becomes refractory to treatment. While patients with multiple myeloma frequently receive multiple lines of treatment, antimyeloma agents are associated with a number of toxicities that can impact their use and influence future treatment options. Patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma are particularly challenging to treat due to the advanced state of their disease, typically greater resistance to treatment, and the presence of disease- and treatment-related comorbidities. An understanding of the safety profile of the therapeutic agents used in treating multiple myeloma is thus crucial for appropriate patient management. Single-agent carfilzomib has been approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and has been shown to be efficacious and well-tolerated in this setting. This review examines the frequency of common and significant hematologic and nonhematologic adverse events following administration of single-agent carfilzomib in four phase II trials in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, and provides practical recommendations for their management.

Carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a multicenter, phase 2 study

This multicenter, open-label phase 2 trial determined the safety and efficacy of carfilzomib, a novel and irreversible proteasome inhibitor, in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (CCyd) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) ≥65 years of age or who were ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. Patients (N = 58) received CCyd for up to 9 28-day cycles, followed by maintenance with carfilzomib until progression or intolerance. After a median of 9 CCyd induction cycles (range 1-9), 95% of patients achieved at least a partial response, 71% achieved at least a very good partial response, 49% achieved at least a near complete response, and 20% achieved stringent complete response. After a median follow-up of 18 months, the 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 76% and 87%, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 to 5 toxicities were neutropenia (20%), anemia (11%), and cardiopulmonary adverse events (7%). Peripheral neuropathy was limited to grades 1 and 2 (9%). Fourteen percent of patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events, and 21% of patients required carfilzomib dose reductions. In summary, results showed high complete response rates and a good safety profile. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01346787.

Incorporating novel agents in the management of elderly myeloma patients

In recent years, the treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone significant changes. The availability of novel agents bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide considerably improved the outcome of patients. The advantages related to the use of novel agents have been shown in various studies in patients eligible and ineligible for transplant. In elderly patients, novel agents have also revolutionized the treatment paradigm and have replaced the traditional melphalan-prednisone regimen. A sequential approach consisting of an induction regimen associated with a high rate of complete response, followed by consolidation/maintenance therapy, induces a profound cytoreduction and delays relapse, thus improving survival. Patients older than 75 years or who are otherwise vulnerable are more susceptible to adverse events. In this setting, less toxic regimens and appropriate dose-reductions should be adopted. This article provides an overview of the main trials for transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma patients. Recommendations on how to manage unfit patients and treatment-related toxicities are also provided.

Age is a prognostic factor even among patients with multiple myeloma younger than 66 years treated with high-dose melphalan: the IFM experience on 2316 patients

Age is a strong prognostic factor in multiple myeloma. The overall survival is shorter in patients older than 66 years, and even shorter in those older than 75 years. Whether age is also a prognostic parameter in patients younger than 66 years treated homogeneously with intensive approaches is unknown. To address this issue, we retrospectively analyzed a series of 2316 patients treated homogeneously with 3-4 cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by a high-dose melphalan course, without any consolidation or maintenance. We show that patients older than 60 years have a statistically significant shorter overall survival. The analysis of prognostic parameters did not show a higher incidence of high-risk cytogenetics, but a higher incidence of International Staging System (ISS) stages 2 and 3, mainly due to higher β2-microglobulin levels. This study is the first to demonstrate the impact of age in the outcome of 'young' patients with multiple myeloma, and suggests that this parameter should be included in the stratification factors for future prospective clinical trials.

Multiple myeloma in the very old: an IASIA conference report

Multiple myeloma (MM) in patients aged greater than 80 years poses an increasingly common challenge for oncology providers. A multidisciplinary workshop was held in which MM-focused hematologists/oncologists, geriatricians, and associated health-care team members discussed the state of research for MM therapy, as well as themes from geriatric medicine that pertain directly to this patient population. A summary statement of our discussions is presented here, in which we highlight several topics. MM disproportionately affects senior adults, and demographic trends indicate that this trend will accelerate. Complex issues impact cancer in seniors, and although factors such as social environment, comorbidities, and frailty have been well characterized in nononcological geriatric medicine, these themes have been inadequately explored in cancers such as MM, despite their clear relevance to this field. Therapeutically, novel agents have improved survival for MM patients of all ages, but less so for seniors than younger patients for a variety of reasons. Lastly, both MM- and treatment-related symptoms and toxicities require special attention in senior adults. Existing research provides limited insight into how best to manage these often complex patients, who are often not reflected in typical clinical trial populations. We hence offer suggestions for clinical trials that address knowledge gaps in how to manage very old and/or frail patients with MM, given the complicated issues that often surround this patient population.

