How I treat the young patient with multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma in Young Patients: A Scoping Review

Data on the disease course, presenting features, outcomes, and prognosis of younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are lacking. Younger patients with MM have historically been considered to have better outcomes primarily based on better tolerance of treatment and lack of medical comorbidities, but the specific age range of this population has not been uniformly defined. Given the lack of consistent data reporting in patients considered to be young MM patients, we performed a scoping review to highlight the research currently available to start drawing conclusions about these patients and highlight unmet areas of need to focus on further investigation. We searched Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and the OVID version of MEDLINE including broad terms that embody the concept of young patients with MM. Our final review included 201 studies which were then categorized according to age group, number of patients, outcomes, and comparators to older patients, along with location and database when available. We have chosen to categorize 3 age groupings: <50: young adults with MM (YA MM), 50 to 65: mid-life adults with multiple myeloma (ML MM) and 65+: older adults with multiple myeloma (OA MM). This review demonstrates the heterogeneity that exists in defining and describing young patients with MM, highlights the lack of studies specifically addressing the unique needs of younger patients, and emphasizes areas of future research unique to this population.

Impact of Clinical Parameters and Induction Regimens on Peripheral Blood Stem-Cell Mobilization and Collection in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Introduction

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous blood stem-cell transplantation (ABSCT) remains the standard consolidation therapy for newly diagnosed eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients. As a prerequisite, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) must be mobilized and collected by leukapheresis (LP). Many factors can hamper PBSC mobilization/collection. Here, we provide a comprehensive multiparametric assessment of PBSC mobilization/collection outcome parameters in a large cohort.

Methods

In total, 790 MM patients (471 [60%] male, 319 [40%] female) who underwent PBSC mobilization/collection during first-line treatment were included. Evaluated PBSC mobilization/collection outcome parameters included the prolongation of PBSC mobilization, plerixafor administration, number of LP sessions, and overall PBSC collection goal/result.

Results

741 (94%) patients received cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/dexamethasone (CAD) and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization. Plerixafor was administered in 80 (10%) patients. 489 (62%) patients started LP without delay. 530 (67%) patients reached the PBSC collection goal at the first LP session. The mean overall PBSC collection result was 10.3 (standard deviation [SD] 4.4) × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. In a multiparametric analysis, variables negatively associated with PBSC mobilization/collection outcomes were female gender, age >60 years, an advanced ISS stage, and local radiation pre-/during induction, but not remission status postinduction. Notably, the identified risk factors contributed differently to each PBSC mobilization/collection outcome parameter. In this context, compared to all other induction regimens, lenalidomide-based induction with/without antibodies negatively affected only the number of LP sessions required to reach the collection goal, but no other PBSC mobilization/collection outcome parameters. In contrast, the probability of reaching a high collection goal of ≥6 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg body weight was higher after lenalidomide-based induction compared to VCD/PAD or VAD - taking into account - that a higher G-SCF dosage was given in approximately one-third of patients receiving lenalidomide-based induction with/without antibodies.

Conclusion

Considering the identified risk factors in the clinical setting can contribute to optimized PBSC mobilization/collection. Moreover, our study demonstrates the necessity for a differentiated evaluation of PBSC mobilization/collection outcome parameters.

Bortezomib-based induction therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: A single-center experience and review of Indian literature

INTRODUCTION

High-dose chemotherapy with melphalan, followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) remains the standard of care for consolidation therapy of fit patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), for more than 20 years now.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of NDMM patients who underwent AHCT at our center from 2011 to 2018. Data was undertaken using the hospital electronic medical records (EMR).

RESULTS

Among transplant eligible patients (which were 764), 78 patients (10.2%) underwent AHCT. The predominant stage in the study cohort was International Scoring System (ISS)-III (55%), and IgG-kappa (44%) was the commonest subtype of multiple myeloma (MM). Light chain myeloma was found in 23.5% of patients. Pretransplant, 42%, 48%, and 10% patients were in more than very good partial response (>VGPR), very good partial response (VGPR), and partial response (PR), respectively. The median duration of follow-up was 57.2 months (range: 12.1-120.2 months). The entire cohort's 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 89.1% and 41.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib based triplet induction regimens were effective and well tolerated in this retrospective analysis of Indian patients. We observed that AHCT effectively achieves deep and durable remission in MM.

Risk Assessment for Newly Diagnosed Fit Young Patients with Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Treatment Modalities: Should There Be Additional Factors Taken into Consideration??

Introduction

The optimal treatment for young patients with high-risk newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) remains a challenge.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 58 NDMM patients younger than 55 years treated in our center from 2010 to 2021 with the current recommended protocols.

