Chen, Christine

Abstract Rationale: Effective communication is crucial in healthcare, especially in acute care settings, so that patients/family members can understand treatment options, and share preferences and goals of care. For those with a non-English language preference (NELP), or who have difficulty communicating in English, professional interpreters are recognized as the gold standard in supporting bidirectional communication. However, interpreters are not always readily available for all languages or clinical settings prompting the exploration of other options for translation and interpretation. The recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine translation have enabled more accurate and emotional machine interpretation and translation. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to explore the usability and usefulness of AI-assisted interpretation and translation tools for improving communication between patients and clinicians including verbal and written communication. A comprehensive search of several databases including Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid Embase, APA PsycInfo, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus via Elsevier was performed, resulting in 2629 studies. We included studies evaluating tools for direct patient-clinician communication. For verbal communication, we included articles assessing speech interpretation, and for written communication, we focused on discharge instruction translation. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in the final analysis. Among these, 5 assessed the use of speech interpretation and 13 examined text translation of discharge materials. 14 (78%) studies found these novel AI tools beneficial for patient care, whereas 11 (62%) studies highlighted the risks, indicating that these tools can lead to serious mistakes with potential clinical harm. 5 (28%) studies reported participant satisfaction with the use of these tools in their care. Translation and interpretation accuracy varied notably across languages, with lower accuracy scores observed in languages with limited digital resources, such as Haitian Creole and Vietnamese. Conclusion: AI-assisted interpretation and translation in healthcare has several advantages including broader language accessibility than usual resources and potential cost savings for institutions and demonstrates evidence of patient satisfaction. However, these novel tools operate using multiple phases and each stage is prone to errors which may negatively impact patient care and outcomes.. AI-based interpretation and translation show promising potential, however, it is not yet ready for widespread clinical use, so professional language interpreters should be used whenever possible. Future studies should focus on evaluating accuracy as well as how best to integrate these technologies in real-time clinical settings without compromising patient safety and quality of care.

Abstract Outcomes are poor in triple-class–exposed (TCE) relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM). In the phase 3 KarMMa-3 trial, patients with TCE R/RMM and 2 to 4 prior regimens were randomized 2:1 to idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) or standard regimens (SRs). An interim analysis (IA) demonstrated significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS; primary end point; 13.3 vs 4.4 months; P < .0001) and higher overall response rate (ORR) with ide-cel vs SRs. At final PFS analysis (median follow-up, 30.9 months), ide-cel further improved median PFS vs SRs (13.8 vs 4.4 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.63). PFS benefit with ide-cel vs SRs was observed regardless of number of prior lines of therapy, with greatest benefit after 2 prior lines (16.2 vs 4.8 months, respectively). ORR benefit was maintained with ide-cel vs SRs (71% vs 42%; complete response, 44% vs 5%). Patient-centric design allowed crossover from SRs (56%) to ide-cel upon progressive disease, confounding overall survival (OS) interpretation. At IA of OS, median was 41.4 (95% CI, 30.9 to not reached [NR]) vs 37.9 (95% CI, 23.4 to NR) months with ide-cel and SRs, respectively (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.73-1.40); median OS in both arms was longer than historical data (9-22 months). Two prespecified analyses adjusting for crossover showed OS favoring ide-cel. This trial highlighted the importance of individualized bridging therapy to ensure adequate disease control during ide-cel manufacturing. Ide-cel improved patient-reported outcomes vs SRs. No new safety signals were reported. These results demonstrate the continued favorable benefit-risk profile of ide-cel in early-line and TCE R/RMM. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03651128.

Introduction A single ide-cel infusion showed significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS) vs std regimens (13.3 vs 4.4 months [mo], HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38-0.65, P < 0.001) with deep, durable responses in heavily pretreated TCE RRMM at an interim analysis (IA) of KarMMa-3 (NCT03651128); safety data were consistent with prior studies (Rodríguez-Otero et al. NEJM 2023). Ide-cel benefits were consistent across pts in high-risk subgroups and across 2-4 prior lines of therapy (Tx). Results of the preplanned final PFS analysis of KarMMa-3 with 12.3 mo additional follow-up are reported. Methods In the phase 3 KarMMa-3 trial, pts with RRMM who received 2-4 prior regimens, including an immunomodulatory agent, proteasome inhibitor, and daratumumab, and were refractory to last regimen were randomized 2:1 to ide-cel or a std regimen (DPd, DVd, IRd, Kd, or EPd). In the ide-cel arm, pts could receive ≤ 1 cycle of optional bridging Tx for disease control. Pts in the std regimens arm could receive ide-cel after confirmed disease progression (PD). The primary endpoint was IRC-assessed PFS in the ITT population; final PFS was planned to be analyzed with ~289 events. Key secondary endpoints were IRC-assessed overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS); other secondary endpoints included complete response rate (CRR), duration of response (DOR), minimal residual disease (MRD) