Myeloma in scar tissue--an underreported phenomenon or an emerging entity in the novel agents' era? A single center series

Multiple Myeloma: Case of a "Moving" Sternal Wire

Multiple myeloma generally occurs in older adults, with the clonal proliferation of plasma cells and accumulation of monoclonal protein resulting in a broad range of clinical manifestations and complications, including hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia, and bone destruction (termed CRAB features). A 64-year-old man with no history of malignancy presented with an enlarging precordial lump occurring three years post-sternotomy for uneventful coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Initial investigations showed anaemia and impaired renal function. Multimodal imaging performed for further evaluation showcases the radio-pathological features which can be encountered in haematological malignancy. Subsequent percutaneous biopsy confirmed an underlying plasma cell neoplasm, and a diagnosis of multiple myeloma was achieved. The prompt resolution of the lesions upon the initiation of treatment highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Paraskeletal and extramedullary plasmacytomas in multiple myeloma at diagnosis and at first relapse: 50-years of experience from an academic institution

From January 1970 to December 2018, 1304 patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) at our institution and 256 (19.6%) had plasmacytomas (Ps) (paraskeletal –PPs- 17.6%, extramedullary –EMPs-1.9%). Patients with Ps had lower serum M-protein and less advanced ISS stage than those without. At first relapse, 192 out of 967 patients (19.8%) developed Ps (PPs 14.6%, EMPs 5.1%). The only factor associated with Ps at relapse was the presence of Ps at diagnosis (46% vs 13%, p < 0.00001) with no impact with exposure to novel drugs or previous autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The median overall survival (OS) was 45, 44 and 20 months for patients without Ps, PPs and EMPs, respectively (p = 0.013). Patients with PPs who underwent ASCT had similar OS than those without Ps (98 vs. 113 months) and significantly longer than those with EMPs (98 vs 47 months, p = 0.006). In patients non-eligible for ASCT the presence of PPs or EMPs was associated with shorter OS compared with patients without Ps (32 vs. 24 vs. 6 months, p = 0.009). In the relapsed setting, a significant survival benefit was observed beyond the year 2000, but still with significant differences among patients without Ps, PPs and EMPs (37 vs 22 vs 16 months, p = 0.003). Importantly, rescue therapy with combinations of proteasome-inhibitors plus immunomodulatory drugs was associated with prolonged OS from first relapse (over 6 years), even in patients with EMPs.

Extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma: a systematic literature review

Extramedullary involvement (or extramedullary disease, EMD) represents an aggressive form of multiple myeloma (MM), characterized by the ability of a clone and/or subclone to thrive and grow independent of the bone marrow microenvironment. Several different definitions of EMD have been used in the published literature. We advocate that true EMD is restricted to soft-tissue plasmacytomas that arise due to hematogenous spread and have no contact with bony structures. Typical sites of EMD vary according to the phase of MM. At diagnosis, EMD is typically found in skin and soft tissues; at relapse, typical sites involved include liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, central nervous system (CNS), breast, pleura, and pericardium. The reported incidence of EMD varies considerably, and differences in diagnostic approach between studies are likely to contribute to this variability. In patients with newly diagnosed MM, the reported incidence ranges from 0.5% to 4.8%, while in relapsed/refractory MM the reported incidence is 3.4 to 14%. Available data demonstrate that the prognosis is poor, and considerably worse than for MM without soft-tissue plasmacytomas. Among patients with plasmacytomas, those with EMD have poorer outcomes than those with paraskeletal involvement. CNS involvement is rare, but prognosis is even more dismal than for EMD in other locations, particularly if there is leptomeningeal involvement. Available data on treatment outcomes for EMD are derived almost entirely from retrospective studies. Some agents and combinations have shown a degree of efficacy but, as would be expected, this is less than in MM patients with no extramedullary involvement. The paucity of prospective studies makes it difficult to justify strong recommendations for any treatment approach. Prospective data from patients with clearly defined EMD are important for the optimal evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Management of patients with difficult-to-treat multiple myeloma

Newer treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) have improved response rates and survival for many patients. However, MM remains challenging to treat due to the propensity for multiple relapses, cumulative and emergent toxicities from prior therapies and increasing genomic complexity that arises due to clonal evolution. In particular, patients with relapsed/refractory MM often require increased complexity of treatment, yet still experience poorer outcomes compared with patients who are newly diagnosed. Additionally, several patient subgroups, including those with extramedullary disease and patients who are frail and/or have multiple comorbidities, have an unfavorable prognosis and remain undertreated. This review (based on an Updates-in-Hematology session at the 25th European Hematology Association Annual Congress 2020) discusses the management of these difficult-to-treat patients with MM.

