The skinny on obesity and plasma cell myeloma: a review of the literature

Impact of Visceral Obesity on Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Data Analysis of STaMINA (BMT CTN 0702) Trial

Obesity is a common health problem in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). We conducted a secondary analysis of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized, controlled trial comparing outcomes of 3 treatment interventions after a single hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) (n = 758), to investigate the impact of visceral obesity, as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), on clinical outcomes and QoL in MM patients. A total of 549 MM patients, median age 55.5 years, were enrolled in the study. The majority of patients received triple-drug antimyeloma initial therapy before enrollment, and 29% had high-risk disease according to cytogenetic assessment. The median duration of follow-up was 6 years. There was no significant association between WHR and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in MM patients undergoing HCT. Similarly, body mass index (BMI) did not significantly predict PFS or OS. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between WHR and QoL measures. This study suggests that visceral obesity, as measured by WHR, might not have a significant impact on clinical outcomes in MM patients undergoing HCT. These findings add to the existing literature on the topic and provide valuable information for healthcare professionals and MM patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to investigate other potential factors that may affect clinical outcomes and QoL in this patient population using modern imaging technologies to assess visceral obesity.

Mass spectrometry-detected MGUS is associated with obesity and other novel modifiable risk factors in a high-risk population

ABSTRACT

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant condition of multiple myeloma with few known risk factors. The emergence of mass spectrometry (MS) for the detection of MGUS has provided new opportunities to evaluate its risk factors. In total, 2628 individuals at elevated risk for multiple myeloma were enrolled in a screening study and completed an exposure survey (PROMISE trial). Participant samples were screened by MS, and monoclonal proteins (M-proteins) with concentrations of ≥0.2 g/L were categorized as MS-MGUS. Multivariable logistic models evaluated associations between exposures and MS outcomes. Compared with normal weight (body mass index [BMI] of 18.5 to <25 kg/m2), obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) was associated with MS-MGUS, adjusting for age, sex, Black race, education, and income (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.47; P = .003). High physical activity (≥73.5 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours per week vs <10.5 MET-hours per week) had a decreased likelihood of MS-MGUS (OR, 0.45, 95% CI, 0.24-0.80; P = .009), whereas heavy smoking and short sleep had increased likelihood of MS-MGUS (>30 pack-years vs never smoker: OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.24-3.74; P = .005, and sleep <6 vs ≥6 hours per day: OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.26-3.42; P = .003). In the analysis of all MS-detected monoclonal gammopathies, which are inclusive of M-proteins with concentrations of <0.2 g/L, elevated BMI and smoking were associated with all MS-positive cases. Findings suggest MS-detected monoclonal gammopathies are associated with a broader range of modifiable risk factors than what has been previously identified. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03689595.

Correlation Between Bariatric Surgery and the Risk of Multiple Myeloma: Results from an Evidence-Based Strategy

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a meta-analysis of current literature to assess whether bariatric surgery(BS) has a positive effect on reducing the risk of multiple myeloma(MM).

METHODS

Relevant studies meeting the criteria were systematically reviewed using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid platform), MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis utilized hazard ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to analyze the correlation between BS and the risk of MM. STATA software (version 12.0) was employed for the meta analysis.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 10 eligible studies, involving 2,452,503 patients with obesity. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity after bariatric surgery compared to non-surgical patients with obesity (RR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.31-0.84). Subgroup analyses revealed a decreased probability of developing multiple myeloma in European patients with obesity and North American patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. Studies with a sample size greater than or equal to 100,000 indicated a significantly reduced risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery compared to the non-surgical group (RR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.23-0.88, P < 0.02). Two publications before 2010 showed no significant difference in the incidence of multiple myeloma between the surgical and non-surgical groups (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.14-2.63, P = 0.504), while publications after 2010 demonstrated a reduced incidence in the surgical group (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86, P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis results suggest a reduced risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity following bariatric surgery.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42023485668.

Complex association of body mass index and outcomes in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with CAR-T cell immunotherapy

BACKGROUND AIMS

Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells have exhibited remarkable efficacy in treating refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Although obesity has a favorable value in enhancing the response to immunotherapy, less is known about its predictive value regarding the efficacy and prognosis of CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 111 patients with R/R MM who underwent CAR-T cell treatment. Using the body mass index (BMI) classification, the patients were divided into a normal-weight group (73/111) and an overweight group (38/111). We investigated the effect of BMI on CAR-T cell therapy outcomes in patients with R/R MM.

