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García-Sanz R, Hunter ZR, Poulain S, Varettoni M, Owen RG. New developments in the diagnosis and characterization of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:835-847. [PMID: 37905549 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2270779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is defined as a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy and morphologic evidence of bone marrow infiltration by LPL. Immunophenotyping and genotyping provide a firm pathological basis for diagnosis and are particularly valuable in differential diagnosis between WM and related diseases. Emerging technologies in mutational analysis present new opportunities, but challenges remain around standardization of methodologies and reporting of mutational data across centers. AREAS COVERED The review provides an overview of the diagnosis of WM, with a particular focus on the role of immunophenotyping and genotyping. EXPERT OPINION Demonstration of LPL with a bone marrow biopsy is essential to reach a definitive diagnosis of WM. However, MYD88L265P and a typical WM immunophenotypic profile are valuable for the differential diagnosis of WM and related diseases, such as marginal zone lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These methodologies must be utilized across centers and with appropriate standards followed in the evaluation and reporting of sensitivities and specificities. The diagnostic and/or prognostic value of mutations in genes such as CXCR4 and TP53 that are currently not routinely evaluated in the diagnosis of WM should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón García-Sanz
- Hematology Department, University Hospital of Salamanca, IBSAL, CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Zachary R Hunter
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stéphanie Poulain
- Service d'Hématologie Cellulaire, CHRU de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Marzia Varettoni
- Division of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roger G Owen
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
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Bou Zerdan M, Kassab J, Saba L, Haroun E, Bou Zerdan M, Allam S, Nasr L, Macaron W, Mammadli M, Abou Moussa S, Chaulagain CP. Liquid biopsies and minimal residual disease in lymphoid malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1173701. [PMID: 37228488 PMCID: PMC10203459 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1173701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment using peripheral blood instead of bone marrow aspirate/biopsy specimen or the biopsy of the cancerous infiltrated by lymphoid malignancies is an emerging technique with enormous interest of research and technological innovation at the current time. In some lymphoid malignancies (particularly ALL), Studies have shown that MRD monitoring of the peripheral blood may be an adequate alternative to frequent BM aspirations. However, additional studies investigating the biology of liquid biopsies in ALL and its potential as an MRD marker in larger patient cohorts in treatment protocols are warranted. Despite the promising data, there are still limitations in liquid biopsies in lymphoid malignancies, such as standardization of the sample collection and processing, determination of timing and duration for liquid biopsy analysis, and definition of the biological characteristics and specificity of the techniques evaluated such as flow cytometry, molecular techniques, and next generation sequencies. The use of liquid biopsy for detection of minimal residual disease in T-cell lymphoma is still experimental but it has made significant progress in multiple myeloma for example. Recent attempt to use artificial intelligence may help simplify the algorithm for testing and may help avoid inter-observer variation and operator dependency in these highly technically demanding testing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Kassab
- Cleveland Clinic, Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ludovic Saba
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, United States
| | - Elio Haroun
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Sabine Allam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Lewis Nasr
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, TX, United States
| | - Walid Macaron
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, TX, United States
| | - Mahinbanu Mammadli
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | | | - Chakra P. Chaulagain
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, United States
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Zhu J, Zhu X, Xie F, Ding Y, Lu H, Dong Y, Li P, Fu J, Liang A, Zeng Y, Xiu B. Case report: Circulating tumor DNA technology displays temporal and spatial heterogeneity in Waldenström macroglobulinemia during treatment with BTK inhibitors. Pathol Oncol Res 2023; 29:1611070. [PMID: 37151353 PMCID: PMC10154527 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare subtype of B-cell lymphoma. Rituximab-based combination therapy and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have greatly improved the prognosis of WM. Despite the high response rate and good tolerance of BTK inhibitors in treatment of WM, a proportion of patients still experience disease progression. Case presentation: We report a 55-year-old man with relapsed WM. The patient achieved partial remission after six courses of CHOP chemotherapy and multiple plasma exchanges