The evolution of stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Comorbidities and survival of multiple myeloma patients diagnosed in Finland between 2000 and 2021

Advances in treatment have improved the survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, but the disease remains incurable. Here, in this nationwide retrospective real-world evidence (RWE) study, we report the patient characteristics, incidence, overall survival outcomes, comorbidities, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of all adult MM patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 in Finland. A total of 7070 MM patients and their 21,210 age-, sex- and region-matched controls were included in the analysis. The average MM incidence doubled from 4.11 to 8.33 per 100,000 people during the follow-up. The average age-standardized incidence also showed a significant increase over time (2.51 in 2000 to 3.53 in 2021). An increase in incidence was particularly seen in older population, indicative of improved diagnosis praxis. The median overall survival (mOS) of the MM patients and their matched controls was 3.6 and 15.6 years, respectively. The mOS of all MM patients increased significantly from 2.8 years (2000-2004) to 4.4 years (2017-2021) during the follow-up period. Distinctively, in patients who received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the mOS was 9.2 years, while in patients who did not receive ASCT, the mOS was only 2.7 years. MM patients showed more comorbidities at index and increased HCRU than their matched controls. The longer median survival and decreased risk of death indicate improved treatment outcomes in MM patients in Finland.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tandem Transplant Versus Single Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remain integral to the primary treatment of newly diagnosed transplant-elble multiple myeloma (MM) patients, the challenge of disease progression persists. The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tandem ASCT compared to single ASCT. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing tandem ASCT with single ASCT in patients with newly diagnosed MM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases for studies published up to January 2024. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CRR), and treatment-related mortality (TRM). We used a random-effects model to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twelve studies involving 5057 patients met the inclusion criteria. Tandem ASCT was associated with a significantly higher CRR compared to single ASCT (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03-1.71, I2 = 15%), but no significant differences were observed in PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.34, I2 = 14%), OS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33-1.10, I2 = 27%), or the ORR (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.08, I2 = 33%). However, tandem ASCT was associated with a significantly higher risk of TRM (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.00-3.18, I2 = 0%). Tandem ASCT improves the CRR but does not provide significant benefits in terms of PFS, OS, or ORR compared to single ASCT in patients with newly diagnosed MM. Moreover, tandem ASCT is associated with a higher risk of TRM. The decision to pursue tandem ASCT should be made on an individual basis, carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks in light of each patient's unique clinical situation. Future research should focus on identifying patient subgroups most likely to benefit from tandem ASCT and exploring strategies to optimize the efficacy and safety of this approach in the context of novel agent-based therapies.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and AL Amyloidosis

Human body cells are stem cell (SC) derivatives originating from bone marrow. Their special characteristics include their capacity to support the formation and self-repair of the cells. Cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and invade healthy tissues, making stem cell transplants a viable option for cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). When chemotherapy is used at very high doses to eradicate all cancer cells from aggressive tumors, blood-forming cells and leukocytes are either completely or partially destroyed. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is necessary for patients in those circumstances. The patients who undergo autologous transplants receive their own stem cells (SCs). The transplanted stem cells first come into contact with the bone marrow and then undergo engraftment, before differentiating into blood cells. ASCT is one of the most significant and innovative strategies for treating diseases. Here we focus on the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and AL amyloidosis, using ASCT. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the effectiveness and the safety of ASCT as a therapeutic approach for these diseases, based on the currently available evidence.

Treatment of multiple myeloma based on autologous stem cell transplant: An overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disease. In recent years, several systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have been published on treatment protocols, including autologous stem cell transplantation for MM.

METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to systematically summarize the quality of the methodology and evidence of meta-analyses regarding treatment of MM including autologous stem cell transplantation.

RESULTS

Total 11 meta-analyses were included. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluation revealed that the quality of included reviews was affected by possible unevaluated bias between studies and the lack of protocol and registration. The AMSTAR2 scale indicated that the quality of the methodology of included reviews ranged from very low to moderate. The grading, assessment, development, and evaluation of recommendations evaluation showed that among the included outcome indicators, most of them are of low quality.