RESULTS

The objective remission rates after CAR-T cell infusion were 94.7% and 89.0% in the overweight and normal-weight groups, respectively. The duration of response and overall survival were not significant difference between BMI groups. Compared to normal-weight patients, overweight patients had an improved median progression-free survival. There was no significant difference in cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome between the subgroups. In terms of hematological toxicity, the erythrocyte, hemoglobin, platelet, leukocyte and neutrophil recovery was accelerated in the overweight group. Fewer patients in the overweight group displayed moderate percent CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratios compared to the normal-weight group. Furthermore, the percent CD4 ratios were positively correlated with the levels of cytokines [interleukin-2 (IL-2) (day 14), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (day 7) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (days 14 and 21)] after cells infusion. On the other hand, BMI was positively associated with the levels of IFN-γ (day 7) and TNF-α (days 14 and 21) after CAR-T cells infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study highlights the potential beneficial effect of a higher BMI on CAR-T cell therapy outcomes.

Design and Rationale of Prolonged Nightly Fasting for Multiple Myeloma Prevention (PROFAST): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

Obesity is an established, modifiable risk factor of multiple myeloma (MM); yet, no lifestyle interventions are routinely recommended for patients with overweight or obesity with MM precursor conditions. Prolonged nightly fasting is a simple, practical dietary regimen supported by research, suggesting that the synchronization of feeding-fasting timing with sleep-wake cycles favorably affects metabolic pathways implicated in MM. We describe the design and rationale of a randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating the efficacy of a regular, prolonged nighttime fasting schedule among individuals with overweight or obesity at high risk for developing MM or a related lymphoid malignancy.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate the effects of 4-month prolonged nightly fasting on body composition and tumor biomarkers among individuals with overweight or obesity with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), or smoldering Waldenström macroglobulinemia (SWM).

METHODS

Individuals with MGUS, SMM, or SWM aged ≥18 years and a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 are randomized to either a 14-hour nighttime fasting intervention or a healthy lifestyle education control group. Participants' baseline diet and lifestyle patterns are characterized through two 24-hour dietary recalls: questionnaires querying demographic, comorbidity, lifestyle, and quality-of-life information; and wrist actigraphy measurements for 7 days. Fasting intervention participants are supported through one-on-one telephone counseling by a health coach and automated SMS text messaging to support fasting goals. Primary end points of body composition, including visceral and subcutaneous fat (by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry); bone marrow adiposity (by bone marrow histology); and tumor biomarkers, specifically M-proteins and serum free light-chain concentrations (by gel-based and serum free light-chain assays), are assessed at baseline and after the 4-month study period; changes therein from baseline are evaluated using a repeated measures mixed-effects model that accounts for the correlation between baseline and follow-up measures and is generally robust to missing data. Feasibility is assessed as participant retention (percent dropout in each arm) and percentage of days participants achieved a ≥14-hour fast.

RESULTS

The PROlonged nightly FASTing (PROFAST) study was funded in June 2022. Participant recruitment commenced in April 2023. As of July 2023, six participants consented to the study. The study is expected to be completed by April 2024, and data analysis and results are expected to be published in the first quarter of 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

PROFAST serves as an important first step in exploring the premise that prolonged nightly fasting is a strategy to control obesity and obesity-related mechanisms of myelomagenesis. In evaluating the feasibility and impact of prolonged nightly fasting on body composition, bone marrow adipose tissue, and biomarkers of tumor burden, this pilot study may generate hypotheses regarding metabolic mechanisms underlying MM development and ultimately inform clinical and public health strategies for MM prevention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05565638; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05565638.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/51368.

Nutritional Status Indices and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Risk in the Elderly Population: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

Although several studies have found dietary intake is related to multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor status risks, the role of one's nutritional status has been ignored and its role in plasma cell neoplasm development is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between various clinical indices of nutritional status and the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in the population.

METHODS

We selected 9520 participants from the NHANES III and NHANES 1999-2004 studies. Controlling nutritional status index (CONUT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated as indices of nutritional status of the participants. Associations between nutritional indices and MGUS were investigated using multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and an RCS model.

RESULTS

In our study, 266 participants had MGUS, with a prevalence of 2.79%. This study found that CONUT and PNI identified populations with poor nutritional status and had a significant positive correlation with the risk of MGUS. In multivariate logistic regression, compared with the lower CONUT score (<3) group, the OR for the group with higher scores (≥3) was 1.805 (95%CI: 1.271, 2.564). Compared with the lowest quartile group, the highest quartile PNI score group had an OR of 0.509 (95%CI: 0.290, 0.896). GNRI had no significant correlation with the risk of MGUS, with an OR of 0.737 (95%CI: 0.443, 1.227).

CONCLUSION

This study found that older adults with CONUT and PNI scores indicating poorer nutrition had a higher risk of MGUS.

