Barlogie, Bart

Abstract Background: Bone disease in myeloma occurs as a result of complex interactions between myeloma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment. To date, no studies have evaluated the potential impact of genetic polymorphisms upon and/or within this microenvironment. Patients and Methods: Peripheral blood DNA from 282 patients enrolled in the Total Therapy 2 (TT2) protocol was studied using the previously reported Affymetrix 3k BOAC custom chip to evaluate relevant genetic polymorphisms. DKK1 gene expression and high risk GEP gene signatures were assessed as previously reported (Blood109:4470–4477 and 109:2276–2284 2007). Patients were classified using both full skeletal x-rays and MRI findings. The lower cut-off used was absence of focal abnormalities on x-ray and/or <7 focal lesions on MRI (see JCO25:1121–1128 2007). Results: The top 200 SNPs were first evaluated based upon univariate P values linked to limited or extensive bone disease. The top 50 SNPs with the smallest P values were then selected (eliminating closely linked genes) for recursive partitioning analysis. The recursive partitioning was conducted both with and without the insertion of known biologically relevant SNPs. The pruned tree developed with recursive partitioning proved to be quite stable and incorporated 4 dominant SNPs: rs 3766934 Epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1); sr3783408 MAP kinase; sr 1062637 RNA helicase DDX18; and sr3181366 TNFSF8-TNF-α. No alternate SNP substituted for EPHX1 in the recursive model. The 4 SNP signature of EPHX1 GG, MAP4K5 AG/AA, DDX18 GG/CC plus TNFSF8 CT/TT was highly correlated with the number of MRI lesions: mean 8.66 lesions versus 3.33 for alternate SNPs (P<.001). In the univariate association of standard prognostic factors, 4 SNP signature and 70 and 17 gene models for high risk, the best correlation with bone disease was with the 4 SNPs (P<.0001) followed by the 17 gene GEP model (P=0.05). Using stepwise multivariate regression analysis the best correlation with bone disease was Log2DKK-1 expression (P=.0001) but closely followed by SNPs EPHX1 (P=.0009); MAP4K5 (P=.0071) plus TNFSF8 and serum LDH (P=.02). The various analyses training (2/3) and validation sets were used with assessment of sensitivity and specificity. The microenvironmental 4 SNP signature combined with GEP DKK1 provided the best prediction of myeloma bone disease and overall outcome. Conclusions: This first assessment of genetic polymorphisms linked to myeloma bone disease in myeloma has led to the identification of polymorphisms with both potential biologic relevance and utility in prognostic models of myeloma bone disease including risk stratification for bisphosphonate use. Validation of these findings may allow a search for potential therapeutic targets.

Abstract Genetic variations in patient populations likely contribute to disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. We have begun a systematic approach to examine the association of genetic variations (ie. functional, single nucleotide polymorhisms, SNPs) involved in myeloma growth promotion, metabolic events, drug responses, and DNA repair on clinical outcome in the intergroup trial S9321. This trial tested a single high dose regimen with autologous stem cell support against a conventional dose regimen, with further randomization of responders to maintenance with interferon or not, in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. ECOG, CALGB and SWOG enrolled 899 patients with newly diagnosed MM to receive VAD induction x 4 cycles followed by randomization to PBSC-supported high dose therapy (HDT) versus standard dose therapy (SDT) of VBMCP, using CTX 4.5 g/m2 + G-CSF for PBSC mobilization in all patients. Responders to VBMCP or HDT were randomized to IFN or no maintenance. Specimens were distributed through ECOG for biologic correlative studies, including candidate SNP analysis. SNP assays have been developed using the Sequenom Mass-extend platform for functional SNPs in IL-6, IL-1, IL-RA, IL-10, TNF, Lta, TGFb, MDR1, MPO, CYP3A4, GST (M, P, T), ERCC2 and XRCC1, and are being evaluated on 803 DNA samples prepared from patients enrolled in S9321. Preliminary findings (n=135) demonstrate functional genetic variants of IL-10 (position -1082), IL-1 (position +3953), TGFb (postion -509), and TNFa (position -308) are showing trends associated with differences in progression free survival; and variants in IL-6 (position -174) are associated with response. Median survival of the IL-10 variants was 31 months for A/A low producer alleles versus 19 months for the G/G high producer alleles (p=.5). For TNFa, 2 cases with the high producer A/A alleles died within a year, while the median survival for the lower producer G/G alleles was 2 years (p=.04). For patients with the high producer C/C/ allele of IL-1 (n=67), median survival was 2 years, versus 5 patients with the T/T low producer alleles that had a median survival greater than 5 years (preliminary p=.29). While these preliminary results are now only suggestive of trends in genetic polymorphisms associated with clinical outcome, completion of the full SNP panel on the entire sample base should provide a extensive association study, and analysis of potential differences in therapy arms of the trial. The full panel and association studies will be presented.ααββααα