The emerging role of carfilzomib combination therapy in the management of multiple myeloma

Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor that selectively and irreversibly binds to its target, resulting in sustained inhibition absent of off-target effects relative to bortezomib. Single-agent carfilzomib has produced robust and durable responses in clinical trials and it has been approved in the US for treating relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Due to its favorable safety profile, carfilzomib is particularly suitable for use in combination strategies. Promising data have been reported from studies that investigated the use of carfilzomib in combination with immunomodulators, alkylating agents, glucocorticoids, histone deacetylase inhibitors and kinesin spindle protein inhibitors. Ongoing pivotal randomized Phase III studies are investigating the efficacy and safety of carfilzomib combinations in patients with relapsed MM and transplant ineligible patients.

Personalizing therapy for older adults with lymphoid malignancies: options and obstacles

Increasing age is both a risk factor for and a negative prognostic factor in lymphoid malignancies. The disparities in outcomes between older and younger adults with lymphoid malignancies may reflect age-related differences in treatment and in biology of disease. Lymphomas in older adults are biologically more aggressive. Only small age-related differences in the frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities are seen in multiple myeloma. No major differences in the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CCL) are seen across the age spectrum. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy in older adults with lymphoid malignancies are marked by greater vulnerability to toxicity of therapy. Excessive toxicity can result in poorer outcomes, either directly through treatment-related mortality, or through decreased dose intensity. Thus, new approaches to predict toxicity of therapy and stratified treatment algorithms based on risk of toxicity are needed. Herein we detail some of the promising approaches to predicting toxicity and tailoring treatment for older adults with lymphoid malignancies.

Initial treatment of transplant-ineligible patients in multiple myeloma

Over two-thirds of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma are over 65 years. The treatment goals for the non-transplant-eligible patients should be to prolong survival by achieving the best response, while ensuring quality of life. New upfront treatment combinations based on first generation of novel proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs plus alkylating agents, the historical platform, have significantly improved outcomes in the past 10 years. Other non-alkylator induction regimens, essentially lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone are also available and provide a novel backbone that may be combined with novel second- and third-generation drugs. Data indicate that prolonged treatment extends the progression-free survival. In summary, this group requires individualized and dose-modified regimens to improve tolerability and efficacy, while maintaining their quality of life.

How should we treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients?

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequent hematological disease. Two-thirds of newly diagnosed MM patients are more than 65 years of age. Elsewhere in this issue, McCarthy et al discuss the treatment of transplantation candidates; this chapter focuses on the data available concerning therapy for non-transplantation-eligible MM patients. Treatment goals for these non-transplantation-eligible patients should be to prolong survival by achieving the best possible response while ensuring quality of life. Until recently, treatment options were limited to alkylators, but new up-front treatment combinations based on novel agents (proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs) plus alkylating agents have significantly improved outcomes. Other nonalkylator induction regimens are also available and provide a novel backbone that may be combined with novel second- and third-generation drugs. Phase 3 data indicate that maintenance therapy or prolonged treatment in elderly patients also improves the quality and duration of clinical responses, extending time to progression and progression-free survival; however, the optimal scheme, appropriate doses, and duration of long-term therapy have not yet been fully determined. The potential for novel treatment regimens to improve the adverse prognosis associated with high-risk cytogenetic profiles also requires further research. In summary, although we have probably doubled the survival of elderly patients, this group requires close monitoring and individualized, dose-modified regimens to improve tolerability and treatment efficacy while maintaining their quality of life.