Crowley, John

8599 Background: MM survival varies enormously from few months to more than a decade. Baseline prognostic factors (PF) have been identified that are linked to survival outcomes, especially B2M and albumin. MM survival plots are typically characterized by 3 segments of slopes with decreasing steepness, suggesting that different PF may govern these time segments. Methods: We therefore examined, in S9321, PF that were associated with overall survival (OS) from baseline (BL) and from 3 subsequent landmarks 3, 5, and 7 years later (LM3, LM5, LM7). With a median follow-up of 9 years, OS and EFS were virtually identical in transplant and standard therapy arms so that the data were pooled. Results: Median OS and EFS for 817 eligible patients are 48 and 22 months. The BL model identified age (>60yr), hemoglobin (<10g/gL), platelet count (<130,000/uL), albumin (<3.5g/dL), B2M (>3.5g/dL), calcium (>10mg/dL), creatinine (>2mg/dL), LDH (>190U/L), performance status (PS, >1), IL-6 level (>140mg/L) and plasma cell labeling index (PCLI, >1%) as being univariately associated with short OS, while age (p=0.002), platelet count (p=0.04), calcium (p<0.001), B2M (p=0.002), LDH (p=0.010) and PCLI (p<0.001) retained significance in multivariate analysis. For the LM3 analyses, age (p=0.006) and B2M (p=0.009) were independently associated with poor OS, whereas PCLI was the only PF associated with LM5 (p=0.026) and age with LM7 (p<0.001). While associated univariately with OS from BL, CRP, platelet count, hemoglobin, albumin, calcium, creatinine, LDH, IL6 and PS all failed to affect OS from later LM times. Conclusions: Whereas the initial 3 years of OS are governed by a combination of features related to disease aggressiveness (LDH, calcium, albumin, CRP), tumor burden (hemoglobin, platelet count) and host tolerance (PS, creatinine), B2M and PCLI as reflectors of tumor burden and proliferation have sustained long-term OS implications. The age factor figures in partly due to death from other causes. In an era of ever-improving survival outcomes, such LM-based PF analysis may reveal trial-specific differences and thus provide guidance toward individualizing therapy. [Table: see text]

Abstract Although multiple myeloma is clinically defined as the accumulation of clonal, malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, the disease shows significant heterogeneity with regard to progression and therapeutic response. It is likely that germline genetic polymorphisms contribute significantly to an individual’s disease course and response. Bank On A CureTM (BOAC) is a collaborative project initiated with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to develop a DNA bank of myeloma patient samples, through international cooperation. As the bank continues to expand, it provides a resource for the development of cooperative partnerships to assess specific clinical trials as well as conglomerate data. In this study, we have combined data from 3 phase III trials: ECOG trial E9486 (VBMCP + cyclophosphamide or interferon); SWOG trial 9321 (VAD induction followed by randomization to PBSC-supported high dose therapy versus standard dose therapy of VBMCP); and the MRC7 trial (comparing conventional chemotherapy [ABCM] with intravenous chemotherapy and high dose melphalan [CVAMP + HDM +PBSCT]). Five single nucleotide polymorphisms were examined based on associations demonstrated in previous individual trials: GSTP1, IL-6, LT-a, TNF-a, and ERCC2 (DNA repair). Patient samples included 412 from E9486, 569 from S9321, and 232 from MRC7 (total=1213). As a combined data set, genotype associations with overall survival did not reach statistical significance, suggesting SNP associations with survival may be therapy specific. One single association that did reach significance in the conglomerate data was TNF-a genotype association with age of disease onset (the high producer variant AA genotype showing a 5 year later age of onset than the AG/GG genotypes, or the overall mean of the trial, age 61 vs 56; p=.03). This is interesting in light of reports suggesting high production of TNF-a is found in myeloma patients and may actually promote myeloma. Yet, high production may also delay disease onset due to its role in other immunologic processes. Additional parameters including genotype associations with bone disease, CR rates, toxicities, and stage are being evaluated and will be presented. Preliminary results show that when SNPs from S9321 were included in a linear regression model, genotype risk groups could be identified; showing 73% correct association with ISS stage 1, and 75% correct association with ISS stage 3. This model, however, was not validated in the E9486 trial, with less than 50% genotype predictive ISS stage association. A number of highly significant ethnic genotype associations were noted, and are presented in a separate abstract. Given the likely complex interactions of multiple genetic variations, collective genotype comparisons may be required from larger pooled data sets BOAC is assembling to increase significant associations.

