"Being an informal caregiver - strengthening resources": mixed methods evaluation of a psychoeducational intervention supporting informal caregivers in palliative care

BACKGROUND

Informal caregivers are key support for patients with progressive incurable diseases. However, their own needs often remain unmet. Therefore, we developed, manualised and implemented the intervention "Being an informal caregiver - strengthening resources" aiming to support and empower informal caregivers by addressing relevant information-related, physical, psychological and social needs.

METHODS

In this pilot study, we evaluated the acceptance and experiences with this psychoeducational intervention. The study was conducted over two years (2019-2021). Informal caregivers were recruited from the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and the metropolitan region of Hamburg, Germany. The intervention was aimed at adult persons who identified themselves as an informal caregiver to an adult patient with a progressive incurable cancer and non-cancer disease. For the evaluation we used a mixed methods approach, combining a longitudinal questionnaire survey (pre-intervention, after each module, 3-months follow-up) and semi-structured interviews post-intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-Test, interviews were analysed based on the qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results were triangulated using a convergent triangulation design.

RESULTS

Of 31 informal caregivers who received the intervention, 25 returned the follow-up questionnaire and 20 informal caregivers were interviewed. Triangulated results showed a high satisfaction with the implementation of the intervention. Of a broad range of subjective benefits, gaining knowledge, self-awareness and self-efficacy were most apparent. Informal caregivers reported improved preparedness, awareness of own needs as well as confidence regarding handling own emotions and interacting with the ill person. However, implementing the learned skills into daily life can be challenging due to internal and external factors. Motivations and challenges for participating as well as potential for improvement were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study showed an overall positive evaluation and several subjective benefits of the psychoeducational intervention "Being an informal caregiver - strengthening resources". Further research is needed to measure the efficacy of this intervention on informal caregivers' outcomes. Therefore, a multicentre randomized prospective study is planned.

Elotuzumab, lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, and autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (GMMG-HD6): results from a randomised, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this trial was to investigate the addition of the anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibody elotuzumab to lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd) in induction and consolidation therapy as well as to lenalidomide maintenance treatment in transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

METHODS

GMMG-HD6 was a phase 3, randomised trial conducted at 43 main trial sites and 26 associated trial sites throughout Germany. Adult patients (aged 18-70 years) with previously untreated, symptomatic multiple myeloma, and a WHO performance status of 0-3, with 3 being allowed only if caused by myeloma disease and not by comorbid conditions, were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 to four treatment groups. Induction therapy consisted of four 21-day cycles of RVd (lenalidomide 25 mg orally on days 1-14; bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2 subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11]; and dexamethasone 20 mg orally on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 15 for cycles 1-2) or, RVd induction plus elotuzumab (10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 for cycles 1-2, and on days 1 and 11 for cycles 3-4; E-RVd). Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation was followed by two 21-day cycles of either RVd consolidation (lenalidomide 25 mg orally on days 1-14; bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2 subcutaneously on days 1, 8, and 15; and dexamethasone 20 mg orally on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16) or elotuzumab plus RVd consolidation (with elotuzumab 10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15) followed by maintenance with either lenalidomide (10 mg orally on days 1-28 for cycles 1-3; thereafter, up to 15 mg orally on days 1-28; RVd/R or E-RVd/R group) or lenalidomide plus elotuzumab (10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15 for cycles 1-6, and on day 1 for cycles 7-26; RVd/E-R or E-RVd/E-R group) for 2 years. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival analysed in a modified intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Safety was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of trial medication. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02495922, and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between June 29, 2015, and on Sept 11, 2017, 564 patients were included in the trial. The modified ITT population comprised 559 (243 [43%] females and 316 [57%] males) patients and the safety population 555 patients. After a median follow-up of 49·8 months (IQR 43·7-55·5), there was no difference in progression-free survival between the four treatment groups (adjusted log-rank p value, p=0·86), and 3-year progression-free survival rates were 69% (95% CI 61-77), 69% (61-76), 66% (58-74), and 67% (59-75) for patients treated with RVd/R, RVd/E-R, E-RVd/R, and E-RVd/E-R, respectively. Infections (grade 3 or worse) were the most frequently observed adverse event in all treatment groups (28 [20%] of 137 for RVd/R; 32 [23%] of 138 for RVd/E-R; 35 [25%] of 138 for E-RVd/R; and 48 [34%] of 142 for E-RVd/E-R). Serious adverse events (grade 3 or worse) were observed in 68 (48%) of 142 participants in the E-RVd/E-R group, 53 (39%) of 137 in the RVd/R, 53 (38%) of 138 in the RVd/E-R, and 50 (36%) of 138 in the E-RVd/R (36%) group. There were nine treatment-related deaths during the study. Two deaths (one sepsis and one toxic colitis) in the RVd/R group were considered lenalidomide-related. One death in the RVd/E-R group due to meningoencephalitis was considered lenalidomide and elotuzumab-related. Four deaths (one pulmonary embolism, one septic shock, one atypical pneumonia, and one cardiovascular failure) in the E-RVd/R group and two deaths (one sepsis and one pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis) in the E-RVd/E-R group were considered related to lenalidomide or elotuzumab, or both.

INTERPRETATION

Addition of elotuzumab to RVd induction or consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance in patients with transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma did not provide clinical benefit. Elotuzumab-containing therapies might be reserved for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

FUNDING

Bristol Myers Squibb/Celgene and Chugai.

Comparison of three different serum-free light-chain assays-implications on diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring of multiple myeloma

The measurement of serum-free light chains (FLC) is standard of care in the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma (MM). The revised international myeloma working group (IMWG) implemented the involved FLC/noninvolved FLC (iFLC/niFLC) ratio as a biomarker for MM requiring treatment. Recently, a new definition of high-risk smoldering MM (SMM) including iFLC/niFLC ratio was published. These recommendations were solely based on a single assay method (Freelite assay). Today, two additional assays, N Latex FLC and ELISA-based Sebia FLC, are available. Here, we report on a single-center-study comparing results of all three different assays for FLC correlation and its potential implications for diagnostic and clinical use. In total, 187 samples from 47 MM patients were examined, and determination of FLC was performed. Comparison analyses showed similar FLC results for Sebia FLC and N Latex FLC assay with markedly lower absolute values for κ/λ ratio compared with Freelite. Values of λ FLC exhibited high variability. The ratio of iFLC/niFLC showed significant discrepancies among these assays. Our data demonstrate that the three available assays may result in markedly discrepant results, and should not be used interchangeably to monitor patients. Furthermore, modifications of the assay-specific diagnostic (iFLC/niFLC) thresholds for SMM and MM are recommended.

[Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Unknown Significance - A Common Incidental Finding - What is to be thought of? What has to be done?]

Monoclonal gammopathy of unclear significance (MGUS) is detected at high frequency in a variety of disciplines as an incidental finding. MGUS can be associated with non-malignant diseases, but it also can be a precursor of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (multiple myeloma, Waldenstroem's disease, other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, light chain (AL) - amyloidosis). However, many of these patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives. Screening is performed by serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation and determination of quantitative immunoglobulins and free light chains in serum. Currently, general population screening is not recommended. There are three subtypes with different rates and types of progression: IgM-MGUS, non-IgM-MGUS, and light-chain MGUS. The scope of further diagnostics and follow-up is based on the clinical findings and risk stratification (monoclonal protein in serum < or ≥ 15 g/l and normal or abnormal free light chain ratio in serum). If paraprotein-associated disease is detected, gammopathy is of clinical significance and should not be referred to as MGUS.

Liquid biopsy monitoring uncovers acquired RAS-mediated resistance to cetuximab in a substantial proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is insufficiently understood in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), entailing the lack of predictive biomarkers.

Here, we studied resistance-mediating EGFR ectodomain and activating RAS mutations by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cell lines and tumor tissue of cetuximab-naïve patients (46 cases, 12 cell lines), as well as liquid biopsies taken during and after cetuximab/platinum/5-fluorouracil treatment (20 cases). Tumors of cetuximab-naïve patients were unmutated, except for HRAS mutations in 4.3% of patients. Liquid biopsies revealed acquired KRAS, NRAS or HRAS mutations in more than one third of patients after cetuximab exposure. 46% of patients with on-treatment disease progression showed acquired RAS mutations, while no RAS mutations were found in the non-progressive subset of patients, indicating that acquisition of RAS mutant clones correlated significantly with clinical resistance (Chi square p=0.032). The emergence of mutations preceded clinical progression in half of the patients, with a maximum time from mutation detection to clinical progression of 16 weeks.

RAS mutations account for acquired resistance to EGFR-targeting in a substantial proportion of HNSCC patients, even though these tumors are rarely mutated at baseline. Liquid biopsies may be used for mutational monitoring to guide treatment decisions.

Potent in vitro and in vivo effects of polyclonal anti-human-myeloma globulins

Introduction

Multiple myeloma is still incurable in most cases. Polyclonal anti T lymphocyte globulins (ATG) have been reported to kill human myeloma cells in vitro and in mouse models.

