Incidence, presenting features and outcome of extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma: a longitudinal study on 1003 consecutive patients

How I treat relapsed myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy leading to significant life-expectancy shortening. Although the incorporation of the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide in the front-line therapy has resulted in significant improvement, almost all patients relapse, making the treatment of relapse a real challenge. In the present article, when and how to treat relapsed MM is discussed. Treatment can be safely delayed in a subset of patients with asymptomatic relapse, whereas those with symptomatic relapse, advanced disease at diagnosis, or significant paraproteinemic increase require prompt rescue therapy. The benefit of retreatment and the use of a sequential approach for successive relapses considering drug synergism are highlighted. For patients with aggressive relapses and for those who have exhausted all available options, continued therapy until disease progression is recommended, particularly when using regimens with a long-term safety profile. Patients with a duration response to a first autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) longer than 2 years may benefit from a second ASCT. Patients with aggressive disease and/or poor cytogenetics at diagnosis relapsing within the first 2 years from ASCT should be considered for an allogeneic transplantation. Finally, a number of newer promising drugs are being actively investigated and the enrolment of patients in clinical trials is encouraged.

Features of extramedullary disease of multiple myeloma: high frequency of p53 deletion and poor survival: a retrospective single-center study of 834 cases

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease in which most patients have myeloma restricted to the bone marrow, and some patients develop extramedullary disease (EMD) at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up, and show different clinical characteristics and a dismal prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 834 consecutive MM patients in a single center in China and compared clinical features of patients with and without EMD.

RESULTS

In general, the prevalence of EMD was 4.8% at the time of diagnosis and 3.4% during follow-up, with a significant increase in recent years. MM patients with EMD at the time of diagnosis had remarkably greater prevalence of P53 deletion determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis (34.5% vs. 11.9%; P = .037) and higher level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = .003) compared with patients without EMD. EMD relapse/progression during follow-up was correlated with EMD presentation at diagnosis, immunoglobulin (Ig)D subtype and P53 deletion in FISH analysis, but not previous treatment (thalidomide, bortizomib, or transplantation). With respect to prognosis, multivariate analysis showed that EMD was an independent adverse prognostic factor. The overall survival of patients with and without EMD at diagnosis were 16.5 and 40 months, respectively (P < .001), and the time to disease progression of the 2 groups was 11.5 and 25 months, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

MM patients with EMD at the time of diagnosis showed remarkably greater prevalence of P53 deletion in FISH analysis and higher LDH levels. EMD relapse/progression was correlated with EMD presentation at diagnosis, IgD subtype, and P53 deletion in FISH analysis, but not previous exposure to new drugs or transplantation. The presence of EMD involvement negatively affected survival.

The t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation as a poor prognostic parameter for autologous stem cell transplantation in myeloma patients with extramedullary plasmacytoma

INTRODUCTION

Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH)-detected abnormalities, including del(17p), del(13q), and t(4;14), have been associated with inferior prognosis. However, there are few data about the prognostic significance of cytogenetic abnormalities for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2004 and December 2012, 290 MM patients underwent ASCT at 3 centers. FISH data for bone marrow samples obtained at diagnosis were available for 58 patients who had EMP at diagnosis or during treatment.

RESULTS

The t(11;14), t(4;14), del(13q), and 1q gain abnormalities were seen in 14.9%, 6.3%, 25.6%, and 42.9%, respectively. No t(14;16) or del(17p) cytogenetic abnormality was detected in the examined patients. Patients with t(11;14) had a lower response rate compared to patients with other cytogenetic abnormalities. EMP-specific relapse was higher in patients with t(11;14) than in patients with other cytogenetic abnormalities (42.9% vs. 10%-33.3%). Each of the 4 cytogenetic abnormalities predicted shorter median progression-free survival (6-12 months vs. 27-37 months) and shorter overall survival (16-22 months vs. 68 months or not reached) compared to no cytogenetic abnormality. The t(11;14) translocation was an important prognostic factor for both progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 25.154; P < .001) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 7.484; P = .024) in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, t(11;14), t(4;14), del(13q), and 1q gain were associated with worse survival in MM patients with EMP. The role of t(11;14) as a prognostic parameter for ASCT in MM patients with EMP should be confirmed with a large, well-designed study.

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.

Controversies in multiple myeloma: to transplant or not?

