Large registry analysis to accurately define second malignancy rates and risks in a well-characterized cohort of 744 consecutive multiple myeloma patients followed-up for 25 years

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Will CAR-T Replace ASCT in NDMM

The treatment landscape for multiple myeloma (MM) has rapidly evolved over the last 2 decades. The development of triplet and quadruplet regimens including proteasome inhibitors (PI), immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies has dramatically extended overall survival. In addition to effective multidrug regimens, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a cornerstone of management in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). However, despite these combined treatment modalities, curative therapy for MM remains elusive. Recent, novel immunotherapies including chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy have demonstrated deep and durable responses in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Currently 2 CAR-T products, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) and idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel), are approved by the FDA for the treatment of RRMM. The success of CAR-T therapy revolutionized the management of RRMM prompting clinical trials studying CAR-T therapy in the first line setting. The ongoing KarMMa-4, CARTITUDE-5, and CARTITUDE-6 clinical trials may establish CAR-T therapy as a first line option potentially supplanting ASCT in the initial treatment of NDMM. In this review, we discuss the current standard of care management of NDMM, trace the evolution of CAR-T clinical trials in RRMM, and survey ongoing clinical trials studying CAR-T therapy in NDMM.

Changing trends in the risk factors for second primary malignancies after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma before and after the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs

The incidence of second primary malignancies (SPM) in long-term survivors of multiple myeloma (MM) is increasing because of increased life expectancy. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for SPM in patients with MM after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) before and after the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). In total, 2,340 patients newly diagnosed with MM who underwent ASCT between 1995 and 2016 were enrolled in this study. Forty-three patients developed SPM (29 solid, 12 hematological, and 2 unknown tumors), with cumulative incidence rates of 0.8% and 2.5% at 24 and 60 months, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates of hematological and solid SPM at 60 months were 0.8% and 1.8%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate at 60 months after ASCT was 62.9% and the OS rates after the diagnosis of SPM at 24 months were 72.2% for hematological SPM and 70.9% for solid SPM. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of IMiDs (P=0.024) and radiation (P=0.002) were significant independent risk factors for SPM. The probabilities of developing SPM and death due to other causes (mainly MM) at 60 months were 2.5% and 36.5%, respectively, indicating that the risk of SPM was lower than that of death from MM. Furthermore, SPM between the pre-novel and novel agent eras (ASCT between 2007 and 2016) groups significantly increased (1.9% vs. 4.3% at 60 months; P=0.022). The early occurrence of SPM after ASCT should be monitored cautiously.

Clinicopathologic Features of Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms in Patients with Myeloma in the Era of Novel Therapies

The development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) is a rare complication that can occur in myeloma patients treated primarily with novel therapies. To better understand t-MNs in this context, we reviewed 66 such patients and compared them with a control group of patients who developed t-MN after cytotoxic therapies for other malignancies. The study group included 50 men and 16 women, with a median age of 68 years (range, 48-86 years). Therapies included proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and high-dose melphalan-based autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM-ASCT) in 64 (97%), 65 (98.5%), and 64 (97%) patients, respectively; 29 (43.9%) patients were exposed to other cytotoxic drugs besides HDM. The latency interval from therapy to t-MN was 4.9 years (range, 0.6-21.9 years). Patients who received HDM-ASCT in addition to other cytotoxic therapies had a longer latency period to t-MN compared with patients who only received HDM-ASCT (6.1 vs 4.7 years, P = .009). Notably, 11 patients developed t-MN within 2 years. Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome was the most common type of neoplasm (n = 60), followed by therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (n = 4) and myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (n = 2). The most common cytogenetic aberrations included complex karyotypes (48.5%), del7q/-7 (43.9%), and/or del5q/-5 (40.9%). The most frequent molecular alteration was TP53 mutation, in 43 (67.2%) patients and the sole mutation in 20 patients. Other mutations included DNMT3A, 26.6%; TET2, 14.1%; RUNX1, 10.9%; ASXL1, 7.8%; and U2AF1, 7.8%. Other mutations in less than 5% of cases included SRSF2, EZH2, STAG2, NRAS, SETBP, SF3B1, SF3A1, and ASXL2. After a median follow-up of 15.3 months, 18 patients were alive and 48 died. The median overall survival after the diagnosis of t-MN in the study group was 18.4 months. Although the overall features are comparable to the control group, the short interval to t-MN (<2 years) underscores the unique vulnerable status of myeloma patients.