It is worth the weight: obesity and the transition from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma

The overweight/obesity epidemic is a serious public health concern that affects >40% of adults globally and increases the risk of numerous chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a lymphohematopoietic cancer caused by the uncontrolled clonal expansion of plasma cells. Recent studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor not only for MM but also monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor disease state of MM. Furthermore, obesity may promote the transition from MGUS to MM. Thus, in this review, we summarize the epidemiological evidence regarding the role of obesity in MM and MGUS, discuss the biologic mechanisms that drive these disease processes, and detail the obesity-targeted pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions that may reduce the risk of progression from MGUS to MM.

Impact of Visceral Obesity on Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Data Analysis of STaMINA (BMT CTN 0702) Trial

Obesity is a common health problem among multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and it has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL). We conducted a secondary analysis of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized, controlled trial comparing outcomes of three treatment interventions after a single hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), to investigate the impact of visceral obesity, as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), on clinical outcomes and QOL in MM patients. 549 MM patients, median age 55.5 years, were enrolled in the study. The majority of patients received triple-drug antimyeloma initial therapy before enrollment, and 29% had high-risk disease according to cytogenetic assessment. The median follow-up time was six years. There was no significant association between WHR and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in MM patients undergoing HCT. Similarly, body mass index (BMI) did not significantly predict PFS or OS. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between WHR and QOL measures. In conclusion, this study suggests that visceral obesity, as measured by WHR, may not significantly impact clinical outcomes in MM patients undergoing HCT. Further studies utilizing imaging technologies to assess the impact of visceral obesity distribution are warranted.

Obesity and multiple myeloma: emerging mechanisms and perspectives

Obesity is a global pandemic that has been associated with the development of breast, endometrial, large intestine, renal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer. Obesity is also involved in the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, an increase in the incidence of obesity-related cancers has been reported. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, after lymphoma. The aim of this review is to examine the epidemiological data on obesity and MM, assess the effect of obesity on MM outcomes, evaluate the possible mechanisms through which obesity might increase the incidence of MM and provide the effects of obesity management on MM. Current evidence indicates that obesity may have an impact on the progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to MM and increase the prevalence of MM. However, data regarding the effect of obesity on MGUS incidence are controversial; further studies are needed to examine whether obesity affects the development of MGUS or the progression of MGUS to MM. In addition, obesity affects MM outcomes. Increased BMI is associated with decreased survival in patients with MM, while data regarding the effect of obesity on newly diagnosed MM subjects and autologous stem cell transplantation are limited. Interestingly, the obesity paradox may also apply to patients with relapsed/refractory MM who are overweight or obese, because they may have a survival advantage. The pathophysiological pathways linking obesity to MM are very complicated and include bone marrow adipose tissue; adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin; inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, such as TNF-α and IL-6; hormones including insulin and the insulin-like growth factor system as well as sex hormones. In terms of the effect of pharmacological management of obesity, orlistat has been shown to alter the proliferation of MM cells, whereas no data exist on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, naltrexone/bupropion, or phentermine/topiramate. Bariatric surgery may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of MM, however, further studies are needed.

Body Mass Index and Overall Survival of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Obesity is associated with survival in several solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but its impact on multiple myeloma (MM) survival is unclear. We examined the associations between body mass index (BMI) at different periods of life up to the time of diagnosis and overall survival (OS) among 563 patients newly diagnosed with MM in 2010–2019. BMI at diagnosis was calculated using measured height and weight from electronic medical records (EMR). BMIs at age 20, maximum during adulthood, and 5 years before diagnosis were calculated using self-reported weights and measured height from EMR. Over a median follow-up of 49.3 months, 191 (33.93%) deaths were identified. We used multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models to examine the associations between BMIs and OS. Height as well as BMI before and at diagnosis was not associated with OS, but there is a U-shape association between weight and OS. Higher BMIs at diagnosis were associated with better OS among females (HR = 0.39 [0.22–0.71]), irrespective of race. In conclusion, our results suggest that BMI at different periods of life up to the time of diagnosis may not be associated with OS in MM, except that a higher BMI at diagnosis was associated with superior OS for females.

Diabetes mellitus and multiple myeloma; common features of two distinct entities

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has attained the status of a global pandemic. Cardiovascular disease (CV) was the leading cause of morbidity in people with type 2 DM, however, a transition from CV to cancer as the leading contributor to DM related death has been observed lately. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common haematological malignancy. Obesity is a common risk factor for both DM and MM. Although data are limited, studies have shown that DM might be associated with increased risk for the development of MM. The presence of DM might affect the course of patients with MM, since hyperglycemia may have an impact on both the efficacy and the adverse effects of antimyeloma therapy. In parallel, DM and MM share common clinical presentations, such as nephropathy, neuropathy, and CV. In terms of antidiabetic medications, metformin might present a synergistic effect with antimyeloma drugs and also prevent some of the adverse effects of these drugs; pioglitazone might have favourable effects when given as add on treatment in people with relapsed or refractory MM. No clinically important interactions have been observed between antidiabetic agents and the most commonly used antimyeloma drugs. Further data are needed to examine the effect of all classes of antidiabetic medication on MM and its complications. A baseline assessment of risk factors for glucose intolerance and close monitoring of glucose levels during therapy is strongly suggested for patients with MM.