Abstract Abstract 743 Background There has been considerable recent focus upon the molecular classification of myeloma. However, the prognostic impact of molecular changes has mostly been assessed from small and/or incomplete studies from single institutions or groups. There has been no large scale analysis of molecular features linked to ISS stage. Methods In order to clarify the overall impact of molecular changes we undertook a collective analysis of 9,897 patients through the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). Within this population 2,295 patients had presence of cytogenetic abnormalities (Any CA); 1,713 hypodiploidy; 1,673 hyperdiploidy; 2,309 cytogenetic deletion 13; 3,226 deletion 13 by FISH; 1,573 FISH t(4;14); 1,486 FISH del p17; 1, 683 FISH t(11:14); and 366 FISH t(4;16). Enrolled patients had complete clinical and treatment details available including baseline standard prognostic factors, ISS stage, as well as both progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) information. Data came from 14 sites: 3 from the US and the remainder from Europe, Asia, and Latin America as for the ISS staging system analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Each of the known adverse molecular features had a negative impact upon both PFS and OS (p=002 - <0.0001). Among the deleterious FISH abnormalities the t(4;14) abnormality was the most highly correlated with poorer outcomes by PFS: 4 year estimate: 32% vs. 60% (p<0.0001). The t(4;14) abnormality combined with ISS Stage also significantly enhanced predictive capability: ISS Stage I without t(4;14) OS 81% @ 4 years; ISS Stage III with t(4;14) OS 22% @ 4 years (P<0.0001) [Figure 1]. The best outcomes were for ISS Stage I in the presence of t(11;14): OS 89% @ 4 years. Absence of any one adverse feature correlated with 80-81% OS @ 4 years for Stage I. Presence of any one adverse feature had a more variable impact and correlated with 22%-40% OS at 4 years for Stage III. In univariate correlations the most predictive correlations with OS were presence of Any CA, t(4;14), 17p-, hypodiploidy, cytogenetic 13q- with R2 values of 6.9%, 4.5%, 4.1% and 3.8% respectively. In multivariate analyses, ISS stage provided the best predictions: R2 values = 13.3%. The added contributions from molecular features were: t(4;14) 3.8%; cytogenetic 13q- 2.9%; Any CA 2.3%; and 17p- 1.0%. The maximum total R2 for OS was 22%. Conclusions This large multicenter analysis confirms the correlations between abnormal molecular findings and outcomes. Combinations with ISS Stage provide the best predictive capability. Presence of Any CA, t(4;14), 17p-, hypodiploidy and cytogenetic 13q- contribute to poorer outcomes by ISS stage. The presence of hyperdiploidy and/or t(11;14) contribute to better outcomes. There is thus validation of prior molecular studies related to prognosis utilizing this large IMWG database. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 194 Background: Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are key components of treatment for hematologic malignancies, especially multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, we demonstrated that CRBN expression is the major mediator of IMiD action operating at least in part via interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), however the clinical significance of this finding remains unclear. Methods: To better understand clinical impact, we retrospectively reviewed 148 MM patients whose tumor cells were tested for CRBN expression by Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) prior to treatment with an IMiD containing therapy. Results: GEP studies show no significant differences in CRBN expression between MGUS, smoldering MM (SMM), untreated symptomatic MM and normal plasma cells. However, differences were observed between MM cell lines of varying drug sensitivity to IMiDs and between other B-cell Neoplasia (eg low grade lymphoma has higher levels). Within the genetic subtypes of MM, levels were significantly higher for hyperdiploid patients (median 1.26) as opposed to significantly lower levels for TC class D2 (median 0.76) and average for the 4p16 (median 0.97). We next screened the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS) GEP database of MM patients treated with combination therapies and did not find significant correlation between CRBN expression and survival in this multi-agent regimen. We then focused on patients that received only single agent IMiD therapy with low dose dexamethasone. Review of the twelve lowest expressing patients demonstrated a lack of response to IMiDs in any patient. Finally we analyzed 53 relapsed or relapsed/refractory patients treated homogeneously in a study with pomalidomide 2–4mg daily and weekly dexamethasone 40mg. CRBN levels were assessed prior to therapy initiation. Response rates varied significantly based on gene expression level. The percentage of patients that demonstrated at least a partial response was 0% for CRBN <0.81, 19% for CRBN expression of 0.81–0.90, and 33% for CBN expression >0.9. Significant differences in PFS (3.0 months vs. 8.9 months, p = 0.0006) and in OS (9.1 months vs. 27.2 months, p = 0.01) were observed when the lowest quartile of CRBN expression was compared to the top three quartiles. Values used for the cut offs are as follows: (25%: 0.889687; 50%: 1.026542, 75%: 1.211133). While this study demonstrates a positive correlation between CRBN expression and response to pomalidomide and dexamethasone, an important caveat with respect to PFS and OS is that CRBN mRNA level is primarily a reflection of the number of copies of CRBN. Since focal deletions are uncommon, this mostly reflects chromosome 3p copy number. Since trisomy 3 is common in hyperdiploid, good prognosis disease, CRBN not only is required for IMiD function but higher levels also serve as a surrogate for low risk disease. Optimal gene expression cut offs for survival were determined using the Contal and O'Quigley method. The optimal cut point for PFS was 1.18443 and for OS was 1.17816. Conclusion: In summary, this study demonstrates, for the first time, a clinical correlation between CRBN expression and response to IMiD and dexamethasone therapy. CRBN expression is also predictive of survival outcomes and when quantified prior to therapy could potentially be utilized as a predictive biomarker for response to an IMiD based treatment. Disclosures: Stewart: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria.