CONCLUSION

This overview suggested that the combination of drugs has improved patient survival rates, efficacy and safety compared with the standard regimen. However, the strength of the evidence is uneven and due to methodological errors, the results should be interpreted with caution in order to provide a reference for further improvement of the study design. The methodological quality of the relevant meta-analysis needs to be further improved.

Current status of drug development for patients with multiple myeloma: a review of comparison in China and the rest of world

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy. The treatment of MM has been significantly advanced in recent years. B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted immunotherapy and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy have been approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory MM (RRMM), which will be launched in China shortly. The CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38) antibody, daratumumab, improves the clinical outcomes both RRMM and newly diagnosed MM patients. The combination of daratumumab, bortezomib and dexamethasone achieved favorable outcomes as the first-line therapy in China. However, high-risk patients have limited benefits from these advanced therapeutics, and usually relapse early, progressing into aggressive end-stage MM. Therefore, novel therapies are sought to improve the cancer prognosis in these patients. This review furnishes an overview of the recent clinical developments of these novel drugs and compares the drug candidates under development in China to the rest of the world.

Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) for Multiple Myeloma: While New Horizons Emerge, It Is Still Only a Silver Lining for Resource-Constrained Settings

Background Significant hurdles impede the optimal implementation of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in low-middle income countries (LMICs). Herein, we highlight the challenges faced in LMICs while performing HSCT and report the long-term outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent autologous HSCT (AHSCT) at our center. Besides, we provide a comprehensive review of studies reporting long-term outcomes of AHSCT in MM from the Indian subcontinent. Methodology This study was conducted at the State Cancer Institute, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India. Case records of all patients with MM who received AHSCT from December 2010 to July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. A non-systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Data regarding clinicopathological parameters and long-term follow-up were extracted from relevant studies and for patients included in our study. Results At our center, 47 patients (median age 52.0 years) with MM underwent AHSCT. Majority of patients had stage III disease (ISS) and median time to transplant was 11.5 months. The five-year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 59.1% and 81.2%, respectively. Studies from the Indian subcontinent have observed a five-year OS of ~50% to ~85%. However, a greater variability in the five-year PFS has been reported, ranging from ~20% to ~75%. The median time to transplant has ranged from seven to 17 months (indicating time delays) with median CD34 cell counts of 2.7-6.3×106 cells/kg (lower than developed countries). Conclusions Despite significant resource limitations in LMICs, AHSCT is increasingly been performed in MM with encouraging long-term outcomes.

Non-Cryopreserved Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Graft for Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma Patients

BACKGROUND Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) using cryopreserved grafts is time-consuming, expensive treatment, and may associated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) toxicity. Here, we assess the clinical utility and safety of non-cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cell graft in autologous HSCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical data of multiple myeloma or lymphoma patients who underwent autologous non-cryopreserved HSCT were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 58 patients (40 myeloma and 18 lymphoma) were reviewed. The median myeloma and lymphoma CD34⁺ cell doses were 7.59 and 6.9 million/kg, respectively, with good viability after storage. The median times in neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 9 and 13 days and 11 and 14 days in myeloma and lymphoma, respectively. Only 5 patients in this cohort developed serious post-transplant complications. After transplantation, the cumulative incidence of relapse at 5 years was 34.4% in myeloma versus 19.1% in lymphoma patients. Notably, the mortality incidence rate rapidly increased within the first year and reached a plateau after 4 years, with cumulative incidence of 5.9% and 30.9% in myeloma and lymphoma, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 60 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for lymphoma patients was 123.8 and 130 months, respectively. For the myeloma group, the median follow-up time was 38.6 months, the median PFS was 99.5 months, and OS was 157 months. CONCLUSIONS Non-cryopreserved HSCT is effective and safe. The long-term survival outcomes could be achieved by the shortening the duration of neutrophil and platelet engraftments and the complication rates are acceptable.

The impact of COVID-19 on autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: A single-centre, qualitative evaluation study

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.

Trends in autologous stem cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Changing demographics and outcomes in European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centres from 1995 to 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10% of haematological malignancies. Overall survival (OS) has improved in recent years due to increased use of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed MM and the advent of novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies. To assess trends in ASCT including patient selection, choice of induction regimen, depth of response and survival, we performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing first ASCT for MM in European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centres between 1995 and 2019. A total of 117 711 patients across 575 centres were included. The number of transplants performed increased sevenfold across the study period. The median age increased from 55 to 61 years, and the percentage of patients aged >65 years rose from 7% to 30%. Use of chemotherapy-based induction fell significantly, being largely replaced by bortezomib-based regimens. The two-year complete response rate increased from 22% to 42%. The five-year progression-free survival and OS rates increased from 28% to 31% and from 52% to 69%, respectively. Transplant mortality fell from 5.9% to 1.5%. Ongoing advances in MM treatment may challenge the future role of ASCT. However, at the current time, ASCT remains central to the MM treatment paradigm.

[Autologous stem cell transplantation improve the survival of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients]

目的

评估自体造血干细胞移植（auto-HSCT）对初治多发性骨髓瘤（MM）疗效及生存的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2008年10月1日至2019年10月1日243例65岁以下接受auto-HSCT的初治MM患者，同时以同期176例≤65岁适合移植但未进行auto-HSCT的初治MM患者作为对照，评估auto-HSCT对患者疗效及生存的影响。为平衡auto-HSCT和非auto-HSCT患者之间各因素的分布，利用倾向性评分匹配技术按照1∶1比例匹配以减少组间的偏差。

结果

通过倾向性评分匹配分析，共筛选出128例患者（每组64例）。64例患者诱导治疗后接受auto-HSCT，24例（37.5％）获得严格意义的完全缓解（sCR），16例（25.0％）获得完全缓解（CR），15例（23.4％）获得非常好的部分缓解（VGPR），9例（14.1％）获得部分缓解（PR），auto-HSCT组疗效明显优于非auto-HSCT组（P＝0.032）。与非auto-HSCT组相比，auto-HSCT组总生存（OS）和无进展生存（PFS）期明显延长［OS：87.6（95％ CI 57.3～117.9）个月对53.9（95％ CI 36.1～71.7）个月，P＝0.011；PFS：42.2（95％ CI 29.9～54.5）个月对22.4（95％ CI 17.1～27.7）个月，P＝0.007］。多因素分析显示auto-HSCT是OS（HR＝0.448，95％CI 0.260～0.771，P＝0.004）和PFS（HR＝0.446，95％CI 0.280～0.778，P＝0.003）的独立保护因素。

结论

auto-HSCT可改善适合移植初治MM患者的OS和PFS。

Evaluating Race and Time to Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: The Mount Sinai Hospital Experience

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have found that Black patients with multiple myeloma undergo autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) less frequently than their white counterparts, although the factors leading to decreased access and utilization have not been fully elucidated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To identify whether racial differences in transplantation timing played a role in these disparities, we retrospectively analyzed 410 Black and white patients who received their first transplant at The Mount Sinai Hospital between 2011 and 2016 (260 white and 150 Black patients). We compared the time from initial diagnosis to stem-cell collection and the time from collection to transplantation between the 2 races while controlling for age, socioeconomic status, and functional status.

RESULTS

Between Blacks and whites, time from diagnosis to collection was higher in Black patients (median 238, vs. 195 days, respectively, P = .051). Functional status, socioeconomic status, and age were also significantly associated with time to collection, and after controlling for these covariates, the effect of race was not significant (P = .0625). Conversely, time from collection to transplantation was increased in white patients compared to Black.

CONCLUSION

Increased time from diagnosis to stem-cell collection for Black patients was driven in part by socioeconomic status and baseline functional status.