Body mass index associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) progression in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant clonal disorder that progresses to multiple myeloma (MM), or other plasma-cell or lymphoid disorders at a rate of 1%/year. We evaluate the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to MGUS progression beyond established clinical factors in a population-based study. We identified 594 MGUS through a population-based screening study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1995 and 2003. Follow-up time was calculated from the date of MGUS to last follow-up, death, or progression to MM/another plasma-cell/lymphoid disorder. BMI (kg/m2 < 25/≥25) was measured close to screening date. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of BMI ≥ 25 versus BMI < 25 with MGUS progression and also evaluated the corresponding c-statistic and 95% CI to describe discrimination of the model for MGUS progression. Median follow-up was 10.5 years (range:0-25), while 465 patients died and 57 progressed and developed MM (N = 39), AL amyloidosis (N = 8), lymphoma (N = 5), or Waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia (N = 5). In univariate analyses, BMI ≥ 25 (HR = 2.14,CI:1.05-4.36, P = 0.04), non-IgG (HR = 2.84, CI:1.68-4.80, P = 0.0001), high monoclonal (M) protein (HR = 2.57, CI:1.50-4.42, P = 0.001), and abnormal free light chain ratio (FLCr) (HR = 3.39, CI:1.98-5.82, P < 0.0001) were associated with increased risk of MGUS progression, and were independently associated in a multivariable model (c-statistic = 0.75, CI:0.68-0.82). The BMI association was stronger among females (HR = 3.55, CI:1.06-11.9, P = 0.04) vs. males (HR = 1.39, CI:0.57-3.36, P = 0.47), although the interaction between BMI and sex was not significant (P = 0.15). In conclusion, high BMI is a prognostic factor for MGUS progression, independent of isotype, M protein, and FLCr. This association may be stronger among females.

Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy with eventual emergence of refractory disease. Metabolic shifts, which ensure the availability of sufficient energy to support hyperproliferation of malignant cells, are a hallmark of cancer. Deregulated metabolic pathways have implications for the tumor microenvironment, immune cell function, prognostic significance in MM and anti-myeloma drug resistance. Herein, we summarize recent findings on metabolic abnormalities in MM and clinical implications driven by metabolism that may consequently inspire novel therapeutic interventions. We highlight some future perspectives on metabolism in MM and propose potential targets that might revolutionize the field.

Body Composition Impacts Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Outcomes in Both Autologous and Allogeneic Transplants: A Systematic Review

According to World Health Organization, over 50,000 hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) are performed annually worldwide. Though HSCT can extend life-expectancy and improve disease-related health burdens, it is not without risks. Post-transplant overall survival is improving; therefore, it is imperative that factors contributing to or impeding further improvements are well understood. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore current data on body composition (specifically weight loss, BMI, obesity and sarcopenia) and the relation to HSCT outcomes. A literature search was conducted via PubMed and Web of Science databases. Key words included "body composition," "sarcopenia," "hematopoietic stem cell transplant," "malnutrition," "body mass index," and "obesity." Results indicated that 16 out of 18 analyzed studies found a statistically significant relationship between body composition, in particular higher BMI and weight loss, and at least one survival-related outcome variable (eg., non-relapse mortality, overall survival and/or relapse). Based on the findings of this review, body composition, whether evaluated before or during HSCT, can impact a wide variety of post-transplant outcomes. This speaks to the importance of evaluating patients pre-transplant, identifying potential risk factors for worsened outcomes, and providing immediate interventions in order to optimize transplant outcomes.

Wearable Monitors Facilitate Exercise in Adult and Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for hematopoietic malignancies, complicated by decreased performance status and quality of life. Exercise therapy improves outcomes in HSCT, but several barriers have prevented exercise from becoming routine clinical practice. Based on existing data that wearable technologies facilitate exercise participation in other sedentary and chronic illness populations, we propose the novel hypothesis that wearable technologies are a valuable tool in transcending barriers and developing exercise therapy programs for HSCT patients.

Adipose tissue radiodensity: A new prognostic biomarker in people with multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES

Standard prognostic markers based on individual characteristics of individuals with multiple myeloma (MM) remain scarce. Body-composition features have often been associated with survival outcomes in different cancers. However, the association of adipose tissue radiodensity with MM prognosis has not yet, to our knowledge, been explored.

METHODS

Computed tomography at the third lumbar vertebra was used for body-composition analysis, including adipose tissue radiodensity, in 91 people with MM. Additionally, fludeoxyglucose F 18 (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography was used to assess adipose tissue ¹⁸F-FDG uptake. Proinflammatory cytokine and adipokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

Event-free survival and overall survival were both shorter in participants with high subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) radiodensity. Those in the highest SAT radiodensity tertile had an independently higher risk for both overall survival (hazard ratio, 4.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-16.44; P_trend = 0.036) and event-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.27; P_trend = 0.035). Importantly, higher SAT radiodensity was significantly correlated with increased ¹⁸F-FDG adipose tissue uptake and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6) levels, and with decreased leptin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

SAT radiodensity may serve as a biomarker to predict host-related metabolic and proinflammatory milieu, which ultimately correlates with MM prognosis.

Visceral adipose tissue glucose uptake is linked to prognosis in multiple myeloma patients: An exploratory study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The use of computerized tomography to opportunistically assess body composition has highlighted abnormalities such as low muscle mass and high adiposity may be hidden conditions in cancer patients. However, the role of skeletal muscle (SM), subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue glucose uptake measured by ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-CT on patient prognostication is unclear.

METHODS

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) with satisfactory image frame for assessing body composition and for semi-quantification of SM, SAT and VAT glucose uptakes were included. Plasmatic pro-inflammatory cytokine and adipokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

High VAT mean standardized uptake value (SUV) at baseline was associated with shorter event-free survival (EFS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-39.30; P = 0.012) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 15.24; 95% CI, 2.69-86.30; P = 0.002) among patients with newly diagnosed MM, even after adjustment for covariates. The highest tertile of VAT SUV was significantly correlated with worse MM-EFS (HR for the highest vs the lowest tertile 3.71; 95% CI, 1.22-10.56; P_trend = 0.035) and mortality (HR, 4.41; 95% CI, 1.28-12.77; P_trend = 0.019). Notably, patients with higher VAT SUV presented with lower VAT area, VAT index, higher SAT SUV, and higher number of individuals with visceral obesity (all P < 0.01). Additionally, we found a negative correlation between VAT mean SUV with leptin (R² = 0.20, P = 0.003); no correlations were detected between VAT mean SUV and resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin (IL)-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional VAT activity estimated by ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT is a relevant prognostic factor in MM patients, specifically, a higher VAT SUV might be an early biomarker of cancer cachexia in these patients.

Search for multiple myeloma risk factors using Mendelian randomization

The etiology of multiple myeloma (MM) is poorly understood. Summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of multiple phenotypes can be exploited in a Mendelian randomization (MR) phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to search for factors influencing MM risk. We performed an MR-PheWAS analyzing 249 phenotypes, proxied by 10 225 genetic variants, and summary genetic data from a GWAS of 7717 MM cases and 29 304 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) per 1 standard deviation increase in each phenotype were estimated under an inverse variance weighted random effects model. A Bonferroni-corrected threshold of P = 2 × 10-4 was considered significant, whereas P < .05 was considered suggestive of an association. Although no significant associations with MM risk were observed among the 249 phenotypes, 28 phenotypes showed evidence suggestive of association, including increased levels of serum vitamin B6 and blood carnitine (P = 1.1 × 10-3) with greater MM risk and ω-3 fatty acids (P = 5.4 × 10-4) with reduced MM risk. A suggestive association between increased telomere length and reduced MM risk was also noted; however, this association was primarily driven by the previously identified risk variant rs10936599 at 3q26 (TERC). Although not statistically significant, increased body mass index was associated with increased risk (OR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.22), supporting findings from a previous meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. Our study did not provide evidence supporting any modifiable factors examined as having a major influence on MM risk; however, it provides insight into factors for which the evidence has previously been mixed.

Obesity as a Possible Risk Factor for Progression from Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Progression into Multiple Myeloma: Could Myeloma Be Prevented with Metformin Treatment?

Obesity is increasingly associated with the transformation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) into multiple myeloma (MM). Obesity, MGUS, and MM share common etiopathogenesis mechanisms including altered insulin axis and the action of inflammatory cytokines. Consistent with this interconnection, metformin could predominantly exert inhibition of these pathophysiological factors and thus be an attractive therapeutic option for MGUS. Despite the possible clinical significance, only a limited number of epidemiological studies have focused on obesity as a risk factor for MGUS and MM. This review describes multiple biological pathways modulated by metformin at the cellular level and their possible impacts on the biology of MGUS and its progression into MM.

