Using a Modified Delphi Panel to Estimate Health Service Utilization for Patients with Advanced and Non-Advanced Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis

Purpose

Patients with diagnosed with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis at advanced Mayo stages have greater morbidity and mortality than those diagnosed at non-advanced stages. Estimating service use by severity is difficult because Mayo stage is not available in many secondary databases. We used an expert panel to estimate healthcare utilization among advanced and non-advanced AL amyloidosis patients.

Patients and Methods

Using the RAND/UCLA modified Delphi method, expert panelists completed 180 healthcare utilization estimates, consisting of inpatient and outpatient visits, testing, chemotherapy, and procedures by disease severity and organ involvement during two treatment phases (the 1 year after starting first line [1L] therapy and 1 year following treatment [post-1L]). Estimates were also provided for post-1L by hematologic treatment response (complete or very good partial response [CR/VGPR], partial, no response or relapse [PR/NR/R]). Areas of disagreement were discussed during a meeting, after which ratings were completed a second time.

Results

During 1L therapy, 55% of advanced patients had ≥1 hospitalization and 38% had ≥2 admissions. Rates of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in advanced patients were 5%, while pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement were 15%. During post-1L therapy, rates of hospitalization in advanced patients remained high (≥1 hospitalization: 20-43%, ≥2 hospitalizations: 10-20%), and up to 10% of advanced patients had a HSCT. Ten percent of these patients underwent pacemaker/ICD placement.

Conclusion

Experts estimated advanced patients, who would not be good candidates for HSCT, would have high rates of hospitalization (traditionally the most expensive type of healthcare utilization) and other health service use. The development of new treatment options that can facilitate organ recovery and improve function may lead to decreased utilization.

Solitary Plasmacytoma: a Review of Diagnosis and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Solitary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia, classified as solitary bone plasmacytoma or solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma. These entities are diagnosed by demonstrating infiltration of a monoclonal plasma cell population in a single bone lesion or presence of plasma cells involving a soft tissue mass, respectively. Both diseases represent a single localized process without significant plasma cell infiltration into the bone marrow or evidence of end organ damage. Clinically, it is important to classify plasmacytoma as having completely undetectable bone marrow involvement versus minimal marrow involvement. Here, we discuss the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of solitary plasmacytoma.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been numerous therapeutic advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma over the last few years. While the treatment paradigm for solitary plasmacytoma has not changed significantly over the years, progress has been made with regard to diagnostic tools available that can risk stratify disease, offer prognostic value, and discern solitary plasmacytoma from quiescent or asymptomatic myeloma at the time of diagnosis. Despite various studies investigating the use of systemic therapy or combined modality therapy for the treatment of plasmacytoma, radiation therapy remains the mainstay of therapy. Much of the recent advancement in the management of solitary plasmacytoma has been through the development of improved diagnostic techniques.

Randomized Trial of Lenalidomide Versus Observation in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE

Observation is the current standard of care for smoldering multiple myeloma. We hypothesized that early intervention with lenalidomide could delay progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized trial that assessed the efficacy of single-agent lenalidomide compared with observation in patients with intermediate- or high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. Lenalidomide was administered orally at a dose of 25 mg on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. The primary end point was progression-free survival, with disease progression requiring the development of end-organ damage attributable to multiple myeloma and biochemical progression.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two patients were randomly assigned-92 patients to the lenalidomide arm and 90 to the observation arm. Median follow-up is 35 months. Response to therapy was observed in 50% (95% CI, 39% to 61%) of patients in the lenalidomide arm, with no responses in the observation arm. Progression-free survival was significantly longer with lenalidomide compared with observation (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.62; P = .002). One-, 2-, and 3-year progression-free survival was 98%, 93%, and 91% for the lenalidomide arm versus 89%, 76%, and 66% for the observation arm, respectively. Only six deaths have been reported, two in the lenalidomide arm versus four in the observation arm (hazard ratio for death, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.08 to 2.53). Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic adverse events occurred in 25 patients (28%) on lenalidomide.

CONCLUSION

Early intervention with lenalidomide in smoldering multiple myeloma significantly delays progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma and the development of end-organ damage.

Risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome after autotransplants for lymphomas and plasma cell myeloma

BACKGROUND

Exposures to DNA-damaging drugs and ionizing radiations increase risks of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

METHODS

9028 recipients of hematopoietic cell autotransplants (1995-2010) for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL; n = 916), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n = 3546) and plasma cell myeloma (PCM; n = 4566), reported to the CIBMTR, were analyzed for risk of subsequent AML or MDS.