Real world outcomes with Bortezomib Thalidomide dexamethasone and Cyclophosphamide Bortezomib dexamethasone induction treatment for transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients in a Latin American country. A Retrospective Cohort Study from Grupo Argentino de Mieloma Múltiple

Data about treatment outcomes and toxicity in Latin America are scarce. There are differences with central countries based on access to healthcare system and socioeconomic status. Argentinean Society of Hematology recommends bortezomib-based triplets for induction treatment of transplant eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Most common options are CyBorD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone) and VTD (bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone). Main goal of our retrospective, multicentric study was to compare very good partial response rate (VGPR) or better after induction treatment in a real-world setting in Argentina. Secondary objectives included comparison of complete response (CR) post-induction and after bone marrow transplantation, grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Three hundred twenty-two patients were included (median age at diagnosis: 57 years; 52% male; 28% had ISS3; 14% with high-risk cytogenetics; median follow up: 34 months). CyBorD was indicated in 74% and 26% received VTD. In VTD arm, 72.62% of patients achieved at least VGPR vs 53.36% receiving CyBorD (odds ratio, OR: 1.96 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.08-3.57; P = .026] after adjusting by age, ISS [International Staging System], lactate dehydrogenase levels (LDH) and cytogenetic risk. Difference in VGPR was 19.26% (95% CI: 15-24). CR rate were 35.92% (VTD) vs 22.55% (CyBorD) (adjusted OR: 2.13 [95% CI: 1.12-4.05]). Difference in CR was 13.37% (95% CI: 9.6-17.53). Adverse events (AEs) were more common with VTD (69.05% vs 55.46% for CyBorD; P = .030), especially grade 3-4 neuropathy (P = .005) and thrombosis (P = .001). Thromboprophylaxis was inadequate in 20.24% of patients. Hematological AEs were more common with CyBorD, especially thrombocytopenia (P = .017). PFS and OS at 24 months were not different between treatments. In this real-world setting, VTD was associated with better CR and VGPR than CyBorD. Nevertheless, CyBorD continues to be the preferred induction regimen in Argentina, based on safety profile. Frontline autologous stem cell transplantation improves quality of responses, especially in countries with limited access to new drugs.

PERCEPT myeloma: a protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of exercise prehabilitation before and during autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

Myeloma, a blood cancer originating from plasma cells, is the most common indication for autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). Patients with myeloma undergoing autologous SCT (ASCT) experience treatment-related morbidity and reduction in function and well-being for many months post-treatment. Interventions targeting physical functioning delivered prior to and during SCT have shown promising results in mixed haematological populations and may offer a non-pharmacological solution to physically optimising and preparing patients for SCT. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a physiotherapist-led exercise intervention as an integral part of the myeloma ASCT pathway at a UK tertiary centre.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

PERCEPT is a single-site, pilot randomised controlled trial of an exercise intervention embedded within the myeloma ASCT pathway, compared with usual care. The primary study end points will be feasibility measures of study and intervention delivery including recruitment rates, acceptability of intervention, study completion rate and any adverse events. Secondary end points will evaluate differences between the exercise intervention group and the usual care control group in cancer-related fatigue, quality of life, functional capacity (6 min walk test; handheld dynamometry; a timed sit-to-stand test) and objective and self-reported physical activity. Outcomes will be assessed at four time points, approximately 6-8 weeks prior to SCT, on/around day of SCT, on discharge from SCT hospital admission and 12 weeks post-discharge. The exercise intervention comprises of partly supervised physiotherapist-led aerobic and resistance exercise including behaviour change techniques to promote change in exercise behaviour. The primary outcomes from the trial will be summarised as percentages or mean values with 95% CIs. Group differences for secondary outcomes at each time point will be analysed using appropriate statistical models.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has NHS REC approval (Camden and Kings Cross, 19/LO/0204). Results will be disseminated through publication and presentations at haematology and rehabilitation-related meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN15875290.

Clinical significance of chemokine receptor antagonists

Introduction: Chemokine receptors are important therapeutic targets for the treatment of many human diseases. This study will provide an overview of approved chemokine receptor antagonists and promising candidates in advanced clinical trials.Areas covered: We will describe clinical aspects of chemokine receptor antagonists regarding their clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and re-purposed applications.Expert opinion: Three chemokine antagonists have been approved: (i) plerixafor is a small-molecule CXCR4 antagonist that mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells; (ii) maraviroc is a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist for anti-HIV treatment; and (iii) mogamulizumab is a monoclonal-antibody CCR4 antagonist for the treatment of mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome. Moreover, phase 3 trials are ongoing to evaluate many potent candidates, including CCR5 antagonists (e.g. leronlimab), dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonists (e.g. cenicriviroc), and CXCR4 antagonists (e.g. balixafortide, mavorixafor, motixafortide). The success of chemokine receptor antagonists depends on the selective blockage of disease-relevant chemokine receptors which are indispensable for disease progression. Although clinical translation has been slow, antagonists targeting chemokine receptors with multifaced functions offer the potential to treat a broad spectrum of human diseases.