The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy arising from monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, resulting in the presence of paraproteins or M-protein in serum. The involvement of paraproteins produced by malignant plasma cells in the development of hyperlipidaemia and low-HDL cholesterol has been described, as has an association with MM and obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance, that is, features of the metabolic syndrome (MS). There is an association between MS components, inflammatory cytokines, and the development of MM, and some drugs used in the treatment of MS such as statins and metformin may improve outcomes in MM.

Computational Model of Progression to Multiple Myeloma Identifies Optimum Screening Strategies

Purpose

Recent advances have uncovered therapeutic interventions that might reduce the risk of progression of premalignant diagnoses, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM). It remains unclear how to best screen populations at risk and how to evaluate the ability of these interventions to reduce disease prevalence and mortality at the population level. To address these questions, we developed a computational modeling framework.

Materials and Methods

We used individual-based computational modeling of MGUS incidence and progression across a population of diverse individuals to determine best screening strategies in terms of screening start, intervals, and risk-group specificity. Inputs were life tables, MGUS incidence, and baseline MM survival. We measured MM-specific mortality and MM prevalence after MGUS detection from simulations and mathematic modeling predictions.

Results

Our framework is applicable to a wide spectrum of screening and intervention scenarios, including variation of the baseline MGUS to MM progression rate and evolving MGUS, in which progression increases over time. Given the currently available point estimate of progression risk reduction to 61% risk, starting screening at age 55 years and performing follow-up screening every 6 years reduced total MM prevalence by 19%. The same reduction could be achieved with starting screening at age 65 years and performing follow-up screening every 2 years. A 40% progression risk reduction per patient with MGUS per year would reduce MM-specific mortality by 40%. Specifically, screening onset age and screening frequency can change disease prevalence, and progression risk reduction changes both prevalence and disease-specific mortality. Screening would generally be favorable in high-risk individuals.

Conclusion

Screening efforts should focus on specifically identified groups with high lifetime risk of MGUS, for which screening benefits can be significant. Screening low-risk individuals with MGUS would require improved preventions.

Body mass index does not impact hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Obesity has implications for hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) mobilization, chemotherapy administration, and medication dosing. We analyzed the impact of obesity on HPC mobilization as well as key outcomes that are associated with cell dose in autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) recipients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 556 consecutive eligible AHCT recipients at our institution from 1/2004 to 12/2009. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the body mass index (BMI): underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9), or obese (≥30.0). Primary endpoints of interest included HPC mobilization, neutrophil and platelet recovery, hospital stay and survival.

RESULTS

The diagnoses were mostly non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. The majority of the patients had received three or less prior chemotherapy regimens and had not received prior radiation therapy. Most patients had chemosensitive disease at time of transplant. For HPC mobilization regimen, 68% received chemotherapy and G-CSF, 32% received G-CSF alone. Busuflan/etoposide/cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and busulfan/cyclophosphamide were used for conditioning. Obesity did not correlate with HPC mobilization and had no association with neutrophil or platelet recovery, or length of transplant hospitalization. On multivariable analysis, obese patients demonstrated better survival than those who were not obese.

CONCLUSION

Obese AHCT recipients had similar rates of HPC mobilization, neutrophil and platelet engraftment and length of transplant hospitalization, and experienced better survival compared with recipients with lower BMI. High BMI by itself should not be considered as a contraindication to AHCT.

Elucidating Under-Studied Aspects of the Link Between Obesity and Multiple Myeloma: Weight Pattern, Body Shape Trajectory, and Body Fat Distribution

Background

Although obesity is an established modifiable risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM), several nuanced aspects of its relation to MM remain unelucidated, limiting public health and prevention messages.

Methods

We analyzed prospective data from the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study to examine MM risk associated with 20-year weight patterns in adulthood, body shape trajectory from ages 5 to 60 years, and body fat distribution. For each aforementioned risk factor, we report hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident MM from multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

We documented 582 incident MM cases during 4 280 712 person-years of follow-up. Persons who exhibited extreme weight cycling, for example, those with net weight gain and one or more episodes of intentional loss of at least 20 pounds or whose cumulative intentional weight loss exceeded net weight loss with at least one episode of intentional loss of 20 pounds or more had an increased MM risk compared with individuals who maintained their weight (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.80); the association was statistically nonsignificant after adjustment for body mass index. We identified four body shape trajectories: lean-stable, lean-increase, medium-stable, and medium-increase. MM risk was higher in the medium-increase group than in the lean-stable group (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.22 to 2.14). Additionally, MM risk increased with increasing hip circumference (HR per 1-inch increase: 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.06) but was not associated with other body fat distribution measures.