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has dramatically changed in the last decade due to the introduction of the immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs) and proteasome inhibitors, otherwise known as the novel agents. Prior to the advent of the novel agents, the gold standard of treatment had been high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) for eligible candidates. Given the remarkable activity of the novel agents, and the significant morbidity of HDT/ASCT, the role of stem cell transplantation has now come into question. In this review, we explore the benefits and drawbacks to HDT/ASCT in the era of the novel therapies.

Imaging of multiple myeloma: usefulness of MRI and PET/CT

Multiple myeloma is a heterogeneous hematologic disorder of plasma cells with varied bone marrow imaging appearances. With advancements in both treatment and use of advanced imaging over the last several decades, it is important for radiologists to recognize the imaging presentation of the disease and the staging implications of imaging. This paper reviews the staging as it relates to imaging, consensus recommendations for imaging, expected imaging appearances of myeloma, pitfalls, and complications associated with treatment that are demonstrable on imaging.

Light chain multiple myeloma, clinic features, responses to therapy and survival in a long-term study

Background

We intended to investigate the long-term clinical characteristics, responses to therapy and survival in patients with lightchain multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Ninety-six patients were enrolled into the study. There were 42 κ-chain MM patients and 54 λ-chain MM patients. All the patients werestage III in the Durie-Salmonstaging system. Among them, 66 patients received Velcade (bortezomib) treatment and the other 30 did not.

Results

The main symptoms of these patients included bone pain (77.1%), weakness and fatigue (12.5%), foamy urine (8.3%) and extramedullaryplasmocytomas (33.3%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 95.5% in patients treated with Velcade and 60%in the patients without. The median survival times were 23 months in patients treated with Velcade and 12 months in patients without. The median time of progression-free survival (PFS) was nine months in patients treated with Velcade and five months in patients without. The one-year PFS and two-year PFS were 37% and 25%, 27% and 9% for patients treated with Velcade, or without, respectively. The three-year overall survival (OS) and five-year OS were 33% and 24%, 28% and 9% for patients treated with Velcade, or without, respectively. There was no significance in OS between the two groups (P = 0.335). But there was significant difference in PFS between the two groups (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Our long-term study demonstrated that patients with lightchain myeloma appeared to have more aggressive disease courses and poor outcomes, which could be improved by treatment with Velcade.

A new staging system to predict prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma in an era of novel therapeutic agents

Various prognostic markers for multiple myeloma (MM) have been identified, and stratification using these markers is considered important to optimize treatment strategies. The international staging system (ISS) is now a widely accepted prognostic staging system for MM patients; however, its validity is controversial in the era of new therapeutic regimens, since ISS had been established before introduction of new agents. We retrospectively reviewed prognostic factors in order to seek out an alternative staging system more suitably applied to MM patients treated with novel agents. We analyzed 178 newly diagnosed MM patients who received either conventional chemotherapy without novel agents (CT; n = 79) or chemotherapy with novel agents (NT; n = 99). Although median overall survival (OS) of patients treated with CT is significantly different depending on stages of ISS, ISS had no effect on OS among patients treated with NT. Meanwhile, we identified hemoglobin (Hb) and plasmacytoma as independent risk factors for OS in patients who received NT. Using these two parameters, we stratified NT patients into three stages; stage 1 (Hb≥10 g/dL and absence of plasmacytoma), stage 2 (not stage 1 or 3), and stage 3 (Hb <10 g/dL and presence of plasmacytoma). We found that there were significant differences in median OS among the three stages (8.13, 5.95, and 2.45 yr for stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively). This preliminary study suggests that this alternative staging system based on Hb and plasmacytoma is a simple and useful way to predict prognosis of MM patients in the novel agent era.

Imaging of multiple myeloma: Current concepts

Medical imaging is of crucial importance for diagnosis and initial staging as well as for differentiation of multiple myeloma (MM) from other monoclonal plasma cell diseases. Conventional radiography represents the reference standard for diagnosis of MM due to its wide availability and low costs despite its known limitations such as low sensitivity, limited specificity and its inability to detect extraosseous lesions. Besides conventional radiography, newer cross-sectional imaging modalities such as whole-body low-dose computed tomography (CT), whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT are available for the diagnosis of osseous and extraosseous manifestations of MM. Whole-body low-dose CT is used increasingly, replacing conventional radiography at selected centers, due to its higher sensitivity for the detection of osseous lesions and its ability to diagnose extraosseous lesions. The highest sensitivity for both detection of bone marrow disease and extraosseous lesions can be achieved with whole-body MRI and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. According to current evidence, MRI is the most sensitive method for initial staging while ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT allows monitoring of treatment of MM. There is an evolving role for assessment of treatment response using newer MR imaging techniques. Future studies are needed to further define the exact role of the different imaging modalities for individual risk stratification and therapy monitoring.