RESULTS

335 MDS/AML cases were diagnosed posttransplant (3.7%). Variables associated with an increased risk for AML or MDS in multivariate analyses were: (1) conditioning with total body radiation versus chemotherapy alone for HL (HR = 4.0; 95% confidence interval [1.4, 11.6]) and NHL (HR = 2.5 [1.1, 2.5]); (2) ≥3 versus 1 line of chemotherapy for NHL (HR = 1.9 [1.3, 2.8]); and (3) subjects with NHL transplanted in 2005-2010 versus 1995-1999 (HR = 2.1 [1.5, 3.1]). Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data, we found risks for AML/MDS in HL, NHL and PCM to be 5-10 times the background rate. In contrast, relative risks were 10-50 for AML and approximately 100 for MDS in the autotransplant cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

There are substantial risks of AML and MDS after autotransplants for HL, NHL and PCM.

Neurocognitive dysfunction in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: expert review from the late effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and complications and Quality of Life Working Party of the EBMT

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for children and adults with malignant and non-malignant diseases. Despite increasing survival rates, long-term morbidity following HCT is substantial. Neurocognitive dysfunction is a serious cause of morbidity, yet little is known about neurocognitive dysfunction following HCT. To address this gap, collaborative efforts of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation undertook an expert review of neurocognitive dysfunction following HCT. In this review, we define what constitutes neurocognitive dysfunction, characterize its risk factors and sequelae, describe tools and methods to assess neurocognitive function in HCT recipients, and discuss possible interventions for HCT patients with this condition. This review aims to help clinicians understand the scope of this health-related problem, highlight its impact on well-being of survivors, and to help determine factors that may improve identification of patients at risk for declines in cognitive functioning after HCT. In particular, we review strategies for preventing and treating neurocognitive dysfunction in HCT patients. Lastly, we highlight the need for well-designed studies to develop and test interventions aimed at preventing and improving neurocognitive dysfunction and its sequelae following HCT.

Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: Expert Review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and Complications and Quality of Life Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for children and adults with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Despite increasing survival rates, long-term morbidity after HCT is substantial. Neurocognitive dysfunction is a serious cause of morbidity, yet little is known about neurocognitive dysfunction after HCT. To address this gap, collaborative efforts of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation undertook an expert review of neurocognitive dysfunction after HCT. In this review we define what constitutes neurocognitive dysfunction, characterize its risk factors and sequelae, describe tools and methods to assess neurocognitive function in HCT recipients, and discuss possible interventions for HCT patients with this condition. This review aims to help clinicians understand the scope of this health-related problem, highlight its impact on well-being of survivors, and help determine factors that may improve identification of patients at risk for declines in cognitive functioning after HCT. In particular, we review strategies for preventing and treating neurocognitive dysfunction in HCT patients. Finally, we highlight the need for well-designed studies to develop and test interventions aimed at preventing and improving neurocognitive dysfunction and its sequelae after HCT.

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer consensus statement on immunotherapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies: multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and acute leukemia

Increasing knowledge concerning the biology of hematologic malignancies as well as the role of the immune system in the control of these diseases has led to the development and approval of immunotherapies that are resulting in impressive clinical responses. Therefore, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a hematologic malignancy Cancer Immunotherapy Guidelines panel consisting of physicians, nurses, patient advocates, and patients to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical application of immunotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and acute leukemia. These recommendations were developed following the previously established process based on the Institute of Medicine's clinical practice guidelines. In doing so, a systematic literature search was performed for high-impact studies from 2004 to 2014 and was supplemented with further literature as identified by the panel. The consensus panel met in December of 2014 with the goal to generate consensus recommendations for the clinical use of immunotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. During this meeting, consensus panel voting along with discussion were used to rate and review the strength of the supporting evidence from the literature search. These consensus recommendations focus on issues related to patient selection, toxicity management, clinical endpoints, and the sequencing or combination of therapies. Overall, immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of hematologic malignances. Evidence-based consensus recommendations for its clinical application are provided and will be updated as the field evolves.

Clinical Grade "SNaPshot" Genetic Mutation Profiling in Multiple Myeloma

Whole genome sequencing studies have identified several oncogenic mutations in multiple myeloma (MM). As MM progresses, it evolves genetically underscoring the need to have tools for rapid detection of targetable mutations to optimize individualized treatment. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has developed a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-approved, high-throughput, genotyping platform to determine the mutation status of a panel of known oncogenes. Sequence analysis using SNaPshot on DNA extracted from bone marrow and extramedullary plasmacytomas is feasible and leads to the detection of potentially druggable mutations. Screening MM patients for somatic mutations in oncogenes may provide novel targets leading to additional therapies for this patient population.