Conclusions

Maintaining a lean and stable weight throughout life may provide the strongest benefit in terms of MM prevention.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia enhances disease progression in myeloma-resistant mice

Obesity is the only known modifiable risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer of bone marrow plasma cells. The mechanism linking the two is unknown. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea, which results in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), and drives solid tumor aggressiveness. Given the link between CIH and solid tumor progression, we tested the hypothesis that CIH drives the proliferation of MM cells in culture and their engraftment and progression in vivo. Malignant mouse 5TGM1 cells were cultured in CIH, static hypoxia, or normoxia as a control in custom, gas-permeable plates. Typically MM-resistant C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 10 h/day CIH (AHI = 12/h), static hypoxia, or normoxia for 7 days, followed by injection with 5TGM1 cells and an additional 28 days of exposure. CIH and static hypoxia slowed the growth of 5TGM1 cells in culture. CIH-exposed mice developed significantly more MM than controls (67 vs. 12%, P = 0.005), evidenced by hindlimb paralysis, gammopathy, bone lesions, and bone tumor formation. Static hypoxia was not a significant driver of MM progression and did not reduce survival (P = 0.117). Interestingly, 5TGM1 cells preferentially engrafted in the bone marrow and promoted terminal disease in CIH mice, despite a lower tumor burden, compared with the positive controls. These first experiments in the context of hematological cancer demonstrate that CIH promotes MM through mechanisms distinct from solid tumors and that sleep apnea may be a targetable risk factor in patients with or at risk for blood cancer.

Prevention Is the Best Treatment: The Case for Understanding the Transition from Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance to Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an invariably fatal cancer of plasma cells. Despite tremendous advances in treatment, this malignancy remains incurable in most individuals. We postulate that strategies aimed at prevention have the potential to be more effective in preventing myeloma-related death than additional pharmaceutical strategies aimed at treating advanced disease. Here, we present a rationale for the development of prevention therapy and highlight potential target areas of study.

Multiple Myeloma and Bone: The Fatal Interaction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second-most-common hematologic malignancy and the most frequent cancer to involve bone. MM bone disease (MMBD) has devastating consequences for patients, including dramatic bone loss, severe bone pain, and pathological fractures that markedly decrease the quality of life and impact survival of MM patients. MMBD results from excessive osteoclastic bone resorption and persistent suppressed osteoblastic bone formation, causing lytic lesions that do not heal, even when patients are in complete and prolonged remission. This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the uncoupling of bone remodeling in MM, the effects of MMBD on tumor growth, and potential therapeutic approaches that may prevent severe bone loss and repair damaged bone in MM patients.

Young Adult Cancer: Influence of the Obesity Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the association of the obesity pandemic with appearance of cancers in young adults under age 50 and to define potential mechanisms by which obesity may accelerate the development of malignancy.

METHODS

A comprehensive narrative review was performed to integrate preclinical, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence describing the association of obesity with cancer in young adults based on a search of PubMed and Google databases.

RESULTS

Results from more than 100 publications are summarized. Although they differ in age groups analyzed and incidence of obesity, sufficient data exists to suggest an influence of the obesity pandemic on the increase of cancer among young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer in young adults is occurring with increasing frequency. Overweight and obesity have become major public health issues reaching pandemic proportions. Excess weight is associated with increased cancer risk, morbidity, and mortality. Multiple murine models indicate that obesity not only increases cancer incidence but also accelerates its development. Thus, the possibility exists that overweight and obesity may be contributing to the appearance of specific malignancies at younger ages. This prospect, in association with the worldwide expansion of obesity, suggests an impending explosive increase in obesity-associated cancers in young adults.

Body mass index throughout adulthood, physical activity, and risk of multiple myeloma: a prospective analysis in three large cohorts

Background

Obesity is the only known modifiable multiple myeloma (MM) risk factor. However, the influence of obesity in earlier or later adulthood and the role of other energy balance correlates in MM development are unclear.

Methods

We leveraged repeatedly updated data from the Nurses’ Health Study, Health Professionals Follow-up Study, and Women’s Health Study cohorts to further explore energy balance measures in MM etiology. Exposures derived from questionnaires included young adult body mass index (BMI), cumulative average BMI, BMI change since young adulthood, and cumulative average physical activity and walking. We assessed MM risk related to those variables with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

We observed 575 incident MM cases in over five million person-years of follow-up across the cohorts. In pooled analyses, MM risk increased 17% per 5 kg/m² increase in cumulative average BMI (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.29) and 28% per 5 kg/m² increase in young adult BMI (CI: 1.12, 1.47); adjustment for BMI change since young adulthood did not affect either association. BMI change since young adulthood and cumulative average physical activity and walking were not significantly associated with MM risk.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a high BMI in early and later adulthood are risk factors for MM.

Association between metformin use and progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma in US veterans with diabetes mellitus: a population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma is one of the most common haematological malignancies in the USA and is consistently preceded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We aimed to assess the association between metformin use and progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma.