Results

After a median follow-up of 48 months, median overall survival (OS) was not reached; however, approximately 25% of them died within 4 years after diagnosis. Advanced disease stage, presence of extramedullary disease, elevated LDH, and less than very good remission before autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation adversely affected patient survival. Based on these factors, we created a risk-assessment scoring system that sufficiently discriminated young NDMM patients at risk of poor outcome. The 4-year OS was superior for patients with zero to two factors to those with three to five factors (86% vs 44%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The proposed scoring system could be reliably used at diagnosis and at interim disease evaluation in aiming for personalized treatment for young NDMM patients.

Steps towards a Multiple Myeloma Cure?

Multiple myeloma survival has increased in last 20 years because of new treatments, better clinical management due to novel diagnostic tools such as imaging, and better understanding of the disease, biologically and genetically. Novel drugs have been introduced that act with different therapeutic mechanisms, but so have novel therapeutic strategies such as consolidation and maintenance after autologous stem cell transplant. Imaging (such as PET-CT and MRI) has been applied at diagnosis and after therapy for minimal residual disease monitoring. Multiparametric flow and molecular NGS may detect, with high-sensitivity, residual monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. With this novel therapeutic and biological approach, a considerable fraction of multiple myeloma patients can achieve durable remission or even MGUS-like regression, which can ultimately lead to disease disappearance. The big dogma, “Myeloma is an incurable disease”, is hopefully fading.

Real-world study on adoption of standard of care (SoC) for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (TE-NDMM) patients between 2017 and 2020/2021 across France, Germany, Spain, and Italy

OBJECTIVES

This non-interventional observational study described the current standard-of-care (SoC) for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (TE-NDMM) patients in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, and recorded the evolution in regimen adoption in distinct elements of frontline treatment during 2017-2020/2021.

METHODS

Clinical information on ongoing (I) or previous (II) TE-NDMM patients was extracted from the Cancerology database. Proportions of patients receiving regimens in each element and the evolution in regimen adoption were determined for the entire population and each country.

RESULTS

Most common induction regimens among I patients were VRd in France (75.3%) and Spain (44.1%), VTd in Italy (65.2%), and regimens other than VRd/VTd/VCd in Germany. Maintenance was ongoing/planned for 78.3%, 62.3%, 65.2%, and 61.4% patients in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, respectively. Among II patients, VRd induction increased from 27.0% in 2017 to 65.7% in 2019 in France, remained relatively low in Spain and Germany, and not present in Italy. In Italy and Spain, VTd induction declined from 72.4% and 58.3% in 2017 to 52.8% and 17.3% in 2019, respectively. VCd induction in Germany declined from 85.2% in 2017 to 64.1% in 2019.

CONCLUSION

The use of bortezomib triplets in induction varied markedly over time and between selected countries.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Drives Metabolic Changes in the Bone Marrow Niche

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly proliferative cancer characterised by infiltration of immature haematopoietic cells in the bone marrow (BM). AML predominantly affects older people and outcomes, particularly in this difficult to treat population remain poor, in part due to inadequate response to therapy, and treatment toxicity. Normal haematopoiesis is supported by numerous support cells within the BM microenvironment or niche, including adipocytes, stromal cells and endothelial cells. In steady state haematopoiesis, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) primarily acquire ATP through glycolysis. However, during stress-responses HSCs rapidly transition to oxidative phosphorylation, enabled by mitochondrial plasticity. Historically it was thought that cancer cells preferentially used glycolysis for ATP production, however recently it has become evident that many cancers, including AML primarily use the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation for rapid proliferation. AML cells hijack the stress-response pathways of their non-malignant counterparts, utilising mitochondrial changes to drive expansion. In addition, amino acids are also utilised by leukaemic stem cells to aid their metabolic output. Together, these processes allow AML cells to maximise their ATP production, using multiple metabolites and fuelling rapid cell turnover which is a hallmark of the disease. This review of AML derived changes in the BM niche, which enable enhanced metabolism, will consider the important pathways and discuss future challenges with a view to understanding how AML cells are able to hijack metabolic pathways and how we may elucidate new targets for potential therapies.