First line and salvage therapy with total therapy 3-based treatment for multiple myeloma- an extended single center experience

Total therapy 3 is an intensified protocol for multiple myeloma (MM). The "real life" outcomes of this protocol were seldom reported. Data was obtained for 81 patients (newly diagnosed, n=49; progressive MM, n=32), most of which had high-risk parameters. Overall response rate following (V)DT-PACE was 96% and 75% for the newly diagnosed and progressive groups, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 42.5 and 9 months, respectively. The 2-year overall survival was 88% and 40%, respectively. Treatment with (V)DT-PACE achieves high response rate among patients with high-risk disease, which can be translated into long-term remission only for newly diagnosed patients.

Comparison of outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation between myeloma patients with skeletal and soft tissue plasmacytoma

We aimed to compare the characteristics of skeletal and soft tissue plasmacytomas and to analyze clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with plasmacytoma. We retrospectively reviewed data from 93 myeloma patients with detectable extramedullary (EM) plasmacytoma at diagnosis or during the course of the disease, who underwent ASCT. Soft tissue plasmacytoma occurred more frequently in male patients and had higher levels of serum β2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase and high frequency of advanced disease according to International Staging System compared to the skeletal plasmacytoma group. Both soft tissue and skeletal plasmacytoma groups showed similar plasmacytoma relapse patterns after ASCT and relapsed with EM plasmacytoma slightly more frequently in the bone compared to soft tissue sites. Compared to patients with skeletal plasmacytoma, patients with soft tissue plasmacytoma had worse median progression-free survival (PFS) (12 vs. 28 months) (P = 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (37 vs. 67 months) (P = 0.037) after ASCT. In a multivariate analysis, soft tissue plasmacytoma was an only independent poor prognostic factor for both PFS (HR, 2.398; 95% CI, 1.304-4.410) and OS (HR, 2.811; 95% CI, 1.107-7.135) after ASCT. These results demonstrate that, even though ASCT achieved a strong response in myeloma patients with soft tissue plasmacytoma, the presence of EM disease still contributed to a poor prognosis after ASCT compared to skeletal plasmacytoma, and these poor outcomes were not overcome by ASCT.

Pomalidomide for the treatment of relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma: a review of biological and clinical data

Despite the improvements thanks to the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), nearly all myeloma patients eventually become refractory to these drugs. Consequently, the outcome of these patients is very poor. Pomalidomide is a new IMiD with a similar structure to the commonly used IMiD thalidomide and lenalidomide. Pomalidomide exhibited more potent anti-myeloma activity and a similar favorable safety profile compared with thalidomide and lenalidomide. In Phase I-II studies pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone demonstrated activity in myeloma patients refractory to both bortezomib and IMiDs. Based on the results of a Phase III trial, the FDA and EMA agencies granted accelerated approval to pomalidomide, which is now considered a new effective strategy for relapsed and/or refractory myeloma patients. Very promising results were obtained when pomalidomide-dexamethasone was used in combination with other compounds. This review provides updated information about pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, resistance, clinical efficacy and safety of pomalidomide.

Preclinical and clinical results with pomalidomide in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Despite the evolution of effective frontline treatment strategies, many patients with myeloma inevitably relapse. Treatment can be complicated by the interplay of disease-, treatment-, and patient-related factors. Unfortunately, many patients eventually develop disease that is refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib and have few treatment options. Pomalidomide is a distinct IMiD agent recently approved in the US and Europe. We review the pomalidomide mechanism of action, summarizing its direct antimyeloma, immunomodulatory, and stromal-support inhibitory activities. We also detail its clinical development, including establishment of the approved dose/schedule, phase 2 and 3 trials in relapsed and refractory patients, and novel pomalidomide-based combinations.

Subglottic extramedullary plasmacytoma with light chain multiple myeloma masquerading as adult-onset asthma

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) arises outside the bone marrow and can be associated with multiple myeloma (MM). A 55-year-old gentleman, who presented with dyspnea and expiratory wheeze, was diagnosed and treated for asthma. A subsequent relapse 6 months later prompted an Otolaryngology consult. Preliminary findings showed a benign-looking nodular lesion at the subglottis. Work-up at our institution revealed an Fludeoxyglucose (FDG) avid left subglottic lesion with multiple bone metastases on a Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET/CT). The patient underwent a panendoscopy and laser excision of the subglottic lesion with subglottic jet ventilation. Histology showed an EMP. Further work-up revealed the presence of kappa light chain MM with adverse cytogenetics. Patient was treated systemically with lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone for four cycles with rapid improvement in his symptoms. We review the literature about EMP of the subglottis with MM. We present the first case of subglottic laryngeal EMP with MM managed via CO2 laser excision.