Management of Multiple Myeloma: A Review for General Practitioners in Oncology

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant clonal plasma cell disorder in the bone marrow and is the second-most common hematologic malignancy in adults. Although patients with MM have a moderate life expectancy, it remains a heterogeneous disease that often requires multiple lines of chemotherapy for durable control and long-term survival. This review outlines current management strategies for both transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible patients as well as for relapsed and refractory disease. Advances in drug therapies have widened management options and improved survival. In this paper, we also discuss implications for special populations and survivorship care.

Tandem autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with myeloma: A multicenter retrospective analysis

Tandem autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been reconsidered for high-risk patients with myeloma, and the eligibility criteria for up-front ASCT have been updated to include more elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tandem ASCT in elderly patients with myeloma compared to tandem ASCT in young patients and single ASCT in elderly patients. A retrospective study using the Transplant Registry Unified Management Program database of the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, which included 64 elderly and 613 young patients who received tandem ASCT, and 891 elderly patients who received single ASCT, was conducted. The median overall survival (OS) over 38.5 months in the elderly and young patients who received tandem ASCT, and elderly patients who received single ASCT was 78.9, 92.5, and 77.1 months, respectively; no significant difference in the median OS was observed. The cumulative incidence of transplantation-related mortality was similar in the elderly and young patients receiving tandem ASCT. High-risk cytogenetic abnormality was not identified as a poor prognostic factor for OS in elderly patients who received tandem ASCT but in those who received single ASCT. Thus, tandem ASCT was effective and tolerable in elderly patients with myeloma.

Melflufen for the treatment of multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that takes advantage of increased aminopeptidase activity inside tumor cells to rapidly release alkylating agents therein. Melflufen in combination with dexamethasone has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM).

AREAS COVERED

This profile covers the unique mechanism of action of melflufen, the preclinical results supporting its activity in cellular models of resistance to chemotherapy, its activity in animal models of MM, and the clinical pharmacokinetics of melflufen. Findings from clinical trials evaluating melflufen, including the pivotal phase II HORIZON study and the phase III OCEAN study, are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Although MM treatment has improved, patients with disease refractory to multiple standard-of-care drug classes face a dismal prognosis. Melflufen demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in select populations, with an initial approval in the United States in patients with ≥ four previous lines of therapy and triple-class-refractory MM. Results from the phase III OCEAN study - currently under discussion with regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe - are more complex and have been put into context herein. Lastly, melflufen provides a proof-of-concept for the utility of the peptide-drug conjugate platform in relapsed/refractory MM.

Genome Instability in Multiple Myeloma: Facts and Factors

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of terminally differentiated immunoglobulin-producing B lymphocytes called plasma cells. MM is the second most common hematologic malignancy, and it poses a heavy economic and social burden because it remains incurable and confers a profound disability to patients. Despite current progress in MM treatment, the disease invariably recurs, even after the transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (ASCT). Biological processes leading to a pathological myeloma clone and the mechanisms of further evolution of the disease are far from complete understanding. Genetically, MM is a complex disease that demonstrates a high level of heterogeneity. Myeloma genomes carry numerous genetic changes, including structural genome variations and chromosomal gains and losses, and these changes occur in combinations with point mutations affecting various cellular pathways, including genome maintenance. MM genome instability in its extreme is manifested in mutation kataegis and complex genomic rearrangements: chromothripsis, templated insertions, and chromoplexy. Chemotherapeutic agents used to treat MM add another level of complexity because many of them exacerbate genome instability. Genome abnormalities are driver events and deciphering their mechanisms will help understand the causes of MM and play a pivotal role in developing new therapies.

The mutagenic impact of melphalan in multiple myeloma

The introduction of whole genome and exome sequencing partnered with advanced bioinformatic pipelines has allowed the comprehensive characterization of mutational processes (i.e., mutational signatures) in individual cancer patients. Studies focusing on multiple myeloma have defined several mutational processes, including a recently identified mutational signature (called "SBS-MM1") directly caused by exposure to high-dose melphalan (i.e., autologous stem cell transplant). High-dose melphalan exposure increases both the overall and nonsynonymous mutational burden detected between diagnosis and relapse by ~10-20%. Nevertheless, most of these mutations are acquired within the heterochromatin and late-replicating regions, rarely involving key myeloma driver genes. In this review, we summarize key studies that made this discovery possible, and we discuss potential clinical implications.