CS1-specific single-domain antibodies labeled with Actinium-225 prolong survival and increase CD8+ T cells and PD-L1 expression in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the presence of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow niche. Despite significant therapeutic advances, MM remains incurable for the majority of patients. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) has emerged as a promising treatment option to eradicate residual cancer cells. In this study, we developed and characterized single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) against the MM-antigen CS1 and evaluated its therapeutic potential in MM using TRNT. We first validated CS1 as potential target for TRNT. CS1 is expressed in normal and malignant plasma cells in different disease stages including progression and relapse. It is expressed in dormant as well as proliferating MM cells, while low expression could be observed in environmental cells. Biodistribution studies demonstrated the specific uptake of anti-CS1 sdAbs in tissues of 5TMM cell infiltration including bone, spleen and liver. TRNT using anti-CS1 sdAbs labeled with actinium-225 significantly prolonged survival of syngeneic, immunocompetent 5T33MM mice. In addition, we observed an increase in CD8⁺ T-cells and more overall PD-L1 expression on immune and non-immune cells, implying an interferon gamma signature using actinium-225 labeled CS1-directed sdAbs. In this proof-of-principle study, we highlight, for the first time, the therapeutic potential and immunomodulating effects of anti-CS1 radionuclide therapy to target residual MM cells.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE OF YOUNG MULTIPLE MYELOMA PATIENTS DIAGNOSED EARLIER THAN 40 YEARS: THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is rare in young patients - especially before 40 years at diagnosis, representing less than 2% of all patients with MM. Little is known about the disease characteristics and prognosis of these patients. In this study we examined 214 patients diagnosed with MM ≤ 40 years old over 15 years, in the era of modern treatments. Among them, 189 patients had symptomatic MM. Disease characteristics were similar to older patients: 35% had anemia, 17% had renal impairment, and 13% hypercalcemia. The staging was ISS-1 in 52.4%, ISS-2 in 27.5% and ISS-3 in 20.1%. Overall, 18% of patients had high risk cytogenetics (del 17p and/or t(4;14)). Ninety percent of patients received intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant, and 25% of patients had allogeneic stem cell transplantation predominantly at time of relapse. The median follow-up was 76 months, the estimated median overall survival was 14.5 years and the median PFS was 41 months. In multivariate analysis, bone lesions (HR=3.95; p=0.01), high ISS score (HR=2.14; p=0.03) and high-risk cytogenetics (HR=4.54; p<0.0001) were significant risk factors for poor outcomes. Among predefined time-dependent covariables, onset of progression (HR=13.2; p<0.0001) significantly shortened OS. At 5 years, Relative Survival compared to same age and sex matched individuals was 83.5%, and estimated Standardized Mortality Ratio was 69.9 (95%CI 52.7-91.1), confirming that MM dramatically shortens the survival of young patients despite an extended survival after diagnosis.

Bortezomib-based regimens improve the prognosis of newly diagnosed MM patients with chromosomal aberrations except for del(17q13): A retrospective study from a single center

Chromosomal aberrations are generally considered to have a remarkable impact on the outcome of multiple myeloma. Bortezomib helps to achieve complete responses and leads to longer life expectancy in many multiple myeloma patients. This study was designed to clarify whether bortezomib can improve the poor prognosis resulting from del(17q13), del(13q14), amp(1q21), t(4,14), t(14,16) in patients with multiple myeloma. A total of 255 MM patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens were included in this study. All chromosomal aberrations were detected by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. Kaplan-Meier survival and Multivariable Cox regression analysis were employed to assess the prognostic situation in progression-free survival and overall survival. The result showed that the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with del(17q13) were shorter than those without del(17q13) in multivariate analysis and patients with del(13q14), amp(1q21), t(4,14), t(14,16) were similar to patients without these chromosomal aberrations in progression-free survival and overall survival after receiving bortezomib-based regimens.In conclusion Bortezomib-based regimens can overcome the poor prognosis derived from del(13q14), amp(1q21), t(4,14), t(14,16) but not del(17q13).

Role and Therapeutic Targeting of SDF-1α/CXCR4 Axis in Multiple Myeloma

Simple Summary

The SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis plays crucial roles in proliferation, survival, invasion, dissemination, and drug resistance in multiple myeloma. This review summarizes the pleiotropic role of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in multiple myeloma and introduces the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-targeted therapies in multiple myeloma.

Abstract

The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a pleiotropic chemokine receptor that is expressed in not only normal hematopoietic cells but also multiple myeloma cells. Its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) is produced in the bone marrow microenvironment. The SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis plays a pivotal role in the major physiological processes associated with tumor proliferation, survival, invasion, dissemination, and drug resistance in myeloma cells. This review summarizes the pleiotropic role of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in multiple myeloma and discusses the future perspective in the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-targeted therapies in multiple myeloma.