Abstract There is a high background risk of venous thrombotic events (VTE) in patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) and this is significantly increased following treatment with Thalidomide. The risk may be mediated by the production of a prothrombotic state, via an angiopathic mechanism, or alternatively it may arise from the release of prothrombotic factors from dying myeloma cells targeted by the treatment. No unifying evidence of a prothrombotic state has been demonstrated to date and it remains important to understand the mechanism underlying VTEs in order to prevent them effectively. Inherited genetic variants in the form of SNPs can affect the behaviour of clotting factors. These SNPs are functional and well characterised in the coagulation system and we have used them to analyse the mechanism underlying thalidomide induced VTE. As part of the Bank On A Cure TM project we have carried out an analysis of SNPs in 11 genes: GPIIA, ITGA, MTHFR, MTR, PPARG2, TFP1, VCAM, factor V, HABP2, prothrombin and THDB in a case series of 90 patients treated with thalidomide, with and without DVTs. This study showed a significant association with MTHFR and factor V polymorphisms. In order to validate and extend these initial observations we carried out an analysis of a second nested case control study using 131 Myeloma patients from within the MRC Myeloma IX trial, comprising 47 cases with a VTE and 94 age and sex matched controls exposed to the same treatment. We used a SNPlex panel containing 16 functional venous thrombosis associated SNPs, all of these functional polymorphisms have reported mechanisms and biology. We looked at polymorphisms in the genes: fibrinogen A (Ala331Thr), B (-455G&gt;A, Lys478Arg) and G polypeptides (His140Tyr); Coagulation factors V(Arg534Gln), VIII (Glu1260Asp), IX(Ala194Thr), XI (Phe339Cys) and XII(-4G&gt;T); PROCR(Gly219Ser); prothrombin(19911A&gt;G ,20210G&gt;A); MTHFR(Glu429Ala, Ala222Val); Serpine1(-844G&gt;A) and TFPI(Met292Val). We have typed our selected SNPs using the SNPlex™ Genotyping System, which is based on the oligonucleotide ligation/PCR assay with a universal fluorescently labeled ZipChute™ probe detection. The probes are hybridized to complementary ZipCode™ sequences that are part of genotype-specific amplicons. Probes are eluted and detected on a Applied Biosystems 3130x DNA Analyser. This approach is an attractive alternative to existing genotyping methodologies, as it requires only three unlabeled probes per SNP, and consumes very little gDNA. The data analysis on the polymorphisms frequencies is ongoing to examine associations of thalidomide treatment with VTE events and will be presented. These datasets will allow a better definition of the pathogenesis of thalidomide related VTE, so that we can intervene therapeutically in a rational fashion.