Cumulative exposure to melphalan chemotherapy and subsequent risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes in patients with multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for development of acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/MDS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

We identified all patients diagnosed with MM in Sweden from January 1st, 1958 to December 31, 2011. A total of 26 627 patients were diagnosed with MM with during the study period. Of these, 124 patients (0.5%) developed subsequent AML/MDS. For each patient with MM and a subsequent AML/MDS diagnosis, we randomly selected a matched (age, sex, and date of MM diagnosis) MM patient without a subsequent second malignancy diagnosis.

RESULTS

The cumulative melphalan exposure was significantly higher (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.7-5.2; P < .001) among cases (median 988 mg; IQR 644-1640) compared with controls (median 578 mg; IQR 360-967). Median time to AML/MDS development was 3.8 years (IQR 2.8-5.8). Risk of AML/MDS was not statistically altered by M protein isotype, anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, lytic bone lesions, or radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this nationwide population-based study, we show that increased cumulative doses of alkylating therapy with melphalan increases the subsequent risk of developing AML/MDS in patients with MM. Given improved survival in MM patients over the last decade future studies will be important to better define long-term risks.

Patterns of previous and secondary malignancies in patients with multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES

In contrast to secondary primary malignancies (SPM) following multiple myeloma (MM), less is known about previous malignancies. We therefore conducted a population-based study to assess the patterns of previous malignancies in MM patients as well as the risk for SPM.

METHODS

Using data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, we included 9574 MM patients and 37 810 matched control subjects. The association between previous malignancies and a subsequent diagnosis of MM was analysed by a logistic regression model and the risk for SPM by a Cox model.

RESULTS

A previous diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN) (OR 3.57; 95% CI:1.45-8.80) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (OR 3.66; 95% CI: 1.40-9.55) was associated with the subsequent development of MM. For MPN, the association with MM was explained by an excess of primary myelofibrosis (PMF) in the MM group. The overall incidence of a previous malignancy was not different between MM patients and the control subjects (OR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-1.00). MM patients had an increased risk for secondary acute myelogenous leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndromes (HR 6.1, 95% CI: 3.9-9.5).

CONCLUSIONS

A previous diagnosis of HL and PMF was associated with a subsequent diagnosis of MM, whereas the overall incidence of previous cancers was not increased for MM patients.

Efficacy of proteasome inhibitor-based maintenance following autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lenalidomide maintenance, commonly prescribed in the postautologous transplantation (AHCT) setting for multiple myeloma (MM), is associated with development of secondary primary malignancies (SPM). Proteasome inhibitor maintenance (PIM) has also been evaluated in MM. We conduct a systematic review/meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of PIM in MM.

METHODS

Performing a comprehensive search of the medical literature using PubMed/Medline and EMBASE on September 11, 2019, we extracted data on clinical outcomes related to benefits (OS, PFS, and depth of hematologic response [DOHR]) and harms (SPM and adverse events). 2144 references were identified; three studies were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

A total of 1760 patients were included in the analysis; 507 patients received bortezomib and 395 received ixazomib maintenance. Control arms were either placebo (n = 261) or thalidomide (n = 358). PIM did not improve OS (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73-1.05, P = .15) but improved PFS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86, P ≤ .00001) and DOHR (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98, P = .02) compared with control. There were no significant differences between PIM and control regarding SPM (p = NS) and ≥grade 3 peripheral neuropathy (PN) (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

PIM following AHCT in MM improves PFS and DOHR without an increase in development of SPM or severe PN compared with placebo/thalidomide.

Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: A review

As survival times of multiple myeloma (MM) patients continue to improve, second primary malignancies (SPM) have become an increasingly relevant long-term risk among MM survivors. Population studies since the 1950s have consistently observed an increased incidence of hematologic SPMs, specifically acute leukemia, among MM survivors. Prolonged treatment with alkylators, especially melphalan, was associated with an increased hematologic SPM risk; likewise, autologous stem cell transplantation appeared to minimally increase SPM risk. Immunomodulatory drugs, specifically lenalidomide, was associated with an increased SPM incidence, although most studies concluded that the benefits of therapy outweighed any risks of SPM. Newer anti-myeloma therapy such as proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies did not appear to increase SPM risk although robust long-term follow-up is lacking. This review discusses current understanding regarding SPMs among survivors of MM, how different host-, disease- and treatment-related factors contribute to SPM incidence and highlights emerging screening guidelines and prognosis for SPMs.

Second primary malignancy among older adults with multiple myeloma receiving first-line lenalidomide-based therapy: A population-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

Clinical trials have suggested that patients with myeloma treated with lenalidomide may have an increased risk of second primary malignancies (SPM). Whether such risks are of significant relevance in the real-world clinical practice, particularly among older patients receiving first-line lenalidomide based therapy, remains unclear.

METHODS

Using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database, we identified adults ≥ 65 years with plasma cell myeloma diagnosed in 2007-2015 who received at least one oral anti-myeloma agent. We defined first-line lenalidomide-containing therapy as use within 90 days of diagnosis. SPM was defined as a malignancy reported to a cancer registry > 90 days after myeloma diagnosis. We computed cumulative incidence of SPM (with death being a competing event) and compared SPM rates between patients treated with or without first-line lenalidomide using a Fine-Gray's model, adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, prior malignancy, and histologic subtype.

RESULTS

Of 9850 Medicare beneficiaries, 4009 (41%) received first-line lenalidomide. During median follow up of 5.0 years, 423 patients (4.3%) developed SPM, including 361 solid tumors (85%) and 61 hematologic malignancies (14%). The cumulative incidence of any SPM at 5 years was similar among those who received first-line lenalidomide and those who did not (5.3% vs 4.4%; sub-hazard ratio, SHR 1.06, P = .53). Consistent results were seen in the risk of solid tumor (4.7% vs 3.6%; SHR 1.13, P = .24) or hematologic malignancy (4.7 vs 3.6%, SHR 0.73; P = .72).

CONCLUSION

First-line lenalidomide therapy among older adults with myeloma was not associated with a significantly increased risk of any SPM.

Increasing Incidence of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Occurrence of Second Primary Malignancies in South Korea: 10-Year Follow-up Using the Korean National Health Information Database

Purpose

The epidemiology of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BNHL) in Asia is not well described, and rates of second primary malignancies (SPM) in these patients are not known. We aimed to describe temporal changes in BNHL epidemiology and SPM incidence in Korea.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study used claims data from the National Health Insurance Service that provides universal healthcare coverage in Korea. Newly diagnosed patients aged at least 19 years with a confirmed diagnosis of one of six BNHL subtypes (diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL], small lymphocytic and chronic lymphocytic [CLL/SLL], follicular lymphoma [FL], mantle cell lymphoma [MCL], marginal zone lymphoma [MZL], and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia [WM]) during the period 2006-2015 were enrolled and followed up until death, dis-enrolment, or study end, whichever occurred first. Patients with pre-existing primary cancers prior to the diagnosis of BNHL were excluded.

Results

A total of 19,500 patients with newly diagnosed BNHL were identified out of 27,866 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). DLBCL was the most frequently diagnosed subtype (41.9%-48.4% of NHL patients annually, 2011-2015). Standardized incidence of the six subtypes studied per 100,000 population increased from 5.74 in 2011 to 6.96 in 2015, with most increases in DLBCL, FL, and MZL. The incidence (95% confidence interval) of SPM per 100 person-years was 2.74 (2.26-3.29) for CLL/SLL, 2.43 (1.57-3.58) for MCL, 2.41 (2.10-2.76) for MZL, 2.23 (2.07-2.40) for DLBCL, 1.97 (1.61-2.38) for FL, and 1.41 (0.69-2.59) for WM.

Conclusion

BNHL has been increasingly diagnosed in Korea. High rates of SPM highlight the need for continued close monitoring to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Risk of disease recurrence and survival in patients with multiple myeloma: A German Study Group analysis using a conditional survival approach with long-term follow-up of 815 patients

BACKGROUND

Unlike the traditional method of overall survival prediction in patients with cancer, conditional survival predicts the survival of patients dynamically throughout the course of disease, identifying how a prognosis evolves over time.

METHODS

The authors assessed 815 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma through the German Study Group on Multiple Myeloma (Deutsche Studiengruppe Multiples Myelom; DSMM) incentive. Over 10 variables, including patient-specific and multiple myeloma-specific parameters, were analyzed at the time of initial diagnosis and repeatedly during follow-up. The probability of survival for another 5 years was calculated according to disease-related and host-related risks. Multivariate Cox models were used to determine baseline and updated prognostic factors for survival.