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SNaPshot on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from bone marrow and extramedullary plasmacytomas is feasible.

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SNaPshot can detect potentially druggable mutations and thereby integrate rapid genomic analysis into clinical practice.

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SNaPshot can rapidly identify 152 mutations across 15 genes.

Delayed hematopoietic recovery after auto-SCT in patients receiving arsenic trioxide-based therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a multi-center analysis

A potential link between arsenic (ATO)-based therapy and delayed hematopoietic recovery after autologous hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has previously been reported. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical histories of 58 patients undergoing autologous HSCT for APL at 21 institutions in the United States and Japan. Thirty-three (56%) of the patients received ATO-based therapy prior to stem cell collection. Delayed neutrophil engraftment occurred in 10 patients (17%): 9 of the 10 patients (90%) received prior ATO (representing 27% of all ATO-treated patients), compared with 1 of the 10 patients (10%) not previously treated with ATO (representing 4% of all ATO-naïve patients; P<0.001). Compared with ATO-naïve patients, ATO-treated patients experienced significantly longer times to ANC recovery (median 12 days vs 9 days, P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only significant independent predictor of delayed neutrophil engraftment was prior treatment with ATO (hazard ratio 4.87; P<0.001). Of the available stem cell aliquots from APL patients, the median viable post-thaw CD34+ cell recovery was significantly lower than that of cryopreserved autologous stem cell products from patients with non-APL AML. Our findings suggest that ATO exposure prior to CD34+ cell harvest has deleterious effects on hematopoietic recovery after autologous HSCT.

Hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index is predictive of survival after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) improves survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) but is associated with morbidity and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) was shown to predict risk of NRM and survival after allogeneic transplantation. We tested the utility of HCT-CI as a predictor of NRM and survival in patients with MM undergoing AHCT. We analyzed outcomes of 1156 patients of AHCT after high-dose melphalan reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Individual comorbidities were prospectively collected at the time of AHCT. The impact of HCT-CI and other potential prognostic factors, including Karnofsky performance score (KPS), on NRM and survival were studied in multivariate Cox regression models. HCT-CI score was 0, 1, 2, 3, and >3 in 42%, 18%, 13%, 13%, and 14% of the study cohort, respectively. Subjects were stratified into 3 risk groups: HCT-CI score of 0 (42%) versus HCT-CI score of 1 to 2 (32%) versus HCT-CI score > 2 (26%). Higher HCT-CI was associated with lower KPS < 90 (33% of subjects score of 0 versus 50% in HCT-CI score > 2). HCT-CI score > 2 was associated with melphalan dose reduction (22% versus 10% in score 0 cohort). One-year NRM was low at 2% (95% confidence interval, 1% to 4%) and did not correlate with HCT-CI score (P = .9). On multivariate analysis, overall survival was inferior in groups with HCT-CI score of 1 to 2 (relative risk, 1.37, [95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.87], P = .04) and HCT-CI score > 2 (relative risk, 1.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.08], P = .01). Overall survival was also inferior with KPS < 90 (P < .001), IgA subtype (P ≤ .001), those receiving >1 pretransplant induction regimen (P = .007), and those with resistant disease at the time of AHCT (P < .001). AHCT for MM is associated with low NRM, and death is predominantly related to disease progression. Although a higher HCT-CI score did not predict NRM, it was associated with inferior survival.

Therapeutic strategies for the treatment of multiple myeloma

The outcome of patients with myeloma has improved significantly in the past decade with the incorporation of the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib. Considering nearly all patients relapse, myeloma remains an active area of investigation. There are several promising classes of agents including next generation immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, antibody and antitumor immunotherapy approaches that are being evaluated. This article provides an overview on the therapeutic strategies in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Novel immunomodulatory compounds in multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

The treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) remain limited. Immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), such as thalidomide and lenalidomide, have changed the landscape in the treatment of patients with MM while newer IMiDs such as pomalidomide are showing promise in early clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the biologic rationales of IMiDs and the clinical results supporting their use in MM. It includes data on the new IMiD, pomalidomide and also explores the possible utility of combining IMiDs with other agents. A PubMed search and abstracts from oncology scientific meetings (ASCO and ASH) of articles related to IMiDs and MM was conducted.

EXPERT OPINION

IMiDs have shown clinical activity as single agents and in combination. Thalidomide was the first in class drug. Lenalidomide has a better toxicity profile than thalidomide. Pomalidomide may overcome resistance to lenalidomide indicating differences in their mechanisms of action and resistance. Molecular biomarkers may allow us to identify patients who will respond to IMiDs.

Plasma cell leukemia: consensus statement on diagnostic requirements, response criteria and treatment recommendations by the International Myeloma Working Group

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive variant of myeloma characterized by the presence of circulating plasma cells. It is classified as either primary PCL occurring at diagnosis or as secondary PCL in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. Primary PCL is a distinct clinic-pathological entity with different cytogenetic and molecular findings. The clinical course is aggressive with short remissions and survival duration. The diagnosis is based upon the percentage (≥ 20%) and absolute number (≥ 2 × 10(9)/l) of plasma cells in the peripheral blood. It is proposed that the thresholds for diagnosis be re-examined and consensus recommendations are made for diagnosis, as well as, response and progression criteria. Induction therapy needs to begin promptly and have high clinical activity leading to rapid disease control in an effort to minimize the risk of early death. Intensive chemotherapy regimens and bortezomib-based regimens are recommended followed by high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation if feasible. Allogeneic transplantation can be considered in younger patients. Prospective multicenter studies are required to provide revised definitions and better understanding of the pathogenesis of PCL.

Clinical trials of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma

More than 80% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have osteolytic bone disease, which increases the risk of skeletal-related events (SREs) such as pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, and the need for radiotherapy or surgery. Bone disease is primarily due to increased osteoclastic activity and impaired osteoblast activity. Bisphosphonates are pyrophosphate analogues with high bone affinity that can inhibit osteoclastic activity. Pamidronate and zoledronic acid are the most commonly used bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma. Other agents include ibandronate and clodronate. Bisphosphonates are associated with several adverse events, such as renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw. The optimal duration of bisphosphonate therapy has yet to be determined. Clinical trials are investigating tailored approaches to management based on treatment-related changes in levels of bone resorption markers.

Management of relapsed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Despite significant progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) over the past decade, this disease remains incurable and almost all patients ultimately experience relapse and become refractory to treatment over time. However, the outlook for patients with relapsed MM has improved markedly with the use of the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Moreover, the development of new drug classes based on preclinical rationale and the introduction of next-generation agents is likely to further expand treatment options and improve outcomes for relapsed MM.

The Medical Research Council Myeloma IX trial: the impact on treatment paradigms

Osteolytic bone disease is a hallmark of symptomatic multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonates have been the mainstay of treatment to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent skeletal-related events in patients with myeloma-related bone disease. Recently, the MRC Myeloma IX trial demonstrated for the first time improved survival and delayed disease progression with the use of an intravenous amino-bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid, vs. an oral agent, clodronate, with intensive and non-intensive anti-myeloma treatment regimens in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. These results validate a large body of preclinical, translational and other clinical data suggesting anti-myeloma effects of amino-bisphosphonates. In addition, this trial also provided the first head-to-head evidence for superiority of one bisphosphonate over another (zoledronic acid vs. clodronate) for reducing skeletal morbidity in patients with multiple myeloma, as well as a prospective comparison of toxicities. Despite the use of non-bortezomib containing anti-myeloma treatment regimens in the MRC Myeloma IX trial, these results are encouraging and provide an impetus to continue to evaluate current treatment guidelines for myeloma-associated bone disease.

Multiple myeloma: biology of the disease

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by the aberrant expansion of plasma cells within the bone marrow, as well as at extramedullary sites. Decades of scientific research are now beginning to unravel the intricate biology that underlies the pathophysiology of MM. In particular, the roles of cellular differentiation, molecular pathogenesis, and oncogenes involved in the natural history of MM are becoming clearer. This has enabled the identification of specific cytokines, adhesion molecules, and stromal cells that affect MM cell development, disease progression, and treatment responses. This review describes our current understanding regarding the biology of MM, and how this has led to a robust pipeline of novel therapeutic agents with the potential to overcome resistance to existing MM therapies and, therefore, further improve outcomes in patients with MM.

Antimyeloma activity of a multitargeted kinase inhibitor, AT9283, via potent Aurora kinase and STAT3 inhibition either alone or in combination with lenalidomide

PURPOSE

Aurora kinases, whose expression is linked to genetic instability and cellular proliferation, are being investigated as novel therapeutic targets in multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we investigated the preclinical activity of a small-molecule multitargeted kinase inhibitor, AT9283, with potent activity against Aurora kinase A, Aurora kinase B, and Janus kinase 2/3.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We evaluated the in vitro antimyeloma activity of AT9283 alone and in combination with lenalidomide and the in vivo efficacy by using a xenograft mouse model of human MM.

