Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in POEMS Syndrome: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Newly Diagnosed POEMS Syndrome

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome is a rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia often treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). ASCT has resulted in satisfactory and sustained therapeutic outcomes. However, a substantial number of patients eventually experience disease progression, requiring second-line treatment. Therefore, it would be of further benefit to identify patients who will acquire the best long-term survival after ASCT. The aim of this study was to fully reveal the outcomes of patients undergoing ASCT in a large series with long-term follow-up. Long-term outcomes of 239 patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome undergoing ASCT at a single center were evaluated retrospectively. Rates of hematologic complete response (CRH) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) complete response (CRV) were 57.3% and 68.6%, respectively, with 90.5% of patients achieving an overall clinical response. At a median follow-up of 94 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 92.8%, and the 5-year time to next-line treatment (TTNT) rate was 72.2% (median TTNT, 96 months). Patients achieving CRH (5-year TTNT rate, 82.5% versus 60.7%; P < .0001) or CRV (5-year TTNT rate 83.7% versus 54.2%; P < .0001) had better survival outcomes compared to non-CR group patients. Dual hematologic and VEGF complete responses carry further benefit for survival (median TTNT, 129 months versus 68 months; P < .0001). Seven cases of second primary malignancy were recorded, all of which were solid tumors. Front-line ASCT resulted in excellent long-term survival in patients with POEMS syndrome, with the best survival observed in those achieving dual hematologic and VEGF CRs.

Efficacy of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome patients

Background

Due to the rarity of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, the best first-line treatment has not been established, although there are several options in guidelines. The preferred treatments vary according to the preference of the physician and anecdote.

Objectives

First, to analyze the efficacy of a new treatment mode in POEMS syndrome that uses the four-cycle treatment as the induction regimen, followed by sequential transplantation as the consolidation regimen for transplantation-eligible patients, or received another two-cycle treatment for transplantation-ineligible patients. Second, to compare the efficacy and safety of regimens with a proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone, BCD) or without a proteasome inhibitor (cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone ± thalidomide, CD ± T).

Design

We conducted a retrospective study using real-world data from Capital Medical University, Xuanwu Hospital.

Methods

A total of 34 newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome patients met Dispenzieri's diagnostic criteria, and those who completed at least four cycles of treatment from July 2013 to March 2021 were included.

Results

The overall vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) response rate of this new treatment mode was 100%. The cumulative VEGF complete remission (CRV) rate was 67.9%, and the cumulative complete hematological response (CRH) rate was 55.6%. During the median 49-month follow-up, the 5-year-overall survival (OS) rate was 90.7%, the 3-year-progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 78.4%, and the 5-year-PFS rate was 73.8%. The BCD regimen achieved a 75% CRV rate (median time from diagnosis to CRV = 130 days) and 66.7% CRH rate (median time from diagnosis to CRH = 218 days). In addition, the VEGF response was less than the partial remission (PRV) after four-cycle induction treatment, which, together with a decrease on the Overall Neurological Limitation Scale of less than three points 1 year after consolidation treatment, was an independent poor prognostic factor.

Conclusion

Bortezomib was well-tolerated by patients with POEMS syndrome. Compared with CD ± T regimen, BCD as the induction regimen achieved better VEGF response and earlier hematological remission. Autologous stem cell transplantation used as consolidation therapy further improved the neurological and hematological remission rates, resulting in better OS and PFS.

A Multicenter Analysis of Clinical Features and Long-Term Outcomes of POEMS Syndrome in Korea

BACKGROUND

POEMS syndrome is a rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal proteins, and skin changes. Owing to its low incidence, there are few reports regarding this syndrome. This multicenter study included 84 patients diagnosed with POEMS syndrome in South Korea.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 84 patients diagnosed with POEMS syndrome at 8 hospitals in South Korea between January 2000 and October 2022. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 53 years (range, 26-77 years), and 63.1% of the patients were male. All patients had peripheral neuropathy, and 81 (96.4%) had monoclonal plasma cell proliferation. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels were available for 32 patients with a median of 821 pg/mL (range, 26-12,900 pg/mL). Other common features included skin changes (54.2%), volume overload (71.4%), and organomegaly (72.6%). Of the 84 patients, 75 received initial treatment (local radiotherapy, 6 [8.0%]; chemotherapy, 17 [22.7%]; both chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, 9 [12.0%]), upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), 43 (57.3%; with induction chemotherapy, n = 12, 16.0%; without induction chemotherapy, n = 31, 41.3%). The median follow-up duration was 40.7 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 78%, and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 55%. Patients who underwent upfront ASCT and were diagnosed after 2014 had a longer OS and PFS.

