Sustained improvement in cardiac function with persistent amyloid deposition in a patient with multiple myeloma-associated cardiac amyloidosis treated with bortezomib

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2020 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and "atypical smoldering multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy undetermined significance (MGUS)."

DIAGNOSIS

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory. The gold standard is laser capture mass spectroscopy.

PROGNOSIS

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum troponin T, and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

THERAPY

All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include systolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, troponin T < 0.06 ng/mL and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone or daratumumab-containing regimens as it appears to be highly active in AL amyloidosis.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Delayed diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy prior to the development of end-stage organ failure.

Soluble tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor improved the function, hypertrophy, and granular sparkling appearance of the left ventricular myocardium in systemic amyloid A amyloidosis: a case report

Background

About 7% of amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis cases are accompanied by heart disease. Although several studies have recently reported that specific biologicals improved renal function in AA amyloidosis, little evidence is available regarding heart disease in AA amyloidosis.

Case summary

A 57-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis presented with sudden worsening of renal function. Echocardiography revealed granular sparkling appearance in the ventricular septum and posterior wall (PW). Echocardiography indicated left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) exhibited an apical sparing pattern. Cardiac biopsy demonstrated amyloid A deposition on immunostaining. Soluble tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor etanercept therapy was initiated. Four years later, echocardiography showed improved diastolic function, including E/A and E/e’, and decreased wall thickness in both the interventricular septum and PW of the left ventricle. Granular sparkling appearance had diminished. Moreover, the LV dysfunction improved on GLS. Five years later, the medication was gradually losing effect and the patient had worsening pain in the joints; moreover, articular destruction was observed on radiography. The patient was switched to abatacept therapy. Echocardiography showed recurrence of LV hypertrophy and electrocardiogram showed down-sloped ST depression in V4–6 leads.

Discussion

This case indicates that etanercept can be effective for heart disease in AA amyloidosis. Of particular, interest is the improvement of granular sparkling appearance in addition to cardiac function improvement noted in this case.

Improving sensitivity of amyloid detection by Congo red stain by using polarizing microscope and avoiding pitfalls

Systemic amyloidosis is a devastating group of disorders for which there is no current cure. The treatment goal is to reduce the burden of amyloidogenic protein precursors. The treatment is only effective if applied early in the disease process before significant and irreversible end organ damage has taken place. Congo red is still the standard stain used in most histopathology laboratories to identify amyloid material in tissues. The identification of Congophilic amyloid material is challenging because of multiple interfering factors. Here we describe improved sensitivity of identifying Congophilic materials in histologic sections using a metallurgical polarized microscope specifically constructed for polarized microscopy. The microscope is equipped with strain-free optics, matching polarizers, dis-integrated compensators, and a circular mobile stage. Compared to a standard clinical microscope, this setup significantly improves sensitivity of identifying amyloid material in Congo red-stained slides. We also describe the deleterious effect of plastic coverslip which can interfere with the ability to examine the slides under polarized light. We present a series of 10 different patients who had cardiac, brain, and salivary gland biopsies that were either equivocal or deemed negative using a standard clinical microscope but were positive using the equipment described above. These samples were confirmed to be positive by other methods including electron microscopy. We conclude that use of the correct equipment is needed before ruling out amyloidosis in tissue sections.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2018 Update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and "atypical multiple myeloma."

DIAGNOSIS

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow, salivary gland, or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory. The gold standard is laser capture mass spectroscopy.

PROGNOSIS

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum troponin T, and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

THERAPY

All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg, troponin T < 0.06 ng/mL, age < 70 years, and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan-dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone. Daratumumab appears to be highly active in AL amyloidosis. Antibodies designed to dissolve existing amyloid deposits are under study.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Delayed diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants will be better able to: Master recognition of clinical presentations that should raise suspicion of amyloidosis. Understand simple techniques for confirming the diagnosis and providing material to classify the protein subunit. Recognize that a tissue diagnosis of amyloidosis does not indicate whether the amyloid is systemic or of immunoglobulin light chain origin. Understand the roles of the newly introduced chemotherapeutic and investigational antibody regimens for the therapy of light chain amyloidosis.

A retrospective analysis of 3954 patients in phase 2/3 trials of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma: towards providing a benchmark for the cardiac safety profile of proteasome inhibition in multiple myeloma

This retrospective analysis aimed to establish the overall cardiac safety profile of bortezomib using patient-level data from one phase 2 and seven phase 3 studies in previously untreated and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Seven clinically relevant primary [congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cardiac death] and secondary (hypertension, dyspnoea, oedema) cardiac endpoints were defined based on MedDRA v16.0 preferred terms. 2509 bortezomib-treated patients and 1445 patients in non-bortezomib-based control arms were included. The incidence of grade ≥3 CHF was 1·3-4·0% in studies in relapsed/refractory MM and 1·2-4·7% in previously untreated MM (2·0-7·6% all grades), with no significant differences between bortezomib- and non-bortezomib-based arms in comparative studies. Incidences of arrhythmias (1·3-5·9% grade ≥2; 0·6-4·1% grade ≥3), IHD (1·2-2·9% all grades; 0·4-2·7% grade ≥3) and cardiac death (0-1·4%) were low, with no differences between bortezomib-based and non-bortezomib-based arms. Higher rates of oedema (mostly grade 1/2) were seen in bortezomib-based versus non-bortezomib-based arms in one study and a pooled transplant study analysis. Logistic regression analyses of comparative studies showed no impact on cardiac risk with bortezomib-based versus non-bortezomib-based treatment. Bortezomib-based treatment was associated with low incidences of cardiac events.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2016 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and atypical multiple myeloma.

DIAGNOSIS

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with applegreen birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow biopsy or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory.

PROGNOSIS

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), serum troponin T, and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

THERAPY

All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure of involved sites. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include systolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, troponin T <0.06 ng mL21, age <70 years, and serum creatinine 1.7 mg dL21. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan-dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone. Other combinations of chemotherapy with agents such as cyclophosphamide-thalidomide (or lenalidomide)-dexamethasone, bortezomib-dexamethasone, and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide have documented activity. Antibodies designed to dissolve existing amyloid deposits are under study for previously treated and untreated patients. Late diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy. Am. J. Hematol., 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Am. J. Hematol. 91:948-956, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2014 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and atypical multiple myeloma.

DIAGNOSIS

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow biopsy or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory.

PROGNOSIS

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum troponin T, and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

THERAPY

All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure of involved sites. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include NT-proBNP <5,000 ng/mL, troponin T <0.06 ng/mL, age <70 years, <3 organs involved, and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan-dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone. Other combinations of chemotherapy with agents such as cyclophosphamide-thalidomide (or lenalidomide)-dexamethasone, bortezomib-dexamethasone, and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide have documented activity. Future Challenges: Late diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy. Recognizing the presenting syndromes is necessary for improving survival.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2013 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of Ig light chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and atypical multiple myeloma.

DIAGNOSIS

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow biopsy or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is of immunoglobulin origin is mandatory.

PROGNOSIS

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum troponin T, and immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

THERAPY

All patients with a visceral amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other viscera and prevent progressive organ failure of involved sites. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include NT-proBNP <5,000 ng/mL, troponin T < 0.06 ng/mL, age <70 years, <3 organs involved, and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan-dexamethasone. Pomalidomide appears to have activity, as do other combinations of chemotherapy with agents such as cyclophosphamide-thalidomide (or lenalidomide or bortezomib)-dexamethasone, bortezomib-dexamethasone, and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Late diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy when organ dysfunction is still recoverable. Recognizing the presenting syndromes is necessary for improving survival.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly and twice-weekly bortezomib in patients with relapsed systemic AL amyloidosis: results of a phase 1/2 study

This first prospective phase 2 study of single-agent bortezomib in relapsed primary systemic AL amyloidosis evaluated the recommended (maximum planned) doses identified in phase 1 testing (1.6 mg/m2 once weekly [days 1, 8, 15, and 22; 35-day cycles]; 1.3 mg/m2 twice weekly [days 1, 4, 8, and 11; 21-day cycles]). Among all 70 patients enrolled in the study, 44% had ≥ 3 organs involved, including 73% and 56% with renal and cardiac involvement. In the 1.6 mg/m2 once-weekly and 1.3 mg/m2 twice-weekly groups, the hematologic response rate was 68.8% and 66.7% (37.5% and 24.2% complete responses, respectively); median time to first/best response was 2.1/3.2 and 0.7/1.2 months, and 78.8% and 75.5% had response durations of ≥ 1 year, respectively. One-year hematologic progression-free rates were 72.2% and 74.6%, and 1-year survival rates were 93.8% and 84.0%, respectively. Outcomes appeared similar in patients with cardiac involvement. Among all 70 patients, organ responses included 29% renal and 13% cardiac responses. Rates of grade ≥ 3 toxicities (79% vs 50%) and discontinuations/dose reductions (38%/53% vs 28%/22%) resulting from toxicities appeared higher with 1.3 mg/m2 twice-weekly versus 1.6 mg/m2 once-weekly dosing. Both bortezomib dose schedules represent active, well-tolerated regimens in relapsed AL amyloidosis. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00298766.