Dispenzieri, Angela

AbstractPatients with light chain amyloidosis (AL) often have delayed diagnosis and present with significant symptomatology; this may result in decreased quality of life (QOL). We prospectively employ a “Hematology Patient Reported Symptom Screen” (HPRSS), which is three questions about fatigue, pain, and QOL, scored 0–10. The aim of this study is to better understand QOL and determine if HPRSS parameters predict for clinical outcomes. From 2009 to 2014, 302 newly diagnosed AL patients were included. Baseline median scores [interquartile range] for fatigue, pain, and QOL were 6 [3,7], 2 [0,5], 5 [3,8], respectively. Median overall survival was 53 months, with 102 (34%) deaths in the first year. There were significant differences in baseline HPRSS between those that lived longer than one year and early death patients in the domains of fatigue (5 [IQR 3, 7] vs. 7 [IQR 5, 8], P < 0.0001) and QOL (6 [IQR 4, 8] vs. 5 [IQR 3, 7], P = 0.006). On univariate analysis fatigue, QOL, physician‐reported performance status, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), and Mayo stage were prognostic for survival. On multivariate analysis Mayo stage, ASCT, and baseline fatigue remained independently prognostic. When analyses were restricted to the 125 patients with HPRSS measurements at 12 months, we found that over time QOL scores improved significantly 6 [IQR 3.5, 8] → 7 [IQR 5, 8] (P = 0.01). Asking AL patients to rate their fatigue and QOL has predictive value. Baseline patient reported fatigue is an independent prognostic factor for survival. Survival at one year was associated with significant improvement in QOL.

Key Points Significant improvement in outcome is a reality for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis in the past decade. Six-month mortality among transplant ineligible patients has declined since 2005.

Key Points An international panel established the first ever diagnostic criteria for iMCD based on review of 244 clinical cases and 88 tissue samples. The criteria require multicentric lymphadenopathy with defined histopathology, ≥2 clinical/laboratory changes, and exclusion of iMCD mimics.

Lysozyme amyloidosis (ALys) is a rare form of hereditary amyloidosis that typically manifests with renal impairment, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and sicca syndrome, whereas cardiac involvement is exceedingly rare and neuropathy has not been reported. Here, we describe a 40-year-old man with renal impairment, cardiac and GI symptoms, and peripheral neuropathy. Renal biopsy specimen analysis revealed amyloidosis with extensive involvement of glomeruli, vessels, and medulla. Amyloid was also detected in the GI tract. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings were consistent with cardiac involvement. Proteomic analysis of Congo red–positive renal and GI amyloid deposits detected abundant lysozyme C protein. DNA sequencing of the lysozyme gene in the patient and his mother detected a heterozygous c.305T>C alteration in exon 3, which causes a leucine to serine substitution at codon 102 (Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature: p.Leu102Ser; legacy designation: L84S). We also detected the mutant peptide in the proband’s renal and GI amyloid deposits. PolyPhen analysis predicted that the mutation damages the encoded protein. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the pathogenesis of ALys p.Leu102Ser is mediated by shifting the position of the central β -hairpin coordinated with an antiparallel motion of the C-terminal helix, which may alter the native-state structural ensemble of the molecule, leading to aggregation-prone intermediates.

AbstractAlthough there have been many definitions for high-risk (HR) myeloma, most recent consensus for classifying risk in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NMM) comes from the International Myeloma Working Group. This recently published revised International Staging System includes del(17p) or t(4;14) by fluorescence in situ hybridization, β-2 microglobulin, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase. These elements should be captured in all NMM patients. The optimal treatments for HR myeloma have not been fully worked out; therefore, these patients should be considered for clinical trials. Outside of the trial setting for those patients who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), a regimen with bortezomib, but not thalidomide, should be considered, with a duration of therapy of at least 1 year. The regimen with the best results to date is bortezomib, melphalan, and predisone. A nonthalidomide maintenance could also be considered. In patients who are eligible for ASCT, an induction regimen with bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug should be administered for 3 to 6 months followed by 2 ASCTs. Finally, a consolidation/maintenance regimen containing at least 1 year of bortezomib should be administered followed by maintenance thereafter. For patient convenience, an oral agent that is not thalidomide could be prescribed as maintenance. Finally, in patients with HR myeloma, allogeneic SCT may be associated with reasonable outcomes, but this too will require further research.

Key Points Mass spectrometry is a high-throughput, low-resource technique that can identify immunoglobulin variable region gene from tissue specimens. IGVL gene usage is restricted and different between systemic and localized AL and only partially explains organ tropism in this disease.