Multiple myeloma with extramedullary plasmacytoma invading the skin and eyeballs following autologous stem cell transplantation: A case report

In this study, the case of a 60-year-old female patient who presented with a subcutaneous mass in the lower right limb is described. The mass was confirmed as a plasmacytoma. The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) λ type stage III international stage system (ISS) and received three cycles of a therapeutic PDT regimen (bortezomib, dexamethasone and thalidomide) and complete remission was achieved. Following a further two cycles of the PDT regimen, the patient proceeded to received a high-dose cyclophosphamide regimen combined with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for stem cell mobilization. Fourteen months later, the patient received a high-dose therapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT). After six months, a subcutaneous mass was identified in the left side of the patient’s neck and the mass gradually increased in size. The patient exhibited exophthalmos and loss of sight one month later. The masses in the neck and right eyelid of the patient were diagnosed as plasmacytomas. These results, combined with the results of bone marrow (BM) aspiration and protein electrophoresis with immunofixation electrophoresis revealed that the disease had relapsed. The patient received two cycles of a therapeutic CPADT regimen (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, pharmorubicin, dexamethasone and thalidomide). The patient subsequently achieved complete remission again. The patient refused to continue receiving bortezomib and pharmorubicin for therapy and instead received four cycles of the therapeutic CTD regimen (cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone and thalidomide). Subsequently the patient received local radiotherapy for the masses in the eyes and neck. The patient remained stable after treatment following the initial relapse with a progression-free survival (PFS) time of eight months.

Role of dynamic contrast-enhanced sonography for characterization and monitoring of extramedullary myeloma: comparison with serologic data

OBJECTIVE

To measure blood perfusion in extramedullary myeloma by contrast-enhanced sonography, correlate it with specific hematologic parameters, and determine their utility for local and systemic response monitoring.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive patients (14 male and 11 female; median age, 68 years) with extramedullary myeloma were included. After intravenous administration of 2.4 mL of sulfur hexafluoride, extramedullary myeloma masses were examined for 60 seconds. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced sonography at baseline, and 15 were monitored additionally (3 weeks during therapy). Average peak perfusion, regional blood flow (RBF), and regional blood volume (RBV) were calculated. Baseline perfusion parameters were compared with short-term follow-up sonographic data and serologic biomarkers (M gradient). For validation of extramedullary myeloma and systemic myeloma, patients underwent midterm (<3 months) imaging and serologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Patients with baseline β2-microglobulin (B2M) greater than 3.5 mg/L (n = 17) showed higher perfusion parameters compared with baseline B2M less than 3.5 mg/L (n = 8). At short-term follow-up, patients were classified by serologic criteria as responders (n = 9) and nonresponders (n = 6) and by sonographic criteria as responders (n = 10) and nonresponders (n = 5). In sonographic responders, mean peak, RBV, and RBF dropped from 59.13, 1446.09, and 71.52 (artificial units) at baseline to 29.30, 364.19, and 34.64 at follow-up (P < .05), whereas in nonresponders, perfusion parameters increased from 33.18, 789.82, and 36.92 at baseline to 51.14, 1491.06, and 65.34 at follow-up (P > .05). Prediction of a midterm course of systemic myeloma using serologic data yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.66, 0.77, 0.66, and 0.77, whereas sonographic results (judged by RBV) yielded values of 0.66, 0.55, 0.5, and 0.71. Separate prediction of a local (extramedullary myeloma) response by sonography yielded sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.8, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.71.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast-enhanced sonography is a valuable tool for short-term monitoring of the treatment response in extramedullary myeloma.