Dynamics of tumor-specific cfDNA in response to therapy in multiple myeloma patients

Objectives

Progress in multiple myeloma treatment allows patients to achieve deeper responses, for which the assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) is critical. Typically, bone marrow samples are used for this purpose; however, this approach is site‐limited. Liquid biopsy represents a minimally invasive and more comprehensive technique that is not site‐limited, but equally challenging.

Methods

While majority of current data comes from short‐term studies, we present a long‐term study on blood‐based MRD monitoring using tumor‐specific cell‐free DNA detection by ASO‐qPCR. One hundred and twelve patients were enrolled into the study, but long‐term sampling and analysis were feasible only in 45 patients.

Results

We found a significant correlation of quantity of tumor‐specific cell‐free DNA levels with clinically meaningful events [induction therapy (P = .004); ASCT (P = .012)]. Moreover, length of cfDNA fragments is associated with better treatment response of patients.

Conclusions

These results support the concept of tumor‐specific cell‐free DNA as a prognostic marker.

Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma

Despite therapeutic advances over the past decades, multiple myeloma (MM) remains a largely incurable disease with poor prognosis in high-risk patients, and thus new treatment strategies are needed to achieve treatment breakthroughs. MM represents various forms of impaired immune surveillance characterized by not only disrupted antibody production but also immune dysfunction of T, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, although immunotherapeutic interventions such as allogeneic stem-cell transplantation and dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines were reported to prolong survival in limited populations of MM patients. Recently, epoch-making immunotherapies, i.e., immunomodulatory drug-intensified monoclonal antibodies, such as daratumumab combined with lenalidomide and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen, have been developed, and was shown to improve prognosis even in advanced-stage MM patients. Clinical trials using other antibody-based treatments, such as antibody drug-conjugate and bispecific antigen-directed CD3 T-cell engager targeting, are ongoing. The manipulation of anergic T-cells by checkpoint inhibitors, including an anti-T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT) antibody, also has the potential to prolong survival times. Those new treatments or their combination will improve prognosis and possibly point toward a cure for MM.

Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Generic Melphalan Is Comparable to Innovator Formulation in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

High-dose melphalan (MEL) is the standard conditioning regimen used for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Generic MEL is routinely used in various transplant centers across the world including ours due to its reduced cost and ease of availability. We compared the pharmacokinetics (PK) and the clinical efficacy of generic MEL with that of the innovator formulation in MM patients undergoing ASCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients diagnosed with MM receiving high-dose MEL were included in this study. MEL levels in plasma were measured using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS) protocol and non-linear mixed effects modeling was used to evaluate the PK of the data.

RESULTS

The interindividual variability (IIV) in MEL area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) and clearance (CL) were 4.39, 5.88-fold for generic, and 4.34, 6.85-fold for the innovator formulation, respectively. The median MEL AUC and CL were comparable between the 2 formulations. The population PK analysis showed age and creatinine CL as the only significant covariates explaining IIV in MEL AUC/CL. Analysis of MEL PK parameters with clinical outcome showed no significant differences in terms of onset and severity of mucositis, day to neutrophil and platelet engraftment, as well as response status on day 100 post ASCT between patients receiving generic or innovator formulations of MEL. In addition, neither MEL AUC nor CL was found to be associated with day +100 response.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the PK and efficacy of the generic MEL is comparable to the innovator formulation.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma with Renal Failure: Friend or Foe?