RESULTS

The median follow-up and overall survival were 10.3 years and 5.1 years, respectively. When comparing 5-year conditional survival probabilities from the data derived at the time of initial diagnosis with those updated over time, substantially differing prognoses were observed when follow-up data were used. Multivariate Cox regression models for cohorts surviving 0 to 5 years demonstrated hazard ratios (HRs) for patients aged <60 years, 60 to 69 years, and >70 years of 1, 1.68, and 3.17, respectively. These HRs for age were found to decline for patients surviving 5 years, as well as for those with advanced stages of disease (II/III) and unfavorable cytogenetics, whereas progressive disease remained an important factor in patients surviving 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, with HRs of 1.85, 2.11, and 2.14, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first analysis of conditional survival in patients with multiple myeloma using both baseline and follow-up risk parameters, demonstrating that regular risk assessment throughout the course of disease and complete follow-up provide a more reliable conditional survival estimation than baseline assessment alone.

Second malignancies in multiple myeloma; emerging patterns and future directions

The changing landscape of treatment options for multiple myeloma has led to a higher proportion of patients achieving deep, long-lasting responses to therapy. With the associated improvement in overall survival, the development of subsequent second malignancies has become of increased significance. The risk of second malignancy after multiple myeloma is affected by a combination of patient-, disease- and therapy-related risk factors. This review discusses recent data refining our knowledge of these contributing factors, including current treatment modalities which increase risk (i.e. high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplant and lenalidomide maintenance therapy). We highlight emerging data towards individualized risk- and response-adapted treatment strategies and discuss key areas requiring future research.

Increasing therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Despite the longer survival achieved in multiple myeloma (MM) patients due to new therapy strategies, a concern is emerging regarding an increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) and how to characterize those patients at risk. We performed a retrospective study covering a 28-year follow-up period (1991-2018) in a tertiary single institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of 403 MM patients were recorded and compared with the epidemiologic register of the population area covered by our centre, calculating the standardize incidence ratio (SIR) for the different types of SPMs diagnosed in the MM cohort. Fine and Gray regression models were used to identify risk factors for SPMs.

RESULTS

Out of the 403 MM patients, 23 (5.7%) developed SPMs: 13 therapy-related myeloid (TRM) malignancies (10 of them (77%) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 1 acute lymphoid leukaemia and 9 solid neoplasms. In the MM cohort, the relative risk of MDS was significantly higher than in the general population. Survival of patients with TRM malignancies was poor with a median of 4 months from the diagnosis, and most of them showed complex karyotype. Within the MM subset, multivariable analysis showed a higher risk of TRM malignancies in patients that previously received prolonged treatment with lenalidomide (>18 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Though the improvement in MM outcome during the last decades is an unprecedented achievement, it has been accompanied by the rise in TRM malignancies with complex cytogenetic profile and poor prognosis that are in the need of an improved biologic and therapeutic approach.

Longer procoagulant phospholipid-dependent clotting time, lower endogenous thrombin potential and higher tissue factor pathway inhibitor concentrations are associated with increased VTE occurrence in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: results of the prospective ROADMAP-MM-CAT study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. We explored cellular and plasma hypercoagulability in NDMM patients to identify relevant biomarkers that can be used in combination with clinical factors in the development of a risk assessment model (RAM) for VTE. Untreated patients (n = 144) with NDMM were prospectively enrolled, baseline biomarkers prior to anti-myeloma treatment and thromboprophylaxis initiation were obtained. These were compared against values in a group of healthy individuals with similar age and sex distribution. The primary study end point was symptomatic VTE occurrence. At 12-month follow-up cumulative VTE rate was 10.4%. NDMM patients showed biological signs of cellular and plasma hypercoagulability and endothelial cell activation. Procoagulant phospholipid clotting time (Procoagulant-PPL) was shorter, P-selectin levels lower and thrombin generation attenuated overall compared to healthy subjects. Longer Procoag-PPL^®, lower endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), and higher levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were associated with VTE occurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that Procoag-PPL^® and ETP were independent risk factors for VTE. We conclude that Procoag-PPL^® and ETP can be prospectively incorporated into a RAM for VTE in MM in combination with clinical and disease risk factors.