Outside the box-Surgery for aggressive plasmacytoma in scar

This report introduces the concept of large-scale surgery and reconstruction when all other medical means of treatment have failed. In select cases, this may act as a mode of buying time and allowing the patient to receive second- or third-line treatments.

Extramedullary Disease in Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Extramedullary disease (EMD) is a rare but recognized manifestation of multiple myeloma (MM), characterized by involvement of several organs including skin, liver, lymphatic system, pleura, and central nervous system. The incidence is about 3-5% in newly diagnosed MM patients, but has been reported in up to 20% patients in the relapsed MM setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

Presence of EMD has been associated with more aggressive phenotype of MM, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme, and high-risk cytogenetics [deletion 17p, translocation (4;14), translocation (14;16)]. There are several hypotheses of how EMD occurs, including factors leading to bone marrow emancipation and hematogenous spread. The treatment schema usually follows that of high-risk MM. The current review summarizes the disease characterization data, along with available data on clinical activity of available anti-MM agents for this entity.

How We Manage Patients with Plasmacytomas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the diagnostic approach, treatment options, and future considerations in the management of plasmacytomas, either solitary or in the context of overt multiple myeloma (MM).

RECENT FINDINGS

Advanced imaging techniques such as whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computerized tomography are essential for the diagnostic workup of solitary plasmacytomas (SP) to rule out the presence of other disease foci. The role of flow cytometry and clonal plasma cell detection is currently under study together with other prognostic factors for the identification of patients with SP at high risk of progression to overt MM. Solitary plasmacytomas are treated effectively with local radiotherapy whereas systemic therapy is required at relapse. Clonal plasma cells that accumulate at extramedullary sites have distinct biological characteristics. Patients with MM and soft tissue involvement have poor outcomes and should be treated as ultra-high risk. A revised definition of SP that distinguishes between true solitary clonal PC accumulations and SP with minimal bone marrow involvement should be considered to guide an appropriate therapeutic and follow-up approach. Future studies should be conducted to determine optimum treatment approaches for patients with MM and paraskeletal or extramedullary disease.

Tooth Extraction Locally Stimulates Proliferation of Multiple Myeloma in a Patient with Mandibular Localizations

OBJECTIVES

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the occurrence of osteolytic lesions. MM treatment usually involves antiresorptive drugs (mainly bisphosphonates).

CASE REPORT

A patient with an MM presented osteolytic lesions of the mandible. Extraction of teeth 45 and 46 was performed 5 years after the diagnosis of periodontitis. Four months later, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was diagnosed at the extraction site. X-ray showed an extension of osteolytic lesions on the right side, close to the extraction site, without modification of the lesions on the left side. Two months later, a curettage was performed because of a painful bone sequestration. X-ray showed an extension of the osteolytic lesions on the right side.

RESULTS

Histological analysis found a vascularized plasmacytoma of the soft tissues around the ONJ. Analysis of the bone showed mixed lesions with osteonecrotic areas and living bone resorbed by active osteoclasts surrounding a plasmacytoma. The surface area of the osteolytic foci has considerably increased only close to the extraction site.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth extraction triggered an ONJ associated with bisphosphonate treatment. However, it also seemed to induce a considerable proliferation of plasma cells at the extraction site; we hypothesize that it is due to the increase in bone remodeling related to the surgical trauma.

High-risk multiple myeloma: a multifaceted entity, multiple therapeutic challenges

The term high-risk multiple myeloma is aimed to identify a heterogeneous group of patients who are more likely to progress and die early of their disease. Therefore, recognition of these patients is crucial. With the increase in the number of treatment options, the outcome for high-risk patients has probably improved, although the true extent of this improvement remains unknown, due to both the heterogeneous components of high-risk disease and its under-representation in clinical trials. In this article, we review the definitions of high-risk disease, emphasizing the fact that no single definition can represent the entire high-risk population. In the second part, we review the treatment options available for the management of high-risk myeloma as well as our general approach for high-risk disease. In light of the poor prognosis associated with high-risk myeloma, even in the current era, new approaches for the management of this subset of patients are needed.