Pattern of relapse and progression after autologous SCT as upfront treatment for multiple myeloma

The achievement of CR is the crucial step for a prolonged PFS and OS after an autologous SCT in multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, even with the use of new regimens and the current high CR rates, most, if not all, patients will ultimately relapse or progress. We analyzed the type of relapse or progression (asymptomatic vs symptomatic), clinical features including the presence of extramedullary involvement and time to next treatment in 211 patients who underwent melphalan-based autologous SCT over an 18-year period at our institution. After autologous SCT, serological or asymptomatic relapse/progression was observed in about one half of the patients. The treatment-free interval was significantly longer in patients relapsing from CR than in those progressing from PR (P=0.017). Patients with serological relapse/progression had a significantly longer OS than those relapsing from symptomatic disease (P=0.002). The relapse pattern was similar to the initial clinical presentation. Survival after relapse/progression was shorter in those patients with a 24-h urine M-protein excretion of at least 200 mg (P=0.048). Extramedullary involvement was frequent (24%), being the highest risk in patients with extramedullary involvement at diagnosis (P=0.001).

Soft-tissue extramedullary multiple myeloma prognosis is significantly worse in comparison to bone-related extramedullary relapse

Even in the era of new drugs, multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary relapse have a poor prognosis. Our goal was to analyze the frequency and outcome of extramedullary relapse occurring in relapsed multiple myeloma patients. In total, we analyzed the prognosis of 226 relapsed multiple myeloma patients treated between 2005 and 2008 and evaluated them for presence of extramedullary relapse. We found evidence of extramedullary relapse in 24% (55 of 226) of relapsed multiple myeloma patients. In 14% (32 of 226) of patients, the lesions were not adjacent to the bone, while extramedullary relapse adjacent to the bone was documented in 10% (23 of 226) of cases. Patients without extramedullary relapse had significantly longer overall survival than patients with extramedullary relapse (109 vs. 38 months; P<0.001). Moreover, patients with soft tissue-related extramedullary relapse had significantly poorer overall survival compared to bone-related extramedullary relapse patients (30 vs. 45 months; P=0.022). Also, overall survival from diagnosis was as low as five months for soft tissue-related extramedullary relapse patients when compared to 12 months overall survival for bone-related extramedullary relapse. This is the first study that shows a significant difference in prognosis for different types of extramedullary relapse. If the extramedullary myeloma infiltration was not bone-related, overall survival after relapse was extremely short (5 months).

Pomalidomide: the new immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma

In this report, we provide a comprehensive review on the preclinical and clinical investigations conducted in development of the next-generation immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) pomalidomide for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). We consulted PubMed, MEDLINE, ASH, ASCO annual symposium abstracts and http://clinicaltrials.gov/ for the purpose of this literature review. Twenty-six preclinical and 11 clinical studies were examined. These studies delineate the mechanisms of action of pomalidomide and attest to the robust clinical activity in relapsed/refractory MM. MM is the second most common hematological malignancy in the US. Despite availability of several therapeutic agents, MM remains incurable. Thus, the development of new therapies remains a priority. Pomalidomide is the newest member of the IMiDs class of drugs, and in preclinical and clinical investigations, it has demonstrated an improved efficacy and toxicity profile in comparison to its sister compounds, lenalidomide and thalidomide. Importantly, recent clinical studies have demonstrated its activity in relapsed or refractory myeloma, particularly in lenalidomide and bortezomib-refractory patients. Thus, the addition of pomalidomide to the anti-myeloma armamentarium is widely anticipated to have a significant impact on the overall clinical outcome of advanced stage relapsed and refractory MM patients.

A novel selective small-molecule PI3K inhibitor is effective against human multiple myeloma in vitro and in vivo

Developing effective therapies against multiple myeloma (MM) is an unresolved challenge. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) activation may be associated with tumor progression and drug resistance, and inhibiting PI3K can induce apoptosis in MM cells. Thus, targeting of PI3K is predicted to increase the susceptibility of MM to anticancer therapy. The lead compound of a novel class of PI3K inhibitors, BAY80-6946 (IC50=0.5 nM against PI3K-α), was highly efficacious in four different MM cell lines, where it induced significant antitumoral effects in a dose-dependent manner. The compound inhibited cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis (P<0.001 compared with controls). Moreover, it abrogated the stimulation conferred by insulin-like growth-factor-1, a mechanism relevant for MM progression. These cellular effects were paralleled by decreased Akt phosphorylation, the main downstream target of PI3K. Likewise, profound antitumoral activity was observed ex vivo, as BAY80-6946 significantly inhibited proliferation of freshly isolated myeloma cells from three patients (P<0.001 compared with vehicle). In addition, BAY80-6946 showed convincing in vivo activity against the human AMO-1 and MOLP-8 myeloma cell lines in a preclinical murine xenograft model, where treatment with 6 mg/kg every other day for 2 weeks reduced the cell numbers by 87.0% and 69.3%, respectively (P<0.001 compared with vehicle), without overt toxicity in treated animals.