in initial treatment. He was admitted to the hospital with abdominal distension, and was diagnosed with relapsed WM and subsequently started on zanubrutinib. Disease progression and histological transformation occurred during treatment. We performed liquid biopsies on transformed plasma, tumor tissue and ascites at the same time and found high consistency between ascites and tissues. Moreover, we detected resistance mutations of BTK inhibitors (BTK, PLCG2) in ascites that were not detected in plasma or tissue. Eventually, the patient died during the 15-month follow-up after relapse. Conclusion: We describe a rare case of WM transformation to DLCBCL treated with chemoimmunotherapy and BTK inhibition. We analyzed tumor DNA obtained at different anatomic sites and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) derived from plasma and ascites specimens, with apparent significant temporal and spatial heterogeneity. The case specifically highlights the clinical value of ctDNA of ascites supernatant from WM patients, which is a more convenient and relatively noninvasive method compared with traditional invasive tissue biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengyang Xie
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huina Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfei Fu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Zeng, ; Bing Xiu,
| | - Bing Xiu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Zeng, ; Bing Xiu,
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Alcoceba M, García-Álvarez M, Medina A, Maldonado R, González-Calle V, Chillón MC, Sarasquete ME, González M, García-Sanz R, Jiménez C. MYD88 Mutations: Transforming the Landscape of IgM Monoclonal Gammopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5570. [PMID: 35628381 PMCID: PMC9141891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The MYD88 gene has a physiological role in the innate immune system. Somatic mutations in MYD88, including the most common L265P, have been associated with the development of certain types of lymphoma. MYD88L265P is present in more than 90% of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS). The absence of MYD88 mutations in WM patients has been associated with a higher risk of transformation into aggressive lymphoma, resistance to certain therapies (BTK inhibitors), and shorter overall survival. The MyD88 signaling pathway has also been used as a target for specific therapies. In this review, we summarize the clinical applications of MYD88 testing in the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up, and treatment of patients. Although MYD88L265P is not specific to WM, few tumors present a single causative mutation in a recurrent position. The role of the oncogene in the pathogenesis of WM is still unclear, especially considering that the mutation can be found in normal B cells of patients, as recently reported. This may have important implications for early lymphoma detection in healthy elderly individuals and for the treatment response assessment based on a MYD88L265P analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ramón García-Sanz
- Hematology Department, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUS/IBSAL), CIBERONC and Cancer Research Institute of Salamanca-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.A.); (M.G.-Á.); (A.M.); (R.M.); (V.G.-C.); (M.C.C.); (M.E.S.); (M.G.); (C.J.)
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Drandi D, Decruyenaere P, Ferrante M, Offner F, Vandesompele J, Ferrero S. Nucleic Acid Biomarkers in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia and IgM-MGUS: Current Insights and Clinical Relevance. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040969. [PMID: 35454017 PMCID: PMC9028641 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is an indolent lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, characterized by the production of excess immunoglobulin M monoclonal protein. WM belongs to the spectrum of IgM gammopathies, ranging from asymptomatic IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS), through IgM-related disorders and asymptomatic WM to symptomatic WM. In recent years, its complex genomic and transcriptomic landscape has been extensively explored, hereby elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying disease onset, progression and therapy response. An increasing number of mutations, cytogenetic abnormalities, and molecular signatures have been described that have diagnostic, phenotype defining or prognostic implications. Moreover, cell-free nucleic acid biomarkers are increasingly being investigated, benefiting the patient in a minimally invasive way. This review aims to provide an extensive overview of molecular biomarkers in WM and IgM-MGUS, considering current shortcomings, as well as potential future applications in a precision medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Drandi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Hematology Division, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Philippe Decruyenaere
- Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- OncoRNALab, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Martina Ferrante
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Hematology Division, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (S.F.)
| | - Fritz Offner
- Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- OncoRNALab, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Hematology Division, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (S.F.)