Risk of secondary primary malignancies in multiple myeloma patients with or without autologous stem cell transplantation

Outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have improved through use of novel treatments, especially lenalidomide combined with autologous stem cell transplantation. However, because of their increased life expectancy, an increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) has been observed in MM patients, particularly after lenalidomide maintenance in both transplant-eligible (TE) and transplant-ineligible (TI) patients. To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of developing SPMs, we identified 17 TE-MM and 12 TI-MM patients with SPMs among 211 TE-MM and 280 TI-MM patients, including seven TE-MM and four TI-MM patients with hematological malignancies and ten TE-MM and eight TI-MM patients with non-hematological cancers, respectively. The median follow-up time from diagnosis was > 4 years. Multivariate analysis identified a history of high-dose cyclophosphamide use for peripheral blood stem cell harvest in TE-MM patients and > 65 years of age at diagnosis, or a history of adriamycin, lenalidomide, or thalidomide use in TI-MM patients as independent risk factors for SPMs (P < 0.001). Patients with a history of lenalidomide use had a lower risk of death among both TE-MM (P = 0.0326) and TI-MM (P < 0.001) patients. The survival benefit of receiving lenalidomide outweighed the increased risk of SPMs in both TE-and TI-MM patients.

GFR estimation in lenalidomide treatment of multiple myeloma patients: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is clinically used to approximate renal function and adapt drug dosage. Multiple myeloma is a hematological disease; its prognosis is largely influenced by renal function. We evaluated two commonly used GFR estimations, CKD-EPI and MDRD (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration; Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) in myeloma patients undergoing treatment with lenalidomide, a renally excreted immunomodulatory drug.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 130 myeloma patients receiving lenalidomide treatment at our institution. At baseline and after 3 months, GFR estimations were performed based on the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations. We compared eGFR-dependent CKD staging and lenalidomide dosage assignments.

RESULTS

Initially, most patients were classified as CKD stage I/II, using both equations. Comparison of baseline renal function via CKD-EPI and MDRD induced concordance of CKD staging in 83% of patients, while CKD-EPI improved CKD staging in 16% of patients (p = 0.11). CKD-EPI assigned 3% of patients to higher lenalidomide dosing as opposed to MDRD. Both equations showed improved eGFR after 3 months of lenalidomide treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multiple myeloma patient cohort, CKD-EPI and MDRD led to similar CKD staging with minor differences in lenalidomide dosage assignment. Consistent with previous studies, eGFR improved under lenalidomide treatment. To standardize GFR estimation in myeloma patients, we suggest using the CKD-EPI equation.

Incidence of Second Primary Malignancies after Autologous Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Agents

The advent of novel agents for multiple myeloma (MM) is cause for a re-examination of the incidence of second primary malignancies (SPMs). We examined the SPM rate in MM patients who were enrolled in the prospective observational CALM (Collaboration to Collect Autologous Transplant outcome in Lymphoma and Myeloma) study. Between 2008 and 2012, 3204 patients with MM underwent a first autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Plerixafor was used as a mobilizing agent for patients with poor (or potentially poor) stem cell mobilization as defined by the respective centers. A total of 135 patients developed SPMs, with a cumulative incidence of 5.3% (95% confidence interval, 4.4 to 6.3) at 72 months. Ninety-four patients developed solid tumors, 30 developed hematologic malignancies, and 11 developed an SPM of an unknown type. The cumulative incidence of known hematologic and solid malignancies were 1.4% and 3.6%, respectively, at 72 months. In a univariate analysis, use of radiotherapy, type of induction regimen, hematopoietic stem cell dose, poor mobilizer status, plerixafor use, and sex did not influence the cumulative incidence of SPMs. Only age over 65 years was statistically associated with an increased incidence. Overall, the incidence of SPMs was comparable to earlier estimations of SPMs in MM.

The impact of prior malignancies on second malignancies and survival in MM patients: a population-based study

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate 2 hypotheses. First, we hypothesize that prior malignancy is a proxy for genetic susceptibility that could be a risk factor for subsequent malignancy development in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Second, we hypothesize that survival after MM is influenced by a prior malignancy. All patients diagnosed with MM from 1 January 1973 to 31 December 2010 were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) where prior malignancy was compared in MM patients who developed a subsequent malignancy and MM patients who did not. In another Cox regression model, survival was compared in MM patients with and without a prior malignancy diagnosis. A total of 19 791 patients were diagnosed with MM. Patients with a prior malignancy diagnosis had a significantly increased risk of developing a subsequent malignancy compared with MM patients without (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.23-1.65, P < .001). MM patients with a prior malignancy diagnosis had a significant 1.21-fold increased risk of death (95% CI 1.115-1.26, P < .001) compared with MM patients without. MM patients with 2 or more prior malignancy diagnoses had a 1.34-fold increased risk of death (95% CI 1.19-1.52, P < .001). In this large population-based study, we report that prior malignancy increases the risk of subsequent malignancy development in MM patients. Furthermore, we found that prior malignancy negatively impacts survival and that >1 prior malignancy reduces survival even further.