A role for antigen-driven stimulation has been proposed in the pathogenesis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) based largely on the binding properties of monoclonal Ig. However, insights into antigen binding to clonal B cell receptors and in vivo responsiveness of the malignant clone to antigen-mediated stimulation are needed to understand the role of antigenic stimulation in tumor growth. Lysolipid-reactive clonal Ig were detected in Gaucher disease (GD) and some sporadic gammopathies. Here, we show that recombinant Ig (rIg) cloned from sort-purified single tumor cells from lipid-reactive sporadic and GD-associated gammopathy specifically bound lysolipids. Liposome sedimentation and binding assays confirmed specific interaction of lipid-reactive monoclonal Ig with lysolipids. The clonal nature of lysolipid-binding Ig was validated by protein sequencing. Gene expression profiling and cytogenetic analyses from 2 patient cohorts showed enrichment of nonhyperdiploid tumors in lipid-reactive patients. In vivo antigen-mediated stimulation led to an increase in clonal Ig and plasma cells (PCs) in GD gammopathy and also reactivated previously suppressed antigenically related nonclonal PCs. These data support a model wherein antigenic stimulation mediates an initial polyclonal phase, followed by evolution of monoclonal tumors enriched in nonhyperdiploid genomes, responsive to underlying antigen. Targeting underlying antigens may therefore prevent clinical MM.

Abstract Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a distinct B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder for which clearly defined criteria for the diagnosis, initiation of therapy, and treatment strategy have been proposed as part of the consensus panels of International Workshops on WM (IWWM). As part of the IWWM-7 and based on recently published and ongoing clinical trials, the panels updated treatment recommendations. Therapeutic strategy in WM should be based on individual patient and disease characteristics (age, comorbidities, need for rapid disease control, candidacy for autologous transplantation, cytopenias, IgM-related complications, hyperviscosity, and neuropathy). Mature data show that rituximab combinations with cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone, bendamustine, or bortezomib/dexamethasone provided durable responses and are indicated for most patients. New monoclonal antibodies (ofatumumab), second-generation proteasome inhibitors (carfilzomib), mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors are promising and may expand future treatment options. A different regimen is typically recommended for relapsed or refractory disease. In selected patients with relapsed disease after long-lasting remission, reuse of a prior effective regimen may be appropriate. Autologous stem cell transplantation may be considered in young patients with chemosensitive disease and in newly diagnosed patients with very-high-risk features. Active enrollment of patients with WM in clinical trials is encouraged.

Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula is the recommended method for the assessment of renal function in patients with MM with stabilized serum creatinine. In acute renal injury, the RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage kidney disease) and Acute Renal Injury Network criteria seem to be appropriate to define the severity of renal impairment. Novel criteria based on eGFR measurements are recommended for the definition of the reversibility of renal impairment. Rapid intervention to reverse renal dysfunction is critical for the management of these patients, especially for those with light chain cast nephropathy. Bortezomib with high-dose dexamethasone is considered as the treatment of choice for such patients. There is limited experience with thalidomide in patients with myeloma with renal impairment. Thus, thalidomide can be carefully administered, mainly in the context of well-designed clinical trials, to evaluate if it can improve the rapidity and probability of response that is produced by the combination with bortezomib and high-dose dexamethasone. Lenalidomide is effective in this setting and can reverse renal insufficiency in a significant subset of patients, when it is given at reduced doses, according to renal function. The role of plasma exchange in patients with suspected light chain cast nephropathy and renal impairment is controversial. High-dose melphalan (140 mg/m2) and autologous stem-cell transplantation should be limited to younger patients with chemosensitive disease.

Purpose To assess the impact of age on outcome and to analyze the projected years of life lost in patients with multiple myeloma. Patients and Methods Ten thousand five hundred forty-nine patients were evaluated; 6,996 patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy, and 3,553 patients were treated with high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation. Results Mean observed and relative overall survival times in the entire cohort were 3.7 and 3.9 years, respectively. Observed survival decreased steadily from 6.4 years in patients younger than age 50 years to 2.5 years in patients ≥ age 80 years. A similar decrease was noted for relative survival. Higher age correlated significantly with higher International Staging System (ISS) stage. Relative excess risk of death differed significantly between 10-year age cohorts beginning from age 40 years (P < .001 for age 50 to 59 v age 40 to 49, P < .001 for age 60 to 69 v age 50 to 59, P < .001 for age 70 to 79 v age 60 to 69, and P = .009 for age ≥ 80 v 70 to 79). The average years of life lost per patient was 16.8 years in the entire patient cohort and decreased steadily from 36.1 years in patients younger than 40 years old to 4.6 years in patients ≥ age 80 years. Conclusion Age is associated with higher ISS stage and is an important risk factor for early mortality. Survival declined continuously by each decade from age 50 to age ≥ 80 from more than 6 to less than 3 years. The average of years of life lost in patients with myeloma is higher than in many other cancers and amounts to more than 30 years in patients younger than 40 years old but decreases to less than 5 years in patients age 80 years or older.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm that proceeds through a premalignant state of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance; however, the molecular events responsible for myelomagenesis remain uncharacterized. To identify cellular pathways deregulated in MM, we addressed that sumoylation is homologous to ubiquitination and results in the attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein Sumo onto target proteins. Sumoylation was markedly enhanced in MM patient lysates compared with normal plasma cells and expression profiling indicated a relative induction of sumoylation pathway genes. The Sumo-conjugating enzyme Ube2I, the Sumo-ligase PIAS1, and the Sumo-inducer ARF were elevated in MM patient samples and cell lines. Survival correlated with expression because 80% of patients with low UBE2I and PIAS1 were living 6 years after transplantation, whereas only 45% of patients with high expression survived 6 years. UBE2I encodes the sole Sumo-conjugating enzyme in mammalian cells and cells transfected with a dominant-negative sumoylation-deficient UBE2I mutant exhibited decreased survival after radiation exposure, impaired adhesion to bone marrow stroma cell and decreased bone marrow stroma cell–induced proliferation. UBE2I confers cells with multiple advantages to promote tumorigenesis and predicts decreased survival when combined with PIAS1. The sumoylation pathway is a novel therapeutic target with implications for existing proteasomal-based treatment strategies.