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment for multiple myeloma (MM), but the clinical response and renal curative effect in MM patients with renal failure (RF) remain controversial. The myeloma kidney disease has different types, and most are due to the direct toxic effects of light chain. Although ASCT can effectively clear the light chain, the data of renal function improvement are still limited. We reviewed the published literatures, focusing on the prospective studies, the retrospective analysis studies, and the case reports. RF patients who received ASCT displayed a low survival rate (OS: HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.020 to 3.720; I² = 64.9%, P = 0.014) and a shorter EFS/PFS (EFS/PFS: HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.090 to 2.140; I² = 0%, P = 0.669). However, ASCT was feasible and could have the similar clinical response outcomes compared with the normal renal function (CR: OR 1.013, 95% CI 0.569 to 1.804; I² = 48.5%, P = 0.101; PR: OR 1.013, 95% CI 0.342 to 1.226; I² = 46.3%, P = 0.144). Moreover, MM with RF after ASCT had a good improvement of renal function and melphalan is still an important factor affecting the treatment of ASCT.

Stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: how far have we come?

High-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) has historically been an essential part of multiple myeloma (MM) management since early studies demonstrated its efficacy in relapsed disease, and subsequent phase III trials demonstrated better responses and improved survival with this modality compared with standard chemotherapy. With further advances in the MM treatment landscape, including the development of potent novel agents, there has been an increasing debate around various aspects of ASCT, including the optimal timing, role of single versus tandem ASCT, and the practice of consolidation and maintenance therapy post-ASCT. Routine incorporation of the novel agents at each of the treatment phases, induction, consolidation when used, and maintenance has led to better responses as reflected by increasing rates of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, longer progression-free survival (PFS) with improvement in overall survival (OS) and in some of the trials. The phase III trials over the last decade have provided significant clarity on the current approach, and have raised important questions regarding the applicability of this modality in all patients. This review aims to summarize the latest literature in the field and discusses how these findings impact the practice of ASCT today.

Long-term survival without graft-versus-host-disease following infusion of allogeneic myeloma-specific Vβ T cell families

Background

Despite chemo-induction therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the vast majority of patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) relapse within 7 years and the disease remains incurable. Adoptive Allogeneic T-cell therapy (ATCT) might be curative for MM, however current ATCT protocols often lead to graft versus host disease (GvHD). Transplanting only tumor reactive donor T cells that mediate a graft-versus-myeloma (GvM) but not GvHD may overcome this problem.

Methods

We used an MHC-matched/miHA-disparate B10.D2 → Balb/c bone marrow transplantation (BMT) murine model and MOPC315.BM MM cells to develop an ATCT protocol consisting of total body irradiation, autologous-BMT and infusion of selective, myeloma-reactive lymphocytes of T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ 2, 3 and 8.3 families (MM-auto BMT ATCT).

Results

Pre-stimulation ex vivo of allogeneic T cells by exposure to MOPC315.BM MM cells in the presence of IL-2, anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 resulted in expansion of the myeloma-reactive T cell TCRVβ 2, 3 and 8.3 subfamilies. Their isolation and infusion into MM-bearing mice resulted in a vigorous GvM response without induction GvHD and long-term survival. Repeated infusion of naïve myeloma-reactive T cell TCRVβ 2, 3 and 8.3 subfamilies was also effective.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that a transplantation protocol involving only selective tumor-reactive donor T cell families is an effective immunotherapy and results in long-term survival in a mouse model of human MM. The results highlight the need to develop similar ATCT strategies for MM patients that result in enhanced survival without symptoms of GvHD.

Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplant in small-sized and peripheral centers: a 10-year experiment

Background

Along with continuing changes in therapeutic modalities, indications of autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) have been emerging and changing considerably, especially in the era of targeted therapy and small molecule inhibitors. Patients treated with novel agents tend to have a longer survival period, thus eventually reaching higher ages at ASCT. Herein, and to address the question of ASCT outcomes in small, community-based, peripheral French centers, we report the 10-year follow-up results of 136 patients who received ASCT in our eight-bed ASCT unit, situated in an urban area.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 136 patients treated between 2008 and 2017 at the Duchenne Hospital Center. Of these 136 patients, 75 underwent ASCT for myeloma, while 61 underwent ASCT for lymphoma, amongst which 57 patients were treated for B-cell lymphoma. The median age was 65 years (range, 27-72) for myeloma patients, and 62 years (range, 27-71) for patients with lymphoma.