RESULTS

Our data showed that AT9283 induced cell-growth inhibition and apoptosis in MM. Studying the apoptosis mechanism of AT9283 in MM, we observed features consistent with both Aurora kinase A and Aurora kinase B inhibition, such as increase of cells with polyploid DNA content, decrease in phospho-histone H3, and decrease in phospho-Aurora A. Importantly, AT9283 also inhibited STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation in MM cells. Genetic depletion of STAT3, Aurora kinase A, or Aurora kinase B showed growth inhibition of MM cells, suggesting a role of AT9283-induced inhibition of these molecules in the underlying mechanism of MM cell death. In vivo studies showed decreased MM cell growth and prolonged survival in AT9283-treated mice compared with controls. Importantly, combination studies of AT9283 with lenalidomide showed significant synergistic cytotoxicity in MM cells, even in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells. Enhanced cytotoxicity was associated with increased inhibition of phosphorylated STAT3 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

CONCLUSIONS

Demonstration of in vitro and in vivo anti-MM activity of AT9283 provides the rationale for the clinical evaluation of AT9283 as monotherapy and in combination therapy for treating patients with MM.

Novel therapeutic targets for multiple myeloma

The past decade has witnessed a dramatic improvement in the therapeutic options in multiple myeloma (MM). Several novel biologically targeted agents are in clinical use and have resulted in improved outcomes. However, the disease remains incurable, underscoring the need for continued efforts towards understanding MM biology, better risk stratification and exploitation of novel therapeutic approaches. Novel agents that target tumor and stromal compartments can be categorized as those that target protein dynamics (e.g., heat shock protein 90 and the ubiquitin–proteasome system), intracellular signaling kinases (e.g., JAK/STAT, PI3k/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways), cell cycle molecular machinery (e.g., cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and Aurora kinase inhibitors), membrane-bound receptors (e.g., IGF-1, VEGF and CD40), epigenetic modulators (e.g., DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase), tumor vasculature and microenvironment (e.g., angiogenesis and integrins) and agents modulating anti-MM immune responses. This article focuses on a series of new therapeutic targets that have shown promising preclinical results and early evidence of anti-MM activity in clinical studies, either alone or in combination with other conventional or novel anti-MM treatments.

The use of novel agents in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

Although outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have improved over the past decade, the disease remains incurable and even patients who respond well to induction therapy ultimately relapse and require additional treatment. Conventional chemotherapy and high-dose therapy with stem cell transplantation (SCT) have historically been utilized in the management of relapsed MM, but in recent years the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) thalidomide and lenalidomide, as well as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have assumed a primary role in this setting. This review focuses on the role of thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib in relapsed and refractory MM, with additional discussion dedicated to emerging drugs in relapsed MM that may prove beneficial to patients with this disease.

Elevated pretransplant ferritin is associated with a lower incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease and inferior survival after myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Elevated pretransplant serum ferritin levels have been associated with an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). We studied 222 patients who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HCT in whom pretransplantation serum ferritin levels were available. Pretransplantation ferritin > 1910 microg/l was associated with lower overall survival (P = 0.003), lower relapse-free survival (P = 0.003), decreased chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (P = 0.019) and increased non-relapse mortality (NRM) (P = 0.042). Similar results were obtained when pretransplantation ferritin was analysed as a continuous variable and by quartiles. Our results indicate that an elevated pretransplant ferritin level adversely impacts transplantation outcomes. The adverse impact of elevated ferritin on NRM and survival was despite its association with lower incidences of acute and chronic GVHD, which are major causes of NRM. The association of ferritin with iron overload and its influence on HCT outcomes requires further prospective validation.

Lenalidomide: the emerging role of a novel targeted agent in malignancies

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that was developed by modification of the first-generation immunomodulatory drug thalidomide in a drug discovery program. Lenalidomide more potently regulates cellular immune and cytokine responses, while lacking the side-effect profile of thalidomide. The promising activity seen in multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome has led to its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in these conditions. The clinical results that we have seen so far, which demonstrate significant efficacy with a tolerable toxicity profile, provide a strong basis for the use of lenalidomide in other malignancies. Combination therapy with lenalidomide could enhance this agent's antineoplastic role; this is likely the position it will occupy in the armamentarium against cancer.