Belantamab mafodotin in combination with novel agents in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: DREAMM-5 study design

Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is a BCMA-targeted antibody-drug conjugate recently approved as monotherapy for adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received ≥4 prior therapies. Belamaf binds to BCMA and eliminates myeloma cells by multimodal mechanisms of action. The cytotoxic and potential immunomodulatory properties of belamaf have led to novel combination studies with other anticancer therapies. Here, we describe the rationale and design of DREAMM-5, an ongoing Phase I/II platform study evaluating the safety and efficacy of belamaf combined with novel agents, including GSK3174998 (OX40 agonist), feladilimab (an ICOS; GSK3359609), nirogacestat (a gamma-secretase inhibitor; PF-03084014) and dostarlimab (a PD-1 blocker) versus belamaf monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Clinical trial registration: NCT04126200 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Racial Disparities in Intravenous Bisphosphonate Use Among Older Patients With Multiple Myeloma Enrolled in Medicare

PURPOSE

Intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates reduce the risk of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, data describing racial differences in IV bisphosphonate utilization outside of clinical trial settings are limited. We evaluated population-level IV bisphosphonate initiation and discontinuation among patients of age ≥ 65 years with MM.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients of age ≥ 65 years diagnosed with first primary MM between 2001 and 2011. Patients were identified using the SEER-Medicare linked database and followed through December 2013. Cumulative incidences of IV bisphosphonate initiation and time to discontinuation among users were compared between racial and ethnic groups. In Fine and Gray competing risk models, we estimated subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and 95% CIs for initiation and discontinuation.

RESULTS

We included 14,231 eligible patients with MM (median age, 76 years; 52% male). Over a median follow-up of 23.1 months, 54% of patients received at least one IV bisphosphonate dose. Our final analytical sample included 10,456 non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, 2,267 NH Blacks, 548 Asian and Pacific islanders, and 815 Hispanic and Latino patients. A higher proportion of White patients (56.1%) newly received IV bisphosphonates after MM diagnosis compared with NH Blacks (45.4%). Compared with White patients, NH Black patients were less likely to initiate IV bisphosphonates (SHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.79) and slightly more likely to discontinue treatment (SHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.19).

CONCLUSION

Approximately half of the patients with MM of age ≥ 65 years did not receive IV bisphosphonates, with significant delay among racial minority groups. These findings highlight the need for improvement of IV bisphosphonate uptake in patients with MM of age ≥ 65 years.

Drug Conjugated and Bispecific Antibodies for Multiple Myeloma: Improving Immunotherapies off the Shelf

The impressive improvement of overall survival in multiple myeloma (MM) patients in the last years has been mostly related to the availability of new classes of drugs with different mechanisms of action, including proteasome inhibitors (PI), immunomodulating agents (IMiDs), and monoclonal antibodies. However, even with this increased potence of fire, MM still remains an incurable condition, due to clonal selection and evolution of neoplastic clone. This concept underlines the importance of immunotherapy as one of the most relevant tools to try to eradicate the disease. In line with this concept, active and passive immunotherapies represent the most attractive approach to this aim. Antibody-drug conjugate(s) (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) include two innovative tools in order to limit neoplastic plasma cell growth or even, if used at the time of the best response, to potentially eradicate the tumoral clone. Following their promising results as single agent for advanced disease, at the recent 62nd ASH meeting, encouraging data of several combinations, particularly of ADC(s) with PI or IMiDs, have been reported, suggesting even better results for patients treated earlier. In this paper, we reviewed the characteristics, mechanism of action, and clinical data available for most relevant ADC(s) and BsAbs.

Minimal Residual Disease in Multiple Myeloma: State of the Art and Applications in Clinical Practice

Novel drugs have revolutionized multiple myeloma therapy in the last 20 years, with median survival that has doubled to up to 8–10 years. The introduction of therapeutic strategies, such as consolidation and maintenance after autologous stem cell transplants, has also ameliorated clinical results. The goal of modern therapies is becoming not only complete remission, but also the deepest possible remission. In this context, the evaluation of minimal residual disease by techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and next-generation flow (NGF) is becoming part of all new clinical trials that test drug efficacy. This review focuses on minimal residual disease approaches in clinical trials, with particular attention to real-world practices.

The clinical management of lenalidomide-based therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Lenalidomide is an integral, yet evolving, part of current treatment pathways for both transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). It is approved in combination with dexamethasone as first-line therapy for transplant-ineligible patients with NDMM, and as maintenance treatment following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Although strong clinical trial evidence has supported the integration of lenalidomide into current treatment paradigms for NDMM, applying those paradigms to individual patients and determining which patients are most likely to benefit from lenalidomide treatment are more complex. In this paper, we utilize the available clinical trial evidence to provide recommendations for patient selection and lenalidomide dosing in both the first-line setting in patients ineligible for ASCT and the maintenance setting in patients who have undergone ASCT. In addition, we provide guidance on management of those adverse events that are most commonly associated with lenalidomide treatment, and consider the optimal selection and sequencing of next-line agents following long-term frontline or maintenance treatment with lenalidomide.

Timing of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Current Therapies

BACKGROUND

Autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) during the initial treatment of multiple myeloma has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) but not overall survival (OS). While awaiting further prospective data, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients at our program.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included consecutive patients with newly diagnosed myeloma who had undergone stem cell harvest (SCH) from 2005 to 2014 and separated them into early (SCT within 12 months of diagnosis) and delayed (all others, including SCT not yet) groups. The outcomes were OS, PFS to first relapse, and PFS to second relapse.

RESULTS

Of the 514 patients who had undergone SCH, 227 were in the early and 287 in the delayed groups. Patients in the delayed group who had undergone SCT had received more therapy before SCT (55% had received ≥ 2 lines vs. 6% in the early group; P < .001), had had more progressive disease at SCT (34% vs. 4%; P < .001), had received melphalan doses < 200 mg/m² (22% vs. 10%; P = .001), and had had lower rates of very good partial response or better after SCT (58% vs. 79%; P = .001). On multivariable analysis, no differences were found in median OS (90 vs. 84 months; P = .093), PFS to first relapse (40 vs. 37 months; P = .552), or PFS to second relapse (54 vs. 52 months; P = .488) between the early and delayed groups.

CONCLUSION

Delaying SCT did not affect OS or even PFS to second relapse in our cohort of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma who had received current era induction therapy.

Adverse event management in the TOURMALINE-MM3 study of post-transplant ixazomib maintenance in multiple myeloma

The phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled TOURMALINE-MM3 study (NCT02181413) demonstrated improved progression-free survival with ixazomib maintenance versus placebo post autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma patients. We report additional safety data from TOURMALINE-MM3 to inform adverse event (AE) management recommendations. Patients were randomized 3:2 to receive ixazomib (n = 395) or placebo (n = 261) on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles for ~ 2 years or until progressive disease/toxicity. The initial 3-mg ixazomib dose was escalated to 4 mg in cycle 5, if tolerated in cycles 1-4. Safety was a secondary endpoint assessed in all treated patients; AEs were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for AEs v4.03. The rate of grade ≥ 3 AEs was higher in the ixazomib arm (19%) than in the placebo arm (5%), but the rate of discontinuation due to AEs was similar (7% vs. 5%). For AEs of clinical interest, rates were higher with ixazomib versus placebo: nausea 39% versus 15%, vomiting 27% versus 11%, diarrhea 35% versus 24%, thrombocytopenia 13% versus 3%, and peripheral neuropathy 19% versus 15%. However, the majority of events were low-grade, manageable with supportive therapy or dose reduction, and reversible, and did not result in discontinuation. There was no evidence of cumulative, long-term, or late-onset toxicity with ixazomib maintenance. Ixazomib is an efficacious and tolerable option for post-ASCT maintenance. AEs associated with ixazomib maintenance can be managed in the context of routine post-ASCT supportive care due to the limited additional toxicity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02181413.

Re-defining Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies by Dynamic Response Assessment Methods: Lessons Learnt in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

Risk-stratification is an essential management tool in defining prognosis of haematological neoplasms, both from patient and physician perspective. We define a new prognostic term "Dynamic Response Assessment Method(s) (DRAM)" as "method(s) used for re-stratifying disease prognosis at fixed intervals during the treatment course". The risk stratification is done after a fixed duration of treatment or chemotherapy cycles using sensitive techniques. The information obtained then can be used for further therapeutic decisions and prognostication. Currently, there is enough evidence that response to treatment improves the prognostic value of baseline disease variables in the management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma. Through this review, we discuss the current evidence based application of "DRAM" to guide therapeutic decisions in these malignancies. We also discuss how the results of "DRAM" can be incorporated for redefining prognosis and counselling the patients with these selected hematologic malignancies.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma: Predictors of long-term outcome

Background & objectives

Survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved in the past two decades following use of novel agents and autologous stem cell transplantation. To determine predictors of long-term outcome, data of MM patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at a tertiary care centre in north India were retrospectively analyzed.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2016, 349 MM patients underwent ASCT. Patients' median age was 52 yr, ranging from 29 to 68 yr, 68.2 per cent were males. Thirty three per cent patients had international staging system (ISS) Stage III and 68.5 per cent had received novel agents-based induction. High-dose melphalan (200 mg/m²) was used for conditioning; patients with renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate <40 ml/min) received melphalan 140-150 mg/m².

Results

Post-transplant, 317 of 349 (90.8%) patients responded; complete [complete response (CR)] -213 (61%)], very good partial response (VGPR) -62 (17.8%) and PR in 42 (12%)]. Induction with novel agents, pre-transplant chemosensitive disease, transplant in first remission and serum albumin (≥3.5 g/dl) were predictors of significant response. At a median follow up of 73 months, median overall survival (OS) was 90 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 70.8-109.2], and progression-free survival (PFS) was 41 months (95% CI 33.0-49.0). On multivariate analysis, achievement of CR post-transplant, transplant in first remission, ISS Stages I and II (vs. III), absence of extramedullary disease and serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dl were predictors of prolonged OS. For PFS, achievement of post-transplant CR and transplant in first remission were predictors of superior outcome.

Interpretation & conclusions

Treatment with novel agents, achievement of complete remission post-transplant, ISS Stages I and II, absence of extramedullary disease and transplant in first remission were predictors of long-term survival for patients with MM.

Response-adapted lenalidomide maintenance in newly diagnosed myeloma: results from the phase III GMMG-MM5 trial

The MM5 trial aimed at demonstrating a progression-free survival (PFS) difference in continued vs. response-adapted (in case of complete response, CR) lenalidomide (LEN) maintenance therapy (MT) in newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM). Patients were equally randomized to receive induction therapy with PAd (bortezomib/doxorubicin/dexamethasone) or VCD (bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone), high-dose melphalan and autologous blood stem cell transplantation, and LEN consolidation, followed by either LEN MT for a fixed duration of 2 years (LEN-2Y) or until achievement of CR (LEN-CR, intention-to-treat population n = 502): arms A1:PAd + LEN-2Y (n = 125), B1:PAd + LEN-CR (n = 126), A2:VCD + LEN-2Y (n = 126), B2:VCD + LEN-CR (n = 125). In the LEN-CR group (B1 + B2), n = 88/17.5% patients did not start or discontinued LEN MT due to CR. There was no PFS (p = 0.60, primary endpoint) nor overall survival (OS) (p = 0.15) difference between the four study arms. On pooled LEN MT strategies, OS (hazard ratio, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42, p = 0.03) but not PFS (HR = 1.15, p = 0.20) was shorter in LEN-CR (B1 + B2) vs. LEN-2Y (A1 + A2) groups. PFS was shortened on landmark analyses from the start of LEN MT in patients being in CR in the LEN-CR group (LEN-CR vs. LEN-2Y, HR = 1.84, p = 0.02). OS from first progression was shortened in the LEN-CR vs. LEN-2Y group (HR = 1.60, p = 0.01). LEN MT should be applied beyond CR for at least 2 years.

Updates on CAR T-cell therapy in B-cell malignancies

By increasing disease-free survival and offering the potential for long-term cure, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has dramatically expanded therapeutic options among those with high-risk B-cell malignancies. As CAR T-cell utilization evolves however, novel challenges are generated. These include determining how to optimally integrate CAR T cells into standard of care and overcoming mechanisms of resistance to CAR T-cell therapy, such as evolutionary stress induced on cancer cells leading to immunophenotypic changes that allow leukemia to evade this targeted therapy. Compounding these challenges are the limited ability to determine differences between various CAR T-cell constructs, understanding the generalizability of trial outcomes from multiple sites utilizing unique CAR manufacturing strategies, and comparing distinct criteria for toxicity grading while defining optimal management. Additionally, as understanding of CAR behavior in humans has developed, strategies have appropriately evolved to proactively mitigate toxicities. These challenges offer complimentary insights and guide next steps to enhance the efficacy of this novel therapeutic modality. With a focus on B-cell malignancies as the paradigm for effective CAR T-cell therapy, this review describes advances in the field as well as current challenges and future directions.

The changing role of high dose melphalan with stem cell rescue in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in the era of modern therapies-back to the future!

State of the art treatment for myeloma involves using 3-drug combinations incorporating immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs). Clinical trials for 4-drug combinations incorporating monoclonal antibodies added to IMiD and PI based backbones are underway. Recent retrospective analyses show that patients who attain MRD negativity have similar long term outcomes regardless of early or delayed high dose melphalan with autologous stem cell support (HDM-ASCT). Given HDM-ASCT toxicity, not "overtreating" would be beneficial. Short of data from future prospective clinical trials addressing the question of the role of HDM-ASCT in MRD negative patients, varying expert opinions inherently arise. In this paper, we present the historical context of HDM-ASCT and data supporting 3-drug combinations. We then propose that a viable option for patients who reach MRD negativity is to transition to maintenance therapy directly without early HDM-ASCT, and reserving stem cell harvest to cases where HDM-ASCT is a possibility at relapse.

Immunomodulatory Drugs Alter the Metabolism and the Extracellular Release of Soluble Mediators by Normal Monocytes

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are used in the treatment of hematological malignancies, especially multiple myeloma. IMiDs have direct anticancer effects but also indirect effects via cancer-supporting stromal cells. Monocytes are a stromal cell subset whose metabolism is modulated by the microenvironment, and they communicate with neighboring cells through extracellular release of soluble mediators. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is then a common regulator of monocyte metabolism and mediator release. Our aim was to investigate IMiD effects on these two monocyte functions. We compared effects of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide on in vitro cultured normal monocytes. Cells were cultured in medium alone or activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 agonist. Metabolism was analyzed by the Seahorse XF 96 cell analyzer. Mediator release was measured as culture supernatant levels. TLR4 was a regulator of both monocyte metabolism and mediator release. All three IMiDs altered monocyte metabolism especially when cells were cultured with LPS; this effect was strongest for lenalidomide that increased glycolysis. Monocytes showed a broad soluble mediator release profile. IMiDs decreased TLR4-induced mediator release; this effect was stronger for pomalidomide than for lenalidomide and especially thalidomide. To conclude, IMiDs can alter the metabolism and cell–cell communication of normal monocytes, and despite their common molecular target these effects differ among various IMiDs.