Role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in bone malignancies

This article presents an overview of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of bone tumors for the practicing radiologist. The clinical roles and utility of (18)F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in patients with primary bone tumors, osseous metastases, and multiple myeloma are reviewed. The clinical and research data supporting the utility of PET/CT in the evaluation of skeletal malignancies continues to grow.

Management of newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma: updated Mayo Stratification of Myeloma and Risk-Adapted Therapy (mSMART) consensus guidelines 2013

Multiple myeloma remains an incurable neoplasm of plasma cells that affects more than 20,000 people annually in the United States. There has been a veritable revolution in this disease during the past decade, with dramatic improvements in our understanding of its pathogenesis, the development of several novel agents, and a concomitant doubling in overall survival. Because multiple myeloma is a complex and wide-ranging disorder, its management must be guided by disease- and patient-related factors; emerging as one of the most influential factors is risk stratification, primarily based on cytogenetic features. A risk-adapted approach provides optimal therapy to patients, ensuring intense therapy for aggressive disease and minimizing toxic effects, providing sufficient but less intense therapy for low-risk disease. This consensus statement reflects recommendations from more than 20 Mayo Clinic myeloma physicians, providing a practical approach for newly diagnosed patients with myeloma who are not enrolled in a clinical trial.

Cytogenetics of extramedullary manifestations in multiple myeloma

Extramedullary disease in patients with multiple myeloma is a rare event, occurring mostly in advanced disease or relapse. Outcome is poor and prognostic factors predicting the development of extramedullary disease have not been defined. We investigated cytogenetic alterations of myeloma cells in different extramedullary manifestations by adapting the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique in combination with cytoplasmic immunoglobulin staining to study the cytogenetics of plasma cell tumours on paraffin embedded material. Thirty six patients were investigated: 19 with extramedullary disease, 11 with skeletal extramedullary disease and six with solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma. The first two groups showed the following results: del(17p13) 32% vs. 27%, del(13q14) 35% vs. 27%, MYC-overrepresentation 28% vs. 18% and t(4;14) 37% vs. 18%. We detected an overall higher incidence of del(17p13) in both groups compared to data from bone marrow samples of multiple myeloma reported to date (range 7-16%). The solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas presented overall less cytogenetic aberrations than the other groups. Most important, three patients with extramedullary disease and one with skeletal extramedullary disease presented different FISH findings in the extramedullary tumour compared to their bone marrow plasma cells. del(17p13), occurring additional in three of four cases, seems a strong marker for extramedullary progression of myeloma.

Efficacy of lenalidomide in association with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in multiple myeloma patient with bilateral retro-orbital localisation

Extramedullary localisation is an uncommon manifestation in multiple myeloma (MM). Ocular involvement is rare. Here, we describe a relapse of MM with bilateral retro-orbital localisation without any bone involvement with good and rapid response to therapy with lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide.

Extramedullary multiple myeloma

Abstract Extramedullary disease (EMD), defined as a clonal plasmacytic infiltrate at anatomic sites distant from the bone marrow or adjacent soft tissue in a patient with underlying multiple myeloma, is present in a significant percentage of patients with multiple myeloma at some point during the course of their disease. The exact prevalence of EMD, however, has not been reproducibly described, with some series citing EMD in 6% of patients with myeloma, and others up to 20%. EMD is therefore an uncommon, but by no means rare, manifestation of multiple myeloma. Further observational series have suggested that EMD is a highly aggressive disease entity, with clinical behavior distinct from marrow-restricted myeloma. This article summarizes the current research on EMD and examines the opportunity for further research into the pathogenic, immunologic, cytogenetic, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of this hitherto poorly understood disease entity.

Recurrent plasmacytomas after allografting in a patient with multiple myeloma

Extramedullary recurrence in multiple myeloma patients has been reported after both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and, more recently, after treatment with so-called new drugs with potent antimyeloma activity. Only a very few sizable reports focused on its clinical presentation and its incidence, which may be highly underestimated, and most observations are based on single patients reported from several institutions. Given the unusual sites of recurrence, diagnosis may be rather difficult and delayed treatment may play a relevant role in prognosis. Here we report a case of a myeloma patient, initially treated with an allograft, who enjoyed an eleven-year disease-free remission with very good quality of life. She eventually relapsed first with an extramedullary plasmacytoma in the breast and, two years later, with a right atrial cardiac mass.