Elderly patients with multiple myeloma: towards a frailty approach?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe how to better identify frail multiple myeloma patients and to treat them appropriately.

RECENT FINDINGS

Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib, and immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide, have significantly improved the outcome of multiple myeloma patients in the last decade. However, both in clinical trials and in daily clinical practice, elderly multiple myeloma patients have shown lesser benefit. This is mainly due to less stringent use of proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs, increased toxicity, and subsequent early discontinuation of therapy in elderly.

SUMMARY

Multiple myeloma typically affects elderly patients. Approximately one-third of patients are older than 75 years at diagnosis. Moreover, at least 30% are frail, both due to disease-related symptoms and (age-related) decline in physical capacity, presence of comorbidities, frailty, polypharmacy, nutritional status, and cognitive impairment. Treatment regimens that are investigated in clinical trials for transplant-ineligible patients have largely been investigated in fit, rather than frail patients, the latter being typically excluded or highly underrepresented therein. Data on the feasibility and efficacy of current standards of care are therefore lacking in frail patients. Preliminary data suggest a higher toxicity and discontinuation rate, loss of efficacy, and impaired quality of life in frail patients. Geriatric assessment helps to identify frail patients according to their functional and cognitive status. Both the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG)-frailty index and Revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index constitute recently proposed algorithms that easily identify intermediate-fit and frail patients. Ongoing and future clinical trials, specifically designed for frail patients, will hopefully define frailty-directed treatment selection.

The serum heavy/light chain immunoassay: A valuable tool for sensitive paraprotein assessment, risk, and disease monitoring in monoclonal gammopathies

OBJECTIVE

The heavy/light chain (HLC)-immunoassay quantifies light chain types of each immunoglobulin class in patients with monoclonal gammopathies.

METHODS

We assessed 147 consecutive patients with different forms and stages of plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD) who received standard tests (serum and urine protein electrophoresis [SPEP, UPEP], immunofixation [IFE], serum-free light chain [SFLC]), and HLC-immunoassay. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM, n = 102), smoldering MM (SMM, n = 5), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS, n = 28), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM, n = 12) were included.

RESULTS

We verified a significant correlation between HLC- and standard monoclonal protein (mp)-parameters, and HLC-increases with higher disease stage and unfavorable remission status. In patients with difficult to quantify mp, more abnormal HLC- than SPEP-, immunoglobulin-, or SFLC-results were found. In WM, a pathological HLC κ/λ-ratio and M-component were observed in 95% and 58%, respectively. In 21/28 MGUS and 5/5 SMM patients, HLC κ/λ-ratios were abnormal. Testing different HLC cutoffs, patients with extreme HLC values showed impaired progression-free survival (PFS).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that different PCD patients were included, the assessment of the HLC-immunoassay in MGUS, SMM, MM, and WM, our comparison with standard mp-assays, and relevant PFS differences may excite future applications, which should be confirmed in prospective multicenter trials.

A concise revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index as a valid prognostic instrument in a large cohort of 801 multiple myeloma patients

With growing numbers of elderly multiple myeloma patients, reliable tools to assess their vulnerability are required. The objective of the analysis herein was to develop and validate an easy to use myeloma risk score (revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index) that allows for risk prediction of overall survival and progression-free survival differences in a large patient cohort. We conducted a comprehensive comorbidity, frailty and disability evaluation in 801 consecutive myeloma patients, including comorbidity risks obtained at diagnosis. The cohort was examined within a training and validation set. Multivariate analysis determined renal, lung and Karnofsky Performance Status impairment, frailty and age as significant risks for overall survival. These were combined in a weighted revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index, allowing for the identification of fit (revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index ≤3 [n=247, 30.8%]), intermediate-fit (revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index 4-6 [n=446, 55.7%]) and frail patients (revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index >6 [n=108, 13.5%]): these subgroups, confirmed via validation analysis, showed median overall survival rates of 10.1, 4.4 and 1.2 years, respectively. The revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index was compared to other commonly used comorbidity indices (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index, Kaplan-Feinstein Index): if each were divided in risk groups based on 25% and 75% quartiles, highest hazard ratios, best prediction and Brier scores were achieved with the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index. The advantages of the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index include its accurate assessment of patients' physical conditions and simple clinical applicability. We propose the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index to be tested with the "reference" International Myeloma Working Group frailty score in multicenter analyses and future clinical trials. The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-00003868).

Autotransplant with and without induction chemotherapy in older multiple myeloma patients: long-term outcome of a randomized trial

Autologous transplantation is controversial for older patients with multiple myeloma. The role of age-adjusted high-dose melphalan and the impact of induction chemotherapy cycles is still unclear. A total of 434 patients aged 60-70 years were randomly assigned to 4 cycles of standard anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy or no induction. For all patients, double autologous transplantation after melphalan 140 mg/m² (MEL140) was planned. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Of 420 eligible patients, 85% received a first transplant and 69% completed double transplantation. Treatment duration was short with a median of 7.7 months with induction chemotherapy cycles and 4.6 months without induction. On an intention-to-treat basis, median progression-free survival with induction chemotherapy cycles (207 patients) was 21.4 months versus 20.0 months with no induction cycles (213 patients) (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.84-1.28; P=0.36). Per protocol, progression-free survival was 23.7 months versus 23.0 months (P=0.28). Patients aged 65 years or over (55%) did not have an inferior outcome. Patients with low-risk cytogenetics [absence of del17p13, t(4;14) and 1q21 gains] showed a favorable overall survival and included the patients with sustained first remission. MEL140 was associated with a low rate of severe mucositis (10%) and treatment-related deaths (1%). Based on hazard ratio, the short treatment arm consisting of mobilization chemotherapy and tandem MEL140 achieved 96% of the progression-free survival, demonstrating its value as an independent component of therapy in older patients with multiple myeloma who are considered fit for autologous transplantation. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 02288741).

Geriatric assessment in multiple myeloma patients: validation of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) score and comparison with other common comorbidity scores

This first validation of the International Myeloma Working Group geriatric assessment in 125 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients was performed using the International Myeloma Working Group score based on age, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and cognitive and physical conditions (Activities of Daily Living / Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) to classify patients as fit, intermediate-fit or frail. We verified the International Myeloma Working Group score's impact on outcome, and whether additional tools complement it. Since our prior analyses determined renal, lung and Karnofsky performance impairment as multivariate risks, and the inclusion of frailty, age and cytogenetics complements this, we included the revised myeloma comorbidity index, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index and the Kaplan-Feinstein Index in this assessment. Multivariate analysis confirmed cytogenetics, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and the Charlson Comorbidity Index as risks: 3-year overall survival for fit, intermediate-fit and frail patients was 91%, 77% and 47%, respectively. Using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index, the Kaplan-Feinstein Index and the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index allowed us to define fit and frail patients with distinct progression-free and overall survival rates, with the most pronounced differences evidenced via the International Myeloma Working Group score, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index. Since the Charlson Comorbidity Index is included in the International Myeloma Working Group score, we propose the latter and the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index for future frailty measurements. Both are useful instruments for identifying myeloma patients with a geriatric risk profile and have a strong prognostic value for functional decline and overall survival. The study was registered as: (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: 00003686).

Issues in diagnosis of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms involving the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Report on the Bone Marrow Workshop of the XVIIth meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology

Small B cell lymphoid neoplasms are the most common lymphoproliferative disorders involving peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). The Bone Marrow Workshop (BMW) organized by the European Bone Marrow Working Group (EBMWG) of the European Association for Haematopathology (EAHP) during the XVIIth EAHP Meeting in Istanbul, October 2014, was dedicated to discussion of cases illustrating how the recent advances in immunophenotyping, molecular techniques and cytogenetics provide better understanding and classification of these entities. Submitted cases were grouped into following categories: (i) cases illustrating diagnostic difficulties in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); (ii) cases of BM manifestations of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms other than CLL; (iii) transformation of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms in the BM; and (iv) multiclonality and composite lymphomas in the BM. This report summarizes presented cases and conclusions of the BMW and provides practical recommendations for classification of the BM manifestations of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms based on the current state of knowledge.