CONCLUSION

The demographics of Korean patients with POEMS syndrome were similar to those reported previously. Because of the introduction of new treatment agents and the reduced rate of transplant-related mortality related to ASCT, the treatment outcomes of Korean patients with POEMS syndrome have improved in recent years.

POEMS syndrome: Update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management

DISEASE OVERVIEW

POEMS syndrome is a life-threatening condition due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder, sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria.

RISK STRATIFICATION

Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. Risk factors include low serum albumin, age, pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

For those patients with a dominant plasmacytoma, first-line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators and lenalidomide are the mainstays of treatment, the former either in the form of low-dose conventional therapy or as high-dose conditioning for stem cell transplantation. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Daratumumab combinations also appear promising based on case series. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.

Evidence-based medical treatment of POEMS syndrome

POEMS syndrome is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic disorder due to an underlying low-level plasma cell dyscrasia. Due to its rarity, there are limited data to guide treatment and there are no consensus guidelines. Therapy choices are dictated by patient characteristics, disease factors and local funding arrangements. The goals of therapy are to eradicate the underlying clone in order to improve quality of life and overall survival. Most evidence has been garnered in the front-line setting. Localised disease responds well to radiotherapy, whilst for those with systemic disease, the best outcomes are demonstrated with induction chemotherapy followed up with high-dose melphalan and stem cell rescue if eligible. For transplant-ineligible patients lenalidomide-dexamethasone remains a preferred treatment option. Data in the relapse setting are scarce. Supportive care including management of neuropathy, endocrinopathy, thrombotic risk and anti-infective agents is necessary. Future international collaboration is crucial to define optimal treatment strategies particularly in the relapse setting.

Ixazomib Combined With Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for POEMS Syndrome: A Case Report and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare monoclonal plasma cell proliferation disorder. At present, there is no unified treatment for POEMS syndrome. Here, we describe one case with POEMS syndrome with obvious neurological symptoms diagnosed in September 2020. We made a meta--analysis to assess the efficacy of treatment strategies in recent years. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the diagnosis and treatment of this patient, and searched relevant articles in PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases using MedicalSubject Headings (MeSH) (eg, POEMS, Therapy, Drug Therapy, Biological Therapy, Combined Modality Therapy, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunotherapy, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Chemoradiotherapy, and Salvage Therapy) and free words, and performed the statistical analysis. Results: The patient's efficacy evaluation was complete response (CR) after treatment with ixazomib combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Overall, 20 articles consist of 6 clinical trials, 14 retrospective studies, and 936 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in complete hematologic response (CR_H) rate between people who underwent ASCT and those who did not. However, ASCT might have a better survival rate. Conclusions: Ixazomib combined with ASCT therapy may be a safe and effective method for patients with POEMS syndrome.

POEMS Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein elevation, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder that occurs due to an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. A diagnosis is made with the presence of two mandatory criteria and at least one major and one minor criterion. We present a case of a 28-year-old patient who presented with weakness of bilateral arms and legs, thinning of hands, and swelling of bilateral lower limbs and abdomen. The patient also reported weight loss and loss of appetite. Examination revealed areflexic quadriparesis with sensory loss, diffuse lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion, ascites, and pulmonary hypertension. Investigations showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Nerve conduction studies revealed severe axonal polyneuropathy of all nerves. Lymph node biopsy showed Castleman disease. A diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was made and he was sent for a stem cell transplant, which is the definitive treatment in patients eligible for stem cell transplant.

Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Gammopathy, and Skin Changes) Syndrome: A Review

Importance

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome is a rare plasma cell disorder characterized by demyelinating peripheral neuropathy and clonal plasma cell proliferation. Clinical manifestations are believed to be associated with a surge of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators, including interleukins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), elicited by clonal and polyclonal plasma cells. The clinical manifestations of POEMS syndrome can be debilitating; therefore, early diagnosis is essential. This review discusses several aspects of POEMS syndrome and includes the most recently published findings, with a special emphasis on diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Observations

POEMS syndrome may be underdiagnosed because of its rarity, and it can be mistaken for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; this misdiagnosis may lead to delayed therapy and progressive worsening of symptoms, especially neuropathy. Therefore, in addition to measurement of the VEGF level, patients with a monoclonal protein detected in blood and/or urine and neuropathy should be evaluated for POEMS syndrome with use of imaging to assess whether sclerotic bone lesions, effusions, and organomegaly are present. Clinical trials are scant, and treatment is largely based on small case series in which plasma cell-directed therapies, borrowed from the myeloma armamentarium, were used. High-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation may be offered to eligible patients. Lenalidomide and dexamethasone can be prescribed for patients who are ineligible for transplants. The main goals of therapy are to attain complete hematologic and VEGF responses and to reduce symptoms, although it may take up to 3 years for neurologic deficits to be ameliorated.

Conclusions and Relevance

POEMS syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients who have peripheral neuropathy and paraproteinemia among other multisystem manifestations. The syndrome can be debilitating if not recognized early in its course; thus, appropriate diagnosis and treatment are important for optimal clinical outcomes.

A relapse of POEMS syndrome presenting as acute kidney injury

Peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare disease, and only in a minority of cases, causes an impairment of kidney function. Here, we describe a case of a 55-year-old man with a history of POEMS syndrome who presented with acute kidney injury following a routine blood test. On further investigation, a relapse in POEMS syndrome was diagnosed, uniquely isolated to renal involvement.

What is the best first-line treatment for POEMS syndrome: autologous transplantation, melphalan and dexamethasone, or lenalidomide and dexamethasone?

POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia. This study compared the responses to and survival of 347 POEMS syndrome patients given three first-line treatment regimens: autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT, N = 165) and melphalan + dexamethasone (MDex, N = 79), or lenalidomide + dexamethasone (LDex, N = 103). After a median 45-month follow-up, overall hematologic complete remission (CR_H) was 46.4%, vascular endothelial growth factor complete remission (CR_V) was 55.1%, and neurological remission (R_N) was 93.8%. CR_H was better with ASCT (49.7%) than with MDex (37.7%, p = 0.001). CR_V was better with ASCT (66.2%) than with MDex (38.5%, p = 0.001) or LDex (47.7%, p = 0.008). Differences in R_N achieved by three regimens (91.5% vs. 100% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.234) were not significant. Overall 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 80.5% and overall 3-year overall survival (OS) was 90.8%. PFS was 87.6% with ASCT and 64.9% with LDex (p = 0.003). OS in the three regimens did not differ (p = 0.079). In medium-high risk patients, ASCT had better CR_H and CR_V than MDex, and better PFS than LDex. Therefore, although all three treatments had reasonable responses and survivals, patients with higher risk may benefit more from ASCT treatment.

Clonal immunoglobulin λ light-chain gene rearrangements detected by next generation sequencing in POEMS syndrome

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, extravascular fluid overload, M protein, and a myriad of skin changes. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, but monoclonal plasma cells are λ-restricted and these immunoglobulin λ light chain variable (IGLV) region genes are derived from only two germlines, either IGLV1-44 or 1-40. Here we analyzed the clonal IGLV gene rearrangements of genomic DNA samples of bone marrow mononuclear cells using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to understand the clonal composition of IGLV genes in patients with POEMS syndrome (n = 30). The dominant IGLV gene rearrangement of POEMS syndrome-specific germline sequences were significantly increased in 11 POEMS patients (36.7%; IGLV1-44: n = 9, IGLV1-40: n = 2). In some cases, IGLV gene rearrangement clone was not detected as significant increase but was detected using cDNA samples by heteroduplex (HD) analysis and Sanger sequencing, suggesting that the quite small number of monoclonal plasma cells may produce large quantity of mRNA of monoclonal proteins. However, significant increase of dominant clone sizes was not directly linked to the initial disease status. On the other hand, in cases with significantly increased dominant clones, they decreased and increased accompanying with disease remission and relapse. These data demonstrate that monoclonal plasma cells are related to the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome.