Perspectives on the Origins of Multiple Myeloma and Plasmacytomas in Mice

Retroperitoneal extramedullary plasmacytoma: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

The incidence of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) accounts for 3% to 4% of all cases of generalized plasmacytoma. The most common pathogenic sites are the head and the neck. It is noteworthy that the pathogenic site in this case is extraperitoneal, which is uncommon in clinical practice. In this case report, we aim to discuss the clinical features and diagnosis as well as the treatment methods of EMP.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 30-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to a palpable right upper abdominal mass without symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fever, or oliguria.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS

Enhanced CT scan showed a right retroperitoneal mass, which we considered to be isolated fibroma. Multiple myeloma (MM) was excluded through whole-body diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and bone marrow biopsy. The patient underwent retroperitoneal tumor resection, and the postoperative pathology revealed plasmacytoma. Thereafter, she received only postoperative radiotherapy.

OUTCOMES

During the radiotherapy, the patient's condition and appetite were acceptable with I° gastrointestinal reaction. The CT examination of the chest and upper abdomen performed 4, 8, and 12 months after the radiotherapy still showed postoperative and postradiotherapy changes after retroperitoneal plasmacytoma resection without obvious abnormal signs. No recurrence and metastasis were detected after a one-year follow-up.

LESSONS

Retroperitoneal extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare condition that is frequently a diagnostic challenge, mainly due to its unusual location and nonspecific symptoms, especially in the early stages. The diagnosis of EMP is made through a combination of imaging and pathological examination. Presently, the combinations of radiotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy are the primary treatments, usually leading to an acceptable local control rate. The application of chemotherapy, however, should be carefully considered.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the rectum complicating ulcerative colitis

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) arising in the rectum is an extremely rare clinical entity. Only ten cases have been reported in the English-language literature. We experienced a case of an EMP in the rectum of a 55-year-old man with an 8-year history of proctitis-type ulcerative colitis (UC). The plasmacytoma appeared as an 8-mm semipedunculated polypoid lesion in the actively inflamed rectal mucosa when the remittent UC flared. The tumor was treated using endoscopic mucosal resection. This is the second case of rectal EMP associated with UC after a similar report was published in 2004. Both patients had a chronic history of proctitis-type UC and were taking no immunosuppressive agents that could cause Epstein-Barr virus-associated plasmacytoma, such as thiopurines. The UC activity seemed to correspond well with the development of the rectal EMP. Therefore, we herein discuss a possible association between rectal EMP and UC and review the past literature of rectal EMP.

Targeting the IGF-1R signaling and mechanisms for epigenetic gene silencing in human multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B cell malignancy characterized by the expansion of clonal plasmablast/plasma cells within the bone-marrow. It is well established that the bone-marrow microenvironment has a pivotal role in providing critical cytokines and cell-cell interactions to support the growth and survival of the MM tumor clone. The pathogenesis of MM is, however, only fragmentarily understood. Detailed genomic analysis reveals a heterogeneous and complex pattern of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations. In this review we will discuss some of the recent results on the functional role and potential clinical use of the IGF-1R, one of the major mediators of growth and survival for MM. We will also describe some of our results on epigenetic gene silencing in MM, as it may indeed constitute a novel basis for the understanding of tumor initiation and maintenance in MM and thus may change the current view on treatment strategies for MM.

Proliferation of NS0 cells in protein-free medium: the role of cell-derived proteins, known growth factors and cellular receptors

NS0 cells proliferate without external supply of growth factors in protein-free media. We hypothesize that the cells produce their own factors to support proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms behind this autocrine regulation of proliferation may open for the novel approaches to improve animal cell processes. The following proteins were identified in NS0 conditioned medium (CM): cyclophilin A, cyclophilin B (CypB), cystatin C, D-dopachrome tautomerase, IL-25, isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), beta(2)-microglobulin, Niemann pick type C2, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, thioredoxin-1, TNF-alpha, tumour protein translationally controlled 1 and ubiquitin. Further, cDNA microarray analysis indicated that the genes for IL-11, TNF receptor 6, TGF-beta receptor 1 and the IFN-gamma receptor were transcribed. CypB, IFN-alpha/beta/gamma, IL-11, IL-25, MIF, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha as well as the known growth factors EGF, IGF-I/II, IL-6, leukaemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin M (OSM) were excluded as involved in autocrine regulation of NS0 cell proliferation. The receptors for TGF-beta, IGF and OSM are however present in NS0 cell membranes since TGF-beta(1) caused cell death, and IGF-I/II and OSM improved cell growth. Even though no ligand was found, the receptor subunit gp130, active in signal transduction of the IL-6 like proteins, was shown to be essential for NS0 cells as demonstrated by siRNA gene silencing.

Extramedullary pasmacytoma masquerading as chalazion

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare entity that belongs to the category of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EMP make up 4% of all plasma cell tumors and occur mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. Primary plasmacytoma involving the orbit is rare. There is a relation between solitary plasmacytoma and subsequent development of multiple myeloma. As no predictors of progression have been identified patients need indefinite follow-up. The authors report a case of EMP involving the eyelid in an otherwise healthy adult female.

Oncologic progression of bone plasmacytomas to multiple myeloma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical aspects, diagnoses, prognostic factors, and percent progression of plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

103 medical records of patients suspected of plasmacytoma were surveyed covering the period between 1950 and 1998, and 30 were selected for analysis. Patients were classified into 2 groups: patients who did (n = 17) and did not (n = 13) progress to multiple myeloma. Comparative statistics regarding a variety of clinical aspects were developed.

RESULTS

Patients who progressed to multiple myeloma were younger than those who did not (52.3 +/- 2.6 vs 62.6 +/- 3.4 years; mean +/- SEM; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in gender between groups. A higher incidence of multiple recurrence was observed in patients who progressed to multiple myeloma (75%, P = 0.049). Both groups showed a prevalence of vertebral column injuries. No significant differences were found between groups regarding the disease period (from the onset of symptoms until diagnosis) (P = 0.20) and survival (P = 0.34). The average time to progression from plasmacytoma to myeloma was 41 +/- 39 months (mean +/- SD), and the progression rate was 57%.

CONCLUSION

Patients who progressed to multiple myeloma were younger than those who did not. No significant differences were found between groups regarding sex, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, and survival time. In both groups, the most affected anatomic location was the vertebral column, and most affected sex was male. The average time to progression to multiple myeloma was 41 months. It was not possible to determine the factors that influenced the survival of patients with plasmacytoma or for those who progressed to multiple myeloma.

Identification of Two Groups of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Patients Who Are Either High or Low Producers of Interleukin-1

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is abnormally expressed by the plasma cells obtained from myeloma patients, and it is a potent inducer of the important myeloma growth factor, IL-6. We investigated whether levels of IL-1beta biologic activity might distinguish different groups of patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). We measured the ability of IL-6 production by bone marrow stromal cells to serve as a surrogate marker for IL-1beta biologic activity. Using this IL-1beta bioassay, we found that it is sensitive at < 1 pg/ml of recombinant IL-1beta and that IL-1beta biologic activity is detectable with either mature or pro-IL-1beta-transduced myeloma cell lines. Patients with active myeloma induced quantitatively higher levels of stromal cell IL-6 production when compared with those with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The bioassay distinguished two groups of SMM patients, those who were high producers, similar to patients with active MM, and those who were low producers, comparable to MGUS patients. IL-1 antagonists inhibited the paracrine IL-6 production by > or = 90% in the majority of patients with an elevated IL-6 level. Based on such studies, it may be possible to predict patients that will progress to active MM and to delay or prevent this progression with IL-1 antagonists.

Genetics and cytogenetics of multiple myeloma: a workshop report

Much has been learned regarding the biology and clinical implications of genetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma. Because of recent advances in the field, an International Workshop was held in Paris in february of 2003. This summary describes the consensus recommendations arising from that meeting with special emphasis on novel genetic observations. For instance, it is increasingly clear that translocations involving the immunoglobin heavy-chain locus are important for the pathogenesis of one-half of patients. As a corollary, it also clear that the remaining patients, lacking IgH translocations, have hyperdiploidy as the hallmark of their disease. Several important genetic markers are associated with a shortened survival such as chromosome 13 monosomy, hypodiploidy, and others. The events leading the transformation of the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to myeloma are still unclear. One of the few differential genetic lesions between myeloma and MGUS is the presence of ras mutations in the latter. Gene expression platforms are capable of detecting many of the genetic aberrations found in the clonal cells of myeloma. Areas in need of further study were identified. The study of the genetic aberrations will likely form the platform for targeted therapy for the disease.

The role of DNA breaks in genomic instability and tumorigenesis

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) represent dangerous chromosomal lesions that can lead to mutation, neoplastic transformation, or cell death. DSBs can occur by extrinsic insult from environmental sources or may occur intrinsically as a result of cellular metabolism or a genetic program. Mammalian cells possess potent and efficient mechanisms to repair DSBs, and thus complete normal development as well as mitigate oncogenic potential and prevent cell death. When DSB repair (DSBR) fails, chromosomal instability results and can be associated with tumor formation or progression. Studies of mice deficient in various components of the non-homologous end joining pathway of DSBR have revealed key roles in both the developmental program of B and T lymphocytes as well as in the maintenance of general genome stability. Here, we review the current thinking about DSBs and DSBR in chromosomal instability and tumorigenesis, and we highlight the implications for understanding the karyotypic features associated with human tumors.

Clinical and biologic implications of recurrent genomic aberrations in myeloma

Nonrandom recurrent chromosomal abnormalities are ubiquitous in multiple myeloma (MM) and include, among others, translocations of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IgH). IgH translocations in MM result in the up-regulation of oncogenes, and include more commonly t(11;14)(q13;q32), t(4;14)(p16;q32), and t(14;16)(q32;q23). Based on the recurrent nature of these translocations and their finding since the early stages of the plasma cell (PC) disorders, we hypothesized that they would confer biologic and clinical variability. In addition, deletions of 13q14 and 17p13 have also been associated with a shortened survival. We used cytoplasmic Ig-enhanced interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect deletions (13q14 and 17p13.1), and translocations involving IgH in 351 patients treated with conventional chemotherapy entered into the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group clinical trial E9486/9487. Translocations were frequently unbalanced with loss of one of the derivative chromosomes. The presence of t(4; 14)(p16;q32) (n = 42; 26 vs 45 months, P <.001), t(14;16)(q32;q23) (n = 15; 16 vs 41 months, P =.003), - 17p13 (n = 37; 23 vs 44 months, P =.005), and - 13q14 (n = 176; 35 vs 51 months, P =.028) were associated with shorter survival. A stratification of patients into 3 distinct categories allowed for prognostication: poor prognosis group (t(4;14)(p16;q32), t(14; 16)(q32;q23), and - 17p13), intermediate prognosis (- 13q14), and good prognosis group (all others), with median survivals of 24.7, 42.3, and 50.5 months, respectively (P <.001). This molecular cytogenetic classification identifies patients into poor, intermediate, and good risk categories. More importantly it provides further compelling evidence that MM is composed of subgroups of patients categorized according to their underlying genomic aberrations.

Global gene expression profiling of multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and normal bone marrow plasma cells

Bone marrow plasma cells (PCs) from 74 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), 5 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and 31 healthy volunteers (normal PCs) were purified by CD138(+) selection. Gene expression of purified PCs and 7 MM cell lines were profiled using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays interrogating about 6800 genes. On hierarchical clustering analysis, normal and MM PCs were differentiated and 4 distinct subgroups of MM (MM1, MM2, MM3, and MM4) were identified. The expression pattern of MM1 was similar to normal PCs and MGUS, whereas MM4 was similar to MM cell lines. Clinical parameters linked to poor prognosis, abnormal karyotype (P =.002) and high serum beta(2)-microglobulin levels (P =.0005), were most prevalent in MM4. Also, genes involved in DNA metabolism and cell cycle control were overexpressed in a comparison of MM1 and MM4. In addition, using chi(2) and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, 120 novel candidate disease genes were identified that discriminate normal and malignant PCs (P <.0001); many are involved in adhesion, apoptosis, cell cycle, drug resistance, growth arrest, oncogenesis, signaling, and transcription. A total of 156 genes, including FGFR3 and CCND1, exhibited highly elevated ("spiked") expression in at least 4 of the 74 MM cases (range, 4-25 spikes). Elevated expression of these 2 genes was caused by the translocation t(4;14)(p16;q32) or t(11;14)(q13;q32). Thus, novel candidate MM disease genes have been identified using gene expression profiling and this profiling has led to the development of a gene-based classification system for MM.

Multiple myeloma and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection

Multiple myeloma (MM) in three human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is reported. HIV infection predisposes to the development of high-grade B-cell lymphomas, but few cases of plasma cell tumours in association with HIV have been reported. The coincidence of HIV infection and neoplasia highlights the distinct roles of immunodeficiency and infection with herpesviridae, including HIV itself, in the pathogenesis of HIV-related tumours. In addition, a number of cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and angiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and basic fibroblastic growth factor [bFGF]) may play a role in the initiation, maintenance, and progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Infection was the first clinical consideration to the cause of the illness in two of our HIV-seropositive patients. The diagnosis of MM may be difficult in patients with advanced HIV infection as they often have renal failure, bone marrow plasmacytosis, repeated infections, and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, due to HIV infection itself, opportunistic pathogens, and/or medication.

Biology of the Transition of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) to Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND: Approximately 25% of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) eventually develop multiple myeloma (MM) or a related plasma cell disorder that is universally fatal. In this report, we examine the changes that occur in the clonal plasma cell that are likely to be important in the progression of MGUS to active myeloma. METHODS: Studies that investigate the mechanisms involved in the multistep pathogenesis of monoclonal gammopathies are reviewed. Cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1-beta, adhesion molecules, viruses, and oncogenes including ras, bcl-2, Rb, and p53 are discussed. RESULTS: IL-1-beta is produced by plasma cells from virtually all MM patients but is undetectable in most MGUS patients. IL-1-beta has potent osteoclast activating factor activity, can increase the expression of adhesion molecules, and can induce paracrine IL-6 production. The increased production of adhesion molecules could explain why myeloma cells are found predominantly in the bone marrow. Subsequently, these "fixed" monoclonal plasma cells could now stimulate osteoclasts through the production of IL-1-beta and paracrine generation of IL-6 resulting in osteolytic disease. With continued progression of the myeloma, the monoclonal plasma cells may later acquire the ability to produce IL-6 in an autocrine fashion that will be manifested clinically by an elevated labeling index. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the progression of MGUS to myeloma may lead to novel therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of MM.

Human Papillomavirus Is Associated with Monoclonal Gammopathies of Unknown Significance

When monoclonal gammopathies arise in persons without evidence of plasma cell malignancy or lymphoproliferative disease, the term 'monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance' (MGUS) can be used. MGUS is believed to be the preneoplastic phase of lymphoproliferative diseases because many of these patients eventually develop malignant disease, mainly multiple myeloma. We have previously identified human papillomavirus (HPV) in a chronic benign plasma cell tumor of the cervix and in the bone marrow of multiple-myeloma patients. In the following study, we expanded upon our initial observation by analyzing 14 patients with MGUS. Bone marrow biopsies of the patients were analyzed for HPV sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. Normal controls included 26 bone marrow specimens, 24 analyzed by PCR and two by in situ hybridization. A significant association was found to exist between HPV and MGUS (p = 0.001). Among 14 patients with MGUS, HPV sequences have been identified in 10 of the bone marrow biopsies. These results suggest that HPV can reside in the bone marrow of a premalignant lymphoproliferative disease. Copyright 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel

Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults: clinicopathological and survival characteristics

Among 318 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated in our unit, 145 (45.6%) had primary extranodal NHL (PE-NHL). The stomach was the most common site (42.1%), followed by the PE-NHL of the head and neck region. Histologically aggressive histologies (65.5% intermediate and 20.7% high grade) predominated. 89.6% of the cases were localized (stage IE, 51% and stage II, 38.6%) but 28% had B symptoms. CR was achieved in 82.1% of the cases. 5-years disease free survival and overall survival were both 65%. Factors that influence prognosis were stage and high grade histology. Among various primary sites the Waldeyer's ring, small intestine and testes had the worse prognosis. Compared to nodal NHL, the PE-NHL were more frequently localized, belonged more often to aggressive histologies and had more often distal extranodal relapses. CR rates and disease free and overall survival were significantly better for PE-NHL. The survival rates, however, listed according to stage and histology for nodal and PE-NHL were not different. We conclude that although PE-NHL differed from nodal NHL in several respects, prognosis is mainly a factor of stage and histology rather than of the primary localization per se.

Role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of monoclonal gammopathies

OBJECTIVE

To review data that postulate a role for cytokines and oncogenes in the pathogenesis of monoclonal gammopathies.

DESIGN

Published studies that provide evidence of the clinical progression of normal B cells to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to active myeloma are discussed.

RESULTS

On the basis of mouse plasmacytoma models, increased expression of c-myc in B lymphocytes may be the initial oncogenic event that leads to MGUS in humans. Over time, this monoclonal subpopulation may acquire additional genetic abnormalities, such as aberrant interleukin (IL) 1 beta expression. Because IL 1 beta has potent osteoclast activating factor activity, increased production of IL 1 beta by monoclonal plasma cells may be the genetic event responsible for the progression of MGUS to myeloma. The in vivo plasma cell labeling index (proliferative rate) is the most powerful prognostic factor in patients with myeloma. The proliferative compartment observed in myeloma may parallel normal B-cell development because cytoplasmic immunoglobulin-positive cells with the ability to proliferate exist normally. With continued progression of disease, the ratio of proliferating monoclonal plasmablasts to nonproliferating monoclonal plasma cells may increase under the influence of cytokines such as IL 6.

CONCLUSION

A more complete understanding of the basic biologic features of myeloma should lead to innovative therapies in the future.