Results

The cohort median follow up was estimated at 33 months; 10-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 71% and 64% for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 75% and 45% for myeloma, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found for OS or 1-year PFS between patients who received ASCT from 2008 to 2012, and those who received it from 2013 to 2017.

Conclusions

In the absence of randomized trials studying the role of center size, experience, and standardization procedure for ASCT outcome, these results may suggest that ASCT in peripheral accredited small-sized centers could be a viable option to facilitate follow up and enable access to this treatment, especially for elderly patients, in comparison with referring the patient to central large hospitals to undergo ASCT.

The impact of re-induction prior to salvage autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an integral component of the therapeutic arsenal in multiple myeloma. Given that overall survival (OS) is comparable between patients receiving up-front or delayed ASCT, some opt to collect stem cells and postpone transplant until the time of disease progression (i.e. salvage ASCT). It is unknown if induction should be repeated prior to salvage ASCT, or if patients should proceed directly. We identified 234 patients who underwent salvage ASCT at our institution: 188 (80%) were re-induced, whereas 46 (20%) proceeded directly without re-induction. There was no significant difference in time to next therapy (TNT) or OS from Day 0 between the two groups. Patients who were re-induced had a nonsignificant trend towards a higher rate of complete response post-ASCT (45% vs. 33%, p= .12). In multivariate models, re-induction did not affect TNT/OS. In the subgroup of 188 patients who were re-induced, patients with relapsed/refractory disease at the time of ASCT had significantly shorter TNT/OS compared to patients with deeper pre-ASCT responses. In summary, there was no survival difference for patients who were re-induced before salvage ASCT. However, many factors affect the decision to re-induce, and prospective studies would be required to discern its role definitively.

Many Shades of Disparities in Myeloma Care

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has notably evolved with improved patient outcomes over the past few years. Several new drugs have become available, and large national and international clinical trials have set the stage for evidence-based medicine guidelines for the treatment of patients with MM. Although patient outcomes have undoubtedly improved, data increasingly show that several disparities exist at varying levels of health care and that these disparities make the care of patients heterogenous and potentially result in inferior outcomes. These disparities have been described with regard to patient age, race/ethnicity, rural-urban residence, socioeconomic status, and insurance type, among other factors. Looking at the global picture of MM care, there is substantial variation among different countries, primarily depending on the disparate availability of anti-MM drugs and access to quality health care across the world, limiting the delivery of innovative therapeutic approaches at the individual patient level. The causes of these national and international disparities could be multifactorial, intricate, and difficult to isolate. Yet the ongoing research in this field is encouraging, and there seems to be growing momentum to understand such disparities and their causes. It is hoped that this research will lead to solutions that can be implemented in the near future. This review focuses on certain aspects of disparities in MM care, highlighting disparities among different racial/ethnic subgroups, rural-urban differences in America, and global disparities at an international level.

Comparable outcomes using propylene glycol-free melphalan for autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains a mainstay in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). While the procedure is generally safe, toxicities associated with high-dose melphalan conditioning are common and significantly affect patient quality of life. Recently, a propylene glycol-free melphalan formulation (PG-free MEL; Evomela^®) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as an ASCT conditioning regimen for MM. PG-free MEL is more soluble and stable than propylene glycol-solubilized melphalan (PG-solubilized MEL; Alkeran^®). As such, there is speculation that it could decrease toxicities and increase the efficacy of ASCT. We compared the outcomes of patients conditioned with PG-free MEL (n=216) to PG-solubilized MEL (n=200) at our institution. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. After Day +0, there were no differences in terms of hospitalizations, neutropenic fevers, intravenous granisetron requirement, World Health Organization grade ≥2 oral/esophageal mucositis, intravenous fluid requirement, or narcotic requirement. However, PG-free MEL patients had a higher incidence of diarrhea, which was mostly C. difficile-negative (82% vs. 71%, P=0.015*). Day +100 hematologic responses and progression-free survival after ASCT were comparable. In summary, we demonstrate that switching to PG-free MEL did not significantly reduce short-term complications of ASCT or improve outcomes in MM.