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Determination of MYD88L265P mutation fraction in IgM monoclonal gammopathies. Blood Adv 2021; 6:189-199. [PMID: 34788399 PMCID: PMC8753203 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative evaluation of the tumor load in patients with IgM monoclonal gammopathies in tDNA and cfDNA samples.
We describe a novel method for the detection of MYD88L265P mutation using a competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (Cast-PCR) assay. This assay has a sensitivity of 1 × 10−3, is applicable in reactions containing very low amounts of DNA (as low as 20 pg), and allowed the detection of MYD88L265P somatic mutation in both tumor-derived DNA (tDNA) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In addition, using the Cast-PCR assay, we were able to determine the mutation allele fraction (MAF) in each tested sample. We then analyzed baseline tDNA and cfDNA samples from 163 patients (53 with immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and 110 with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia [WM], of whom 54 were asymptomatic and 56 were symptomatic) and also in sequential samples of 37 patients. MAF in both cfDNA and tDNA was higher among patients with symptomatic compared with asymptomatic WM and in those with asymptomatic WM compared with those with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. In addition, the evaluation of sequential samples showed that MAF decreased after treatment, whereas it increased in patients who relapsed or progressed to symptomatic WM. Thus, Cast-PCR is a highly sensitive, cost-effective diagnostic tool for MYD88L265P detection, applicable in both tDNA and cfDNA samples, that also provides a quantitative evaluation of the tumor load in patients with IgM monoclonal gammopathies.
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Diagnostic Next-generation Sequencing Frequently Fails to Detect MYD88 L265P in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e624. [PMID: 34291197 PMCID: PMC8288895 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Demos MG, Hunter ZR, Xu L, Tsakmaklis N, Kofides A, Munshi M, Liu X, Guerrera ML, Leventoff CR, White TP, Flynn CA, Meid K, Patterson CJ, Yang G, Branagan AR, Sarosiek S, Castillo JJ, Treon SP, Gustine JN. Cell-free DNA analysis for detection of MYD88 L265P and CXCR4 S338X mutations in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E250-E253. [PMID: 33819355 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Demos
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Zachary R. Hunter
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Lian Xu
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Nicholas Tsakmaklis
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Amanda Kofides
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Manit Munshi
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Maria Luisa Guerrera
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Carly R. Leventoff
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Timothy P. White
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Catherine A. Flynn
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Kirsten Meid
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Christopher J. Patterson
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Guang Yang
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Andrew R. Branagan
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
- Division of Medical Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Shayna Sarosiek
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Jorge J. Castillo
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Steven P. Treon
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Joshua N. Gustine
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
- Boston University School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts USA
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Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Gavriatopoulou M, Fotiou D, Dimopoulos MA. Current and novel BTK inhibitors in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2021; 12:2040620721989586. [PMID: 33613931 PMCID: PMC7874350 DOI: 10.1177/2040620721989586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic approach in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is being driven by insights in disease biology and genomic landscape. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a key role in signaling pathways for the survival of WM clone. BTK inhibition has changed the treatment landscape of the disease. Ibrutinib has resulted in deep and durable responses both as an upfront and salvage treatment with a manageable toxicity profile. However, the need for fewer off-target effects and deeper responses has resulted in the clinical development of second-generation BTK inhibitors. Zanubrutinib has resulted in clinically meaningful antitumor activity, including deep and durable responses, with a low discontinuation rate due to treatment-related toxicities. Cardiovascular adverse events seem to be milder compared with ibrutinib. Interestingly, the efficacy of zanubrutinib in WM is significant both for MYD88L265P and MYD88WT patients. Although the randomized, phase III ASPEN clinical trial did not meet its primary endpoint in terms of showing a superiority of zanubrutinib in deep responses compared with ibrutinib, secondary efficacy and safety endpoints underscore the potential clinical role of zanubrutinib in the treatment algorithm of WM independent of the MYD88 mutational status. Combination regimens and non-covalent BTK inhibitors are emerging as promising treatment strategies. Long-term data will determine whether next-generation BTK inhibitors are more potent and safer compared with ibrutinib, and whether they are able to overcome resistance to ibrutinib, either alone or in combination with inhibitors of other interrelated molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gavriatopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Fotiou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens 11528, Greece
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Despina F, Meletios Athanasios D, Efstathios K. Emerging drugs for the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2020; 25:433-444. [PMID: 32955949 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1822816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is an indolent lymphoma with uniquely distinct and heterogenous clinical and genomic profiles. Clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells secrete monoclonal IgM. More than 90% of patients harbor a mutation in MYD88 gene, leading to the constitutive activation of downstream pathways, involving BTK-mediated signaling. The use of BTK inhibitors has changed the treatment landscape of WM and has paved the way for new approaches to therapy. AREAS COVERED WM is an orphan disease and ibrutinib is the only FDA/EMA approved agent. Currently established agent combinations will be reviewed with a focus on emerging therapeutic options. These include second generation inhibitors, agents that target other molecules in the BCR signaling pathway, CXCR4 inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 antibodies. The current research goal is to establish a combination that can induce deep and durable responses with minimal associated toxicity. In addition, agents that can overcome ibrutinib resistance or act in a synergistic manner with BTKi are under investigation. EXPERT OPINION The optimal therapeutic approach for WM patients is not currently established. The question of whether a combinatory (or synergistic) regimen to overcome resistance and allow for fixed- duration treatment will allow for deep/durable responses is being addressed in ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotiou Despina
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Dimopoulos Meletios Athanasios
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Kastritis Efstathios
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
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Gavriatopoulou M, Fotiou D, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Dimopoulos MA. The current role of BTK inhibitors in the treatment of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:663-674. [PMID: 32631091 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1791705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by heterogeneous clinical and genomic profile. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is central to the signaling pathways required for clonal WM cell survival, and BTK inhibitors currently have an imperative role in the treatment of WM. AREAS COVERED The central role of BTK in WM will be described, and the rationale behind the development of BTKi. Clinical trial data that led to the approval of ibrutinib (the first-in-class BTKi) will be reviewed. Despite its potency and safe toxicity profile, ibrutinib does not induce deep remissions, and responses are mutational-status dependent. The mechanisms that lead to resistance to this agent are being investigated. Ibrutinib treatment has to be continuous; consequently, patients face the effects of long-term toxicity. In that context, second-generation inhibitors are in clinical development with fewer off-target effects and an efficacy profile, which will be determined based on long-term follow-up data. EXPERT OPINION The optimal therapeutic approach for WM patients remains to be established. The question of whether a combinatory (or synergistic) regimen to overcome resistance and allow for a fixed treatment duration will allow for deep and durable response is being addressed in ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gavriatopoulou
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Fotiou
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
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12
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Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Gavriatopoulou M, Terpos E, Fotiou D, Kastritis E, Dimopoulos MA. Monitoring Plasma Cell Dyscrasias With Cell-free DNA Analysis. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2020; 20:e905-e909. [PMID: 32723621 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of cell-free tumor DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a promising method to determine the evolving genomic landscape of the whole tumor compartment, mainly in solid malignancies. Plasma cell dyscrasias are characterized by complex and constantly changing genomic aberrations that are important in terms of prognosis, evaluation of the minimal residual disease, and response monitoring. In multiple myeloma, the detection of clonal immunoglobulin rearrangements and driver gene mutations in the cfDNA has shown high concordance rates with their identification in bone marrow-derived tumor DNA. In Waldenström macroglobulinemia, cfDNA can be a reliable alternative to bone marrow aspiration for determining the mutational status of the MYD88 and CXCR4 genes. Importantly, cfDNA can be representative of the whole bone marrow compartment and of extramedullary sites in contrast to the sampling of a single bone marrow site. However, standardization and validation of the techniques are necessary before integrating cfDNA in the clinical practice. Therefore, we encourage the conduction of clinical trials with novel cfDNA-based designs and the adoption of cfDNA-guided endpoints in order to precisely determine the role of cfDNA in the current management of plasma cell dyscrasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gavriatopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Fotiou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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