Abstract MM has a median age at presentation of 65–68 years, rarely occurring in pts before age 40. Here, we present clinical, laboratory and survival data in the largest ever-analyzed cohort of young pts compared with pts aged ≥ 40 years. 259 pts aged &lt; 40 and 8,296 aged ≥ 40 years were enrolled. These 8.555 pts were part of the cohort analyzed for the ISS staging project. Previously untreated pts entered into randomized trials with standard (SDT) or high dose treatment (HDT). Clinical data were available for all pts, 526 pts had karyotypic analysis and 454 pts testing for Del 13 testing by FISH. The Chi-Square test was used to identify significant prognostic factors. A maximum likelihood model was used to estimate relative excess risk (RER) for younger versus older pts treated with SDT or HDT. Observed survival was adjusted by life expectancy depending on age, gender, and nationality. Young pts had significantly lower ISS stage I than older pts (stage I; 39% vs. 28%, stage II: 28 vs. 39%, stage III 33% vs. 33%, p&lt;. 001, p&lt;001, p=0.863, respectively) due primarily to a lower prevalence of high ß2m levels and low albumin levels in the younger age group. Paradoxically, the younger pts more frequently presented with higher M-component levels and Durie Salmon stage III (65% vs. 54%, p&lt;0.001). Prevalence of other important prognostic parameters like Hb, platelet count, creatinine, calcium, CRP, LDH and bone marrow PC infiltration was similar in both groups. Younger pts had more frequently good ECOG performance status (PS) (0–2), (87% vs. 81%, p&lt;0.01). Karyotypic abnormalities and Del 13 were similarly distributed between both cohorts. Median OS was significantly longer in young pts (median: 4.8 years vs. 3.7 years; hazard ratio (HR): 1.46; 95%, CI (1.27, 1.68); p=&lt;0.001). Better outcome in the younger cohort was seen in all three ISS stages, independent of gender. Median OS survival was significantly longer after SDT in the young cohort (median: 49 months (mos) vs. 39 mos; HR 1.49; CI (1.27, 1.75); p&lt;0.001). Median survival: 86 mos in young and 68 mos in older pts on HDT; this did not translate into a statistical difference (HR 1.8; CI (0.81,1.44); p=0.6). Risk estimates in a maximum likelihood analysis revealed that, apart from ISS Stage, young age followed by female sex was statistical significant for a good outcome for pts treated with SDT (Age RER: 1.43, CI (1.20, 1.70), p&lt;0.001; Sex RER: 1.07, CI (1.02, 1.14); p &lt; 0.013). For pts treated with HDT, only ISS Stage was found to be a risk factor, but not age or gender. Conclusions: Patients &lt; 40 have better prognosis and survival than older patients. The most important features of young patients are low SßM, normal S. Alb, and good performance status.

Abstract Bank On A CureTM is a collaborative project initiated with the International Myeloma Foundation to develop a DNA bank through international cooperation. The Bank provides a resource for the development of cooperative partnerships to assess genetic associations with disease etiology and outcomes. It is well established that genetic variation can have a significant ethnic association, and such variations may account for differences in disease incidence and outcomes. Indeed, African Americans have historically shown a 2.5–3 fold increase population incidence of myeloma compared to the Caucasian population. We have identified a number of potentially biologically relevant genetic variants that show significant differences in ethnic distribution. Using both clinical trials as well as the Coriel [normal] cell line data base, we find in all three cases the same highly significant differences (Fishers Exact Test) between African Americans and Caucasians in functionally relevant genetic polymorphisms, as represented by E9486 univariate analysis of IL-6 (p&lt;.00001), LT-a (p&lt;.0001), ERCC312 (p&lt;.0001), XRCC399 (p=.006), IL-1RA (p&lt;.00001), GST-M (p=.0008), and ERCC751 (p&lt;.02). Subsequently, from trial S9321 we have found differences in a number of clinical outcomes associated with ethnicity. When toxicities between Caucasians and African Americans were examined, similar severe toxicity rates were noted after VAD induction related to neuropathies, nausea, and bone pain; whereas statistically significant differences were noted for infection rates, hyperglycemia, fatigue, dyspnea, and thrombosis (p&lt;.04). During high dose melphalan treatment toxicities were not statistically different. Because significant association between IL-6 genotype and ethnicity was noted, we also examined serum levels of sIL-6R and CRP, available from trial E9486. African Americans patients show significantly lower sIL-6R levels compared to Caucasian patients (mean 149 vs 213 ng/ml; p&lt;.0001). Interestingly, there is a significant association between IL-6 SNP genotype and sIL-6R distribution, with the high IL-6 producer GG genotype (in 90% African Americans) having the lowest sIL-6R compared to the CC or CG genotypes (p=.02). Regression analysis of IL-6 SNP and ethnicity on sIL-6R reveals that ethnicity is significantly associated with sIL-6R distribution after adjustment for IL-6 SNP genotype (p=.001) but not vice versa (p=.91), indicating the association of IL-6 SNP genotype with sIL-6R is due to its association with ethnicity. Together the data demonstrate that while associations may result from co-segregation of ethnic genotypes, they may influence disease risk and outcomes related to important genetic factors distributed unequally in different ethnic populations. Such differences may, for example, alter IL-6 responses. Further, multivariate analysis will be developed. Validation of genotype associations found in different ethnic populations will be an important consideration in evaluating myeloma etiology and outcomes.

Abstract Background: Race/ethnicity is associated with disparate incidence and outcomes in MM, as seen in population-based studies. Their effect on outcomes has not been reported in prospective studies. Obesity is the most consistently associated modifiable risk factor for MM and is influenced by race/ethnicity but its association with outcomes has not been explored. We analyzed patient-level data from published ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients (pts) to explore the interplay of race/ethnicity, obesity and outcomes. Methods: Pooled data from 9 ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials (E1A06, E4A03, E1A00, E2A02, E5A93, E9486, S0204, S0232, S9321) in NDMM (1988-2011) were analyzed. Pts were divided by race: White (W), African-American (AA), other (O); race/ethnicity: Hispanic (H), non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic AA (NHAA), non-Hispanic other (NHO); and body mass index (BMI): <25, 25-29.9, ≥30. Associations between these and baseline pt/disease characteristics were assessed using chi-square (categorical) and Wilcoxon rank sum (continuous) tests. Survival distributions were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios in univariate and multivariate models. Time to event data was censored at 6 yrs. Results: Pt distribution by race, race/ethnicity and BMI is shown in Table 1. Race: AA were younger than W (median 59 vs 62 yr), had significantly more females (48% vs 40%; p=0.001) and had a smaller proportion of pts ≥70 yr (18% vs 26%; p<0.001). Median BMI was highest in AA (27.2) and lowest in O (24) (p=0.001) but not significantly different categorically between W and AA only (p=0.908). AA had significantly more pts with hemoglobin (Hb) ≤10 g/dL than W (55% vs 36%; p<0.001). Median creatinine (Cr) was 1.3 mg/dL in O and 1.1 mg/dL in W (p=0.03). There were no differences by race for ECOG performance status (PS), MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype, serum calcium (Ca) or β2-microglobulin (β2M). Enrollment to clinical trials over years was significantly different by race (p=0.009). The only study design showing different enrollment by race was with/out stem cell transplant (SCT) (p=0.03; 37% of AA vs 31% of W got SCT trials). Race/Ethnicity: NHO were the youngest (median 58 yr) and NHW the oldest (median 62 yr) subgroup (p<0.001). NHAA had the highest proportion of pts with BMI ≥30 (16%) and NHO the lowest (7%) (p=0.018). H had the smallest proportion of females (33%) while NHO had the largest (54%) (p=0.002). H had the highest number of pts ≥70 yr (28%) and NHAA the smallest (18%) (p=0.003). Anemia rates were significantly different (p<0.001) with Hb ≤10 g/dL in 36% NHW vs 56% in NHAA. No significant differences were seen for PS, MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype or other lab parameters. H and NHAA were enrolled in larger numbers in 1992-2011 rather than prior or later years (p<0.001). Among the subgroups, H had largest proportion of patients (75%) on trials without novel agent vs 61.5% for NHW (p=0.047). NHAA had the highest proportion of patients on trials with SCT (38%) while NHO had the smallest (27.3%) (p=0.034). BMI: By gender, 30% of males and 39% of females having BMI <25 (p<0.001). BMI <25 had the highest proportion of pts with ISS stage III (31%) vs 21.5% for ≥30 (p=0.001). A similar trend was seen for DS stage (p=0.005). 64% of ≥30 pts had Hb >10 while 51% of <25 did (p=0.003). There was significant difference in continuous Cr distribution by BMI (p=0.004). Efficacy analysis did not show any significant difference in response rate by race (p=0.132), race/ethnicity (p=0.286) or BMI (p=0.896). In univariate/multivariate analysis, significantly worse overall survival (OS) was seen in males, age ≥70 yr, ECOG PS >0, ISS and DS stage III, presence of lytic lesions, Cr ≥2 mg/dL, Ca >12 mg/dL, Hb ≤10 g/dL. No significant difference was seen in OS or progression free survival by race, race/ethnicity or BMI (Figure 1). Conclusions: Significant differences exist in demographic and clinical characteristics of NDMM pts by race/ethnicity. Median OS was significantly associated with these characteristics but not with race/ethnicity itself. Observed racial/ethnic disparity in outcomes for MM pts may be overcome by access to comparable therapeutic options as seen in clinical trials. Obesity, while associated with MM incidence, does not seem to influence outcomes. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Stewart:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Hussein:Celgene: Employment. Zonder:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Other: DSMC membership; Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria. Barlogie:Mount Sinai Hospital: Employment.

Abstract ECOG, CALGB and SWOG (coordinating group) enrolled 899 patients with newly diagnosed MM to receive VAD x 4 (813 were considered eligible), followed by randomization to PBSC-supported MEL-TBI (n=261) versus VBMCP (n=255), using CTX 4.5g/m2 + G-CSF for PBSC mobilization in all patients. Responders to VBMCP or MEL-TBI were randomized to IFN (n=121) or no maintenance (n=121). With a median follow-up of alive patients of 60 mos, median EFS and OS from 1st randomization were 25 and 62 mos for MEL-TBI and 21 and 53 mos for VBMCP (p=.14 for EFS, p=.87 for OS). EFS and OS from IFN randomization were also identical at 23/59 mos for IFN versus 18/74 mos for observation (p=.2/.6). 87 VBMCP failures received salvage autotransplants, with a post-relapse median survival of 24 mos which was similar to the 27 mos observed among the remaining 83 VBMCP failures managed with standard salvage therapies. When examined in the context of 2 other randomized trials (IFM 90, MRC VII), OS from baseline of S932, limited to patients <60 yr (as in IFM 90 + MRC VII), is intermediate between the high dose arms of IFM 90/MRC VII and the standard dose arms of these two trials (randomization at baseline) (Figure 1). OS from the time of randomization to high or standard dose therapy on S9321 (again restricted to age <60 yr) was similar to OS timed from transplant for the high dose arms of IFM 90 and MRC VII. (Figure 2). Figure Figure The comparable outcome after high- versus standard-dose therapies on S9321, interpreted in the context of 2 other published randomized clinical trials, may relate to (1) higher dose intensity with VBMCP than with other standard regimens or (2) a detrimental effect of TBI in S9321. We conclude that with the current follow-up MEL-TBI is no better than VAD/VBMCP with the option of salvage transplant and that IFN maintenance is of no benefit in this maintenance setting. Data from this trial will be provided to MRC to be included in their on-going meta-analyses of high-dose therapies and IFN maintenance.

Abstract Abstract 3989 Background: Treatment patterns of multiple myeloma (MM) vary across the globe, mostly dictated by the availability and patient access to different drug therapies. The outcomes of patients with MM, especially relapsed myeloma can be significantly affected by the availability of newer treatments, as well as potential biological differences related to ethnicity. We have previously shown that the outcome of patients relapsing after therapy with bortezomib (Bz) and one or more of the IMiDs remain poor with the currently available treatments and represent a difficult group of patients to treat. We undertook the current analysis on a set of patients from United States, several European countries and South Korea. Methods: We designed a multicenter, retrospective study that enrolled 294 patients with relapsed MM, from 14 sites (122 from Europe, 107 from US, and 65 from Korea). Patients were refractory to Bz, defined as no response to prior Bz-containing regimen or disease progression within 60 days of a Bz-containing regimen. Patients were also relapsed, refractory, intolerant, and/or ineligible, to treatment with an IMiD (thalidomide or lenalidomide). The date patients satisfied the above entry criteria was defined as time zero (T0). Clinical and laboratory data from diagnosis and individual relapses were collected along with details of all MM drug therapies before and after T0. Responses were assessed by IMWG or EBMT criteria. The goal of the study was to compare the characteristics of patients who satisfy the above inclusion criteria, the therapies employed prior to and after T0 and clinical outcome among these patients from different parts of the world. Results: The mean (median, range) time to reaching T0 from diagnosis was 4.5 (4.0, 12.8), 4.2 (3.2, 18.6), and 3.2 (2.8, 9.6) years from diagnosis for patients from US, Europe and Korea, respectively, P=0.021. The mean (median, range) number of therapies for the three groups were 8 (8, 13), 4 (4, 10), 5 (4, 7), respectively; P<0.001. The response rates (>=PR) to the initial therapy at diagnosis were 56%, 77% and 49% respectively for the US, European and Korean cohorts. Overall 220 patients had at least one therapy after T0, and 114 (52%) had a novel agent (Bz, len or thal) containing regimen as their first treatment after T0. Patients in US were more likely to receive additional therapies after the first post-T0 therapy; 62%, 32%, and 12% of patients from US, Europe and Korea, respectively, began a second post-T0 regimen within 2 years following time zero. The median number of therapies post T0 was 2, 1, and 1 for patients in US, Europe and Korea respectively. The response rates to the first regimen after T0 were 15%, 33% and 19% for the US, European and Korean cohorts, and were similar between those receiving a regimen with one of the novel drugs compared to rest. Patients younger than 60 years and those with prior transplants were more likely to respond to post T0 regimens. The median time to progression or death from T0was similar for the three patient cohorts, 5 months (Figure 1A). The median overall survival (95% CI) from T0 was 13 months (10, 16), 7 (5,9) and 8 (4,9) respectively for the US, European and Korean cohorts (Figure 1B). Conventional prognostic factors, especially the ISS stage was predictive of OS post T0. Additionally, presence of extramedullary disease was associated with a shorter overall survival. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrate significant differences between different parts of the world in terms of the treatment patterns both in the setting of initial therapy as well as treatment of relapsed disease. Patients in the US were more likely to receive multiple regimens both before and after T0. This is likely a reflection of increasing numbers of new drugs that have gone into clinical trials and thus enhancing options. The study further highlights the poor outcome of patients who have relapsed after the new drugs, irrespective of the geographical location. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genzyme: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Richardson:Millennium: ; Celgene: ; Johnson & Johnson: ; Novartis: ; Bristol Myers Squibb:. Moreau:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Advisory board, Honoraria; Janssen: Advisory board, Honoraria. Sonneveld:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Siegel:Merck: Honoraria; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. San Miguel:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Palumbo:celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Durie:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Abstract 2878 Poster Board II-854 Background: Significant advances have been made in the treatment of myeloma with the introduction of thalidomide, its analogue, lenalidomide, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. While these new drugs have improved the outcome of patients with myeloma, the disease still remains incurable. Effectiveness of upcoming new therapies will need to be assessed in the context of anticipated outcome with the currently available therapies. However, given the rapid pace of development over the past decade, outcome of patients who have relapsed on the new therapies remain unclear. Methods: In order to further study this group of patients, we undertook a study of patients who have relapsed on or are refractory to one of the IMiDs (thalidomide or lenalidomide) as well as bortezomib. A total of 300 cases from 8 sites in the US, 5 sites in Europe and one site in Asia were identified for this study. Enrolled patients had relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, per the EBMT or IMWG response criteria, after at least 2 prior treatments. Patients were refractory to bortezomib, defined as having no response on a prior bortezomib-containing regimen or experiencing disease progression within 60 days of a bortezomib-containing regimen. Patients also should have relapsed, refractory, intolerant, and/or ineligible in the opinion of the investigator, to other therapies, including an IMiD (thalidomide or lenalidomide). Clinical and laboratory data pertaining to the time of diagnosis and from the time of individual relapses were obtained from the clinical records. The date patients satisfied the above entry criteria was defined as time zero. Results: The current analysis includes the first 119 patients with complete data available. The median age at initial diagnosis was 59 years (range, 31-86 yr); 71% were males. The ISS stage distribution at diagnosis was 33%, 39% and 28% for stages 1, 2, and 3 respectively. 19 patients (37%) had high risk disease by FISH [t(4;14), t(14;16), del17p] or by cytogenetics [del 13, hypodiploidy]. The median time from diagnosis to time zero was 3.8 yrs (range 0.2-18.7 yr) and the median reported lines of therapy before time zero was 2. 74% patients had at least 1 autologous stem cell transplant prior to becoming eligible for the study. Following time zero, 77 (65%) pts had a treatment recorded, including an autologous SCT in 21 (18%), with the treatment regimen starting at a median of 1 month after time zero. A variety of treatment regimens were utilized beyond time zero (median=1; range 0-7). Thirty-two (27%) patients had a response any time following time zero, and only 8 had a subsequent response. Response to the first treatment, or supportive care for patients not treated, recorded following time zero included minor response or stable disease (n=14; 12%), PR (n=17, 14%), and VGPR or better (n=6, 5%). Patients treated with SCT had a higher rate of PR or better compared to patients receiving other treatments (85%; 17/20 vs. 26%; 15/57). In a multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of a PR or better after time zero was younger age (<60 yrs). The median overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) were 6 mos (95% CI, 4-7 mos) and 1 month (95% CI,1-2 mos) respectively. In a multivariate analysis normal creatinine predicted for a better overall survival and having an IgG M protein type predicted for better EFS. A complete analysis from all 300 patients will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This study confirms the poor outcome of patients once they become relapsed and refractory to agents that have become the mainstay of myeloma therapy. The findings highlight the incurable nature of the disease and urgent need to develop newer effective therapeutic agents for this group of patients, who currently do not have effective treatment options. Disclosures: Kumar: CELGENE: Research Funding; MILLENNIUM: Research Funding; BAYER: Research Funding; GENZYME: Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Research Funding. Jagannath:Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Laubach:Novartis: . Palumbo:Ortho Biotech, Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Richardson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Keryx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. San Miguel:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Sonneveld:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Durie:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract We have taken a genetic strategy to define the mechanisms underlying the increased risk of VTE in myeloma patient treated with thalidomide using clinical trial data derived from the MRC, ECOG, Little Rock and HOVON trial groups. Baseline VTE rates in the MRC IX study, (CTD vs CVAD; n=748 no prophylactic anticoagulation), were 14%. Rates in both arms were equal but in the thalidomide arm, thrombotic events were all DVT’s or PE’s, whereas in the CVAD arm they split equally between line related and VTE’s. In the other comparison (CTD vs MP; n=542), the VTE rate was 17%, all in the thalidomide arm. Rates were similar or higher (30%) in the other trials depending on the intensity of treatment used. We carried out a nested case control on DNA from MRC IX on 90 VTE (45 thalidomide, 45 non-thalidomide related), matched to 180 controls. SNPlex analysis for 60 SNPs in the coagulation cascade, DNA repair, thalidomide, metabolism and myeloma specific pathways, identified 7 genes which affected risk (NBS1, MTHFR, Ku80, Cyp3A5, LGAL52 and IL12B). This suggests three major pathways contribute to the risk of thalidomide related VTE, metabolism of thalidomide, tumour responsiveness and some pro-thrombotic factors. These factors differ from non-thalidomide related risk where a strong pro-inflammatory response is most relevant. We tested this hypothesis further using an expanded panel of 3,404 SNPs (BOAC panel), using the Megalle system. Statistical analysis of this data defined the top 20 thalidomide and non-thalidomide associated SNPs, which were consistent with the initial hypothesis, the results of which exclude variation in the coagulation cascade as being a significant risk factor. We explored this hypothesis further using pathway-based analysis focussing on the MTHFR, DNA repair and WNT pathways on data from the ECOG, HOVON and Little Rock data sets. The biological relevance of the SNPs and genes identified was validated by correlating the level of expression using the Affymetrix U133 CHIP with genetic variation at the DNA level. To verify the relevance of DNA repair variability to tumour response further, we correlated gene expression profiling with response and again Ku80 was identified as one of a cluster of genes defining increased risk. The data suggests that the risk of thalidomide related VTE relates to rapid tumour lysis combined with a prothrombotic tendency, whereas in line related thrombosis, risk is dependent upon a strong proinflammatory response. We are building this genetic data into a clinical risk model in order to allow us to develop a rationale for intervention strategies.