Methods

Anti-human-myeloma globulins (AMG) were produced by immunizing rabbits with human myeloma cell lines RPMI-8226 (AMG-8226) or KMS-12-BM (AMG-12-BM). Cytotoxicity of the polyclonal antibodies was analyzed in vitro and in a xenograft NOD-SCID mouse model.

Results

Both AMG had stronger cytotoxicity against myeloma cells compared to ATG. In primary T cells, AMG-8226 showed greater complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) than ATG, whereas complement-independent cytotoxicity did not differ. Effects on non-hematopoietic cell lines were also similar. Competitive blocking assays revealed fourfold more antibodies against CD38 in AMG-8226 compared to ATG. Low concentrations of AMG-8226 and ATG increased ADCC. At higher concentrations, ATG inhibited ADCC more potently than AMG-8226. Combinations of ATG and AMG-8226 with melphalan or bortezomib showed additive to synergistic cytotoxicity on myeloma cells. The cytotoxic effects of AMG and ATG were confirmed in the xenograft NOD-SCID mouse model.

Conclusion

Our data show more potent antimyeloma effects of AMG compared to ATG. These results lay the ground for the development of polyclonal antibodies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Denosumab mimics the natural decoy receptor osteoprotegerin by interacting with its major binding site on RANKL

Bone homeostasis critically relies on the RANKL-RANK-OPG axis which can be targeted by the fully human monoclonal antibody denosumab in conditions with increased bone resporption such as bone metastases. The binding site and therefore the molecular mechanism by which this antibody inhibits RANKL has not been characterized so far. Here, we used random peptide phage display library screenings to identify the denosumab epitope on RANKL. Alignments of phage derived peptide sequences with RANKL suggested that this antibody recognized a linear epitope between position T233 and Y241. Mutational analysis confirmed the core residues as critical for this interaction. The spatial localization of this epitope on a 3-dimensional model of RANKL showed that it overlapped with the major binding sites of OPG and RANK on RANKL. We conclude that denosumab inhibits RANKL by both functional and molecular mimicry of the natural decoy receptor OPG.

Severe and irreversible myelopathy after concurrent systemic and intrathecal nucleoside analogue treatment for refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

We report a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed irreversible, severe spinal neurotoxicity after concurrent treatment with intrathecal and systemic cytarabine. Shortly after concomitant administration of intrathecal triple therapy (MTX, dexamethasone and cytarabine) and high-dose systemic cytarabin (R-DHAP protocol) the patient lost control of bowel and bladder function and developed an ascending, irreversible paraplegia. Infectious or neoplastic diseases of the spinal cord were ruled out. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine resulted in a diagnosis of toxic myelitis. Previously observed cases of spinal neurotoxicity after cytarabine treatment are reviewed as well as current guidelines for the use of intrathecal chemotherapy in high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In summary, severe spinal neurotoxicity of intrathecal chemotherapy is a rare side-effect, however several studies suggest that the neurotoxicity of cytarabine is significantly enhanced by concurrent intrathecal and high-dose systemic administration. Simultaneous high-dose systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with cytarabine should therefore be avoided.

Multidimensional scaling analysis identifies pathological and prognostically relevant profiles of circulating T-cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Antitumor immunity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is hampered by highly dysfunctional T-cells. Although certain T-cell subsets have been reported to be of prognostic significance in this disease, their interplay is complex and it remains incompletely understood which of these subsets significantly drive CLL progression. Here, we determined immunological profiles of 24 circulating T-cell subsets from 79 untreated individuals by multiparametric flow cytometry. This screening cohort included healthy donors, patients with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), Rai 0 CLL and advanced CLL. We applied multidimensional scaling analysis as rigorous and unbiased statistical tool to globally assess the composition of the circulating T-cell environment and to generate T-cell scores reflecting its integrity. These scores allowed clear distinction between advanced CLL and healthy controls, whereas both MBL and Rai 0 CLL showed intermediate scores mirroring the biological continuum of CLL and its precursor stages. T-cell stimulation and suppression assays as well as longitudinal T-cell profiling showed an increasingly suppressive regulatory function initiating at the MBL stage. Effector function was impaired only after transition to CLL and partially recovered after chemoimmunotherapy. In an independent validation cohort of 52 untreated CLL cases, aberrant T-cell profiles were significantly associated with shorter time to treatment independently of other prognostic parameters. Random forest modeling predicted regulatory T-cell, gamma/delta and NKT-cells, as well as exhaustion of the CD8+ subset as potential drivers of progression. Our data illustrate a pathological T-cell environment in MBL that evolves toward a more and more suppressive and prognostically relevant profile across the disease stages.