METHODS

We did a retrospective cohort study of patients registered in the US Veterans Health Administration database and diagnosed with MGUS between Oct 1, 1999, and Dec 31, 2009. We included patients (aged >18 years) with at least one International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) code for diabetes mellitus and one treatment for their diabetes before MGUS diagnosis. We reviewed patient-level clinical data to verify diagnoses and extract any available data for size of baseline M-protein and type of MGUS. We defined metformin users as patients with diabetes who were given metformin consistently for 4 years after their diabetes diagnosis and before multiple myeloma development, death, or censorship. Our primary outcome was time from MGUS diagnosis to multiple myeloma diagnosis. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models to analyse the association between metformin use and MGUS progression.

FINDINGS

We obtained data for 3287 patients, of whom 2003 (61%) were included in the final analytical cohort. Median follow-up was 69 months (IQR 49–96). 463 (23%) participants were metformin users and 1540 (77%) participants were non-users. 13 (3%) metformin users progressed to multiple myeloma compared with 74 (5%) non-users. After adjustment, metformin use was associated with a reduced risk of progression to multiple myeloma (hazard ratio 0·47, 95% CI 0·25–0·87).

INTERPRETATION

For patients with diabetes diagnosed with MGUS, metformin use for 4 years or longer was associated with a reduced risk of progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma. Prospective studies are needed to establish whether this association is causal and whether these results can be extrapolated to non-diabetic individuals.

FUNDING

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American Cancer Society.

Body fat composition as predictive factor for treatment response in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma - subgroup analysis of the prospective GMMG MM5 trial

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for malignant tumors and increased body mass index (BMI) is correlated to the risk of developing multiple myeloma (MM). The correlation of body fat composition with disease activity, adverse events and treatment response of MM patients has not been investigated yet.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A subgroup of 108 patients from a single institution enrolled in the prospective GMMG-MM5 trial, who received a whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) before induction therapy, were included in this study. Body fat composition was measured in WBLDCT for each patient, divided in the compartments abdomen, pelvis, thigh and further categorized in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The correlation of these parameters with disease activity (M protein, plasma cell count, LDH, CRAB-criteria), adverse cytogenetics, adverse events and treatment response were evaluated.

RESULTS

Significant reciprocal correlation was found between adverse cytogenetics and VAT of the abdomen and pelvis, respectively (gain 1q21: p=0.009 and p=0.021; t(4;14): p=0.038 and p=0.042). No correlation of VAT or SAT with adverse events was observed. Significant reciprocal correlation was observed between abdominal (p=0.03) and pelvic (p=0.035) VAT and treatment response. Abdominal VAT remains significant (p=0.034) independently of revised ISS stage and treatment. The BMI did not show a significant correlation with treatment response or investigated cytogenetics.

CONCLUSION

Based on the clinically relevant difference in treatment outcome depending on VAT and SAT, excessive body fat of abdomen and pelvis might be a predictive factor for poor treatment response. Further influences in this context should be considered as well, e.g. chemotherapy dosing and body fat metabolism. Further studies are necessary to investigate this hypothesis.

Multiple Myeloma Mortality in Relation to Obesity Among African Americans

Multiple myeloma (MM) incidence and mortality are higher among African Americans (AAs) than among other population groups. The prevalence of obesity is also elevated among AAs, but few studies have examined risk of this cancer in relation to body size among AAs. We combined data from seven prospective cohorts tracking mortality among 239 597 AA adults and used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death because of MM according to body mass index (BMI) at cohort entry, adjusted for age (as time-scale) and sex. Relative to those with normal BMIs (18.5-25 kg/m(2)), mortality increased monotonically as BMI increased, with hazard ratios reaching 1.43 (95% CI = 1.03 to 1.97) for BMIs of 35 kg/m(2) or greater. The findings suggest that obesity is a risk factor for MM and a contributor to the elevated rates and rising incidence trends of MM among AAs in the United States.

Dissecting the multiple myeloma-bone microenvironment reveals new therapeutic opportunities

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell skeletal malignancy. While therapeutic agents such as bortezomib and lenalidomide have significantly improved overall survival, the disease is currently incurable with the emergence of drug resistance limiting the efficacy of chemotherapeutic strategies. Failure to cure the disease is in part due to the underlying genetic heterogeneity of the cancer. Myeloma progression is critically dependent on the surrounding microenvironment. Defining the interactions between myeloma cells and the more genetically stable hematopoietic and mesenchymal components of the bone microenvironment is critical for the development of new therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how microenvironmental elements contribute to myeloma progression and, therapeutically, how those elements can or are currently being targeted in a bid to eradicate the disease.