The evolving role of translocation t(11;14) in the biology, prognosis, and management of multiple myeloma

Cytogenetic changes in multiple myeloma (MM) have emerged as one of the most important prognostic factors. Translocations of chromosomes 4 and 14 [t(4;14)], chromosomes 14 and 16 [t(14;16)] and deletion of chromosome 17p [del(17p)] have been incorporated in the Revised International Staging System as a measure of adverse disease biology. Ongoing research is unveiling a complex genomic landscape in MM, with new cytogenetic abnormalities important for prognosis identified and the significance of known cytogenetic changes revisited. In studies conducted before the novel agent era, t(11;14) was shown to carry standard risk for patients with MM. Findings from more recent retrospective reviews have shown that t(11;14) is associated with intermediate outcomes in patients treated with novel agents as compared with patients who have standard- or high-risk cytogenetic aberrations. MM cells with t(11;14) have a unique biology, with relatively higher expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2 and lower expression of MCL1, in contrast to MM cells without this translocation. Translocation t(11;14) has emerged as the first predictive marker in MM, indicating susceptibility to BCL2 inhibition. Future studies will be needed to explore if the combination of novel agents with BCL2 inhibitors can improve the prognosis of patients with t(11;14). In this article, current data on the evolving role of t(11;14) in the biology, prognosis, and treatment of MM are reviewed.

Recent updates on CAR T clinical trials for multiple myeloma

Proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents and monoclonal antibodies have dramatically changed the natural history of multiple myeloma (MM). However, most patients eventually suffer a relapse and succumb to the disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), CD138, CS1 glycoprotein antigen (SLAMF7) and light chains are in active development for therapy of refractory /relapsed (RR) MM. CD19- targeted CAR T cells in conjunction with autologous stem cell transplantation also showed activity in RRMM. Dual- target CAR T cells are in clinical trials for RRMM. This review summarized the recent updates of ongoing CAR T clinical trials for multiple myeloma.

Minimal Residual Disease Status as a Surrogate Endpoint for Progression-free Survival in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Studies: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic advances have greatly extended survival times in patients with multiple myeloma, necessitating increasingly lengthy trials when using survival outcomes as primary endpoints. A surrogate endpoint that can more rapidly predict survival could accelerate drug development. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate minimal residual disease (MRD) status as a valid progression-free survival (PFS) surrogate in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched abstracts in PubMed, The American Society of Hematology, and the European Hematology Association for "myeloma," "minimal residual disease," and "clinical trial." Because of the need to evaluate the treatment effect on MRD response, only randomized studies for subjects with NDMM were included. Details on the MRD-tested populations were required. The meta-analysis was performed by principles outlined at the 2013 United States Food and Drug Administration workshop on MRD in acute myeloid leukemia.⁴² For samples that were not measured for MRD and within the subset specified for MRD assessment, their MRD status was imputed from the samples that had known MRD status. Patients that were excluded from planned MRD assessment were considered MRD-positive.

RESULTS

Six randomized studies, representing 3283 patients and 2208 MRD samples, met analysis inclusion criteria. MRD negativity rates ranged from 0.06 to 0.70. The treatment effect on the odds ratio for MRD-negative response strongly correlated with the hazard ratio for PFS with a coefficient of determination for the weighted regression line of 0.97. Our meta-analysis suggested that MRD status met both the Prentice criteria for PFS surrogacy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the claim that MRD status can be used as a surrogate for PFS in NDMM.

A predicted risk score based on the expression of 16 autophagy-related genes for multiple myeloma survival

Autophagy has an important role in the pathogenesis of plasma cell development and multiple myeloma (MM); however, the prognostic role of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in MM remains undefined. In the present study, the expression profiles of 234 ARGs were obtained from a Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (accession GSE24080), which contains 559 samples of patients with MM analyzed with 54,675 probes. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 55 ARGs that were significantly associated with event-free survival of MM. Furthermore, a risk score with 16 survival-associated ARGs was developed using multivariate Cox regression analysis, including ATIC, BNIP3L, CALCOCO2, DNAJB1, DNAJB9, EIF4EBP1, EVA1A, FKBP1B, FOXO1, FOXO3, GABARAP, HIF1A, NCKAP1, PRKAR1A and SUPT20H, was constructed. Using this prognostic signature, patients with MM could be separated into high- and low-risk groups with distinct clinical outcomes. The area under the curve values for the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.740, 0.741 and 0.712 for 3, 5 and 10 years prognosis predictions, respectively. Notably, the prognostic role of this risk score could be validated with another four independent cohorts (accessions: GSE57317, GSE4581, GSE4452 and GSE4204). In conclusion, ARGs may serve vital roles in the progression of MM, and the ARGs-based prognostic model may provide novel ideas for clinical applications in MM.

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use is highly prevalent in multiple myeloma patients and is improved by a collaborative physician–pharmacist clinic

Objective

To compare polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use in multiple myeloma patients receiving care under a traditional, physician-managed, or collaborative physician–pharmacist clinic.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Urban academic cancer center.

Data source

Computerized electronic record.

Patients

Forty-four patients in the traditional physician-managed clinic and 57 patients in the collaborative physician-pharmacist clinic.

Measurements and main results

Patients in the collaborative clinic took fewer medications on average (9 vs. 7, p = 0.045). Although the median number of myeloma-related medications was higher (2 vs. 4, p < 0.0001), the number of non-myeloma-related medications was lower (7 vs. 3, p < 0.0001) in the collaborative clinic. Polypharmacy rates were high in both clinics (93% vs. 84%, p = 0.22). However, the collaborative clinic had a lower rate of polypharmacy of non-myeloma medications (71 vs. 33%, p = 0.0003), including both minor (five to nine medications, 48 vs. 28%, p = 0.06) and major (≥10 medications, 23 vs. 5%, p = 0.02) polypharmacy. Minor polypharmacy of myeloma-related medications was higher in the collaborative clinic (32 vs. 2%; p = 0.0002). Multivariate analysis showed a reduced risk of having a higher number of medications (Relative risk (RR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.93; p = 0.004), a lower risk of having any polypharmacy of non-myeloma-related medications (RR 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.25–0.67; p < 0.001) and a lower risk of receiving potentially inappropriate medication (RR 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.41–0.95; p = 0.029) in the collaborative clinic.

Conclusions

Multiple myeloma patients have a high rate of polypharmacy but comanagement with a pharmacist reduced the number of all medications, but in particular the number of non-myeloma-related medications.

MUC1/KL-6 expression confers an aggressive phenotype upon myeloma cells

The sialic glycoprotein, MUC1, is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various types of cancers. KL-6 is one of the surface antigens of MUC1 and also a marker of interstitial pneumonitis. A fraction of patients with myeloma (3.9%) have elevated serum KL-6 levels without any evidence of interstitial pneumonitis and their myeloma cells have high MUC1 expression. We established a myeloma cell line designated EMM1 from a patient with multiple myeloma accompanied with elevated serum KL-6. EMM1 cells expressed high levels of MUC1 compared with other myeloma cell lines. Knockdown of MUC1 in EMM1 cells induced cell cycle arrest during S phase and apoptosis, suggesting that the MUC1 expression is involved in accelerated growth of EMM1 cells. RNA-seq analysis suggests that MUC1 expression activates k-ras and TNFα-induced NFκB pathways in EMM1 cells. We injected EMM1 cells subcutaneously into Rag2^-/-Jak3^-/- Balb/c mice to establish a mouse xenograft model. These mice had aggressive tumor growth that was accompanied by high serum KL-6 levels. In addition, MUC1 knockdown in EMM1 cells led to inhibited tumor growth. These findings demonstrate that MUC1 serves as a potential target for developing drugs for treatment of patients with KL-6⁺ myeloma, and EMM1 cells and EMM1-engrafted mice are useful tools for the development of such novel agents.

Role of RACK1 on cell proliferation, adhesion, and bortezomib-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), a scaffold protein, plays a crucial role in the progression of various cancers. However, the biological function and underlying mechanism of RACK1 in multiple myeloma (MM) cells remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the function of RACK1 on the cell proliferation, adhesion, and bortezomib-induced apoptosis in MM. We found that RACK1 was significantly overexpressed in myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells compared with normal bone marrow plasma cells. Moreover, immunofluorescence revealed that RACK1 was primarily expressed in the cytoplasm of MM cells. Knockdown of RACK1 impaired growth of MM cells, blocked entry into the S-phase of the cell cycle, and resulted in reduced cell adhesion rates. More importantly, knockdown of RACK1 decreased the proliferation of MM cells by activating P-P38 and P-ERK in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. We also found that altered expression of RACK1 is associated with bortezomib-mediated MM cell apoptosis. In summary, these results may provide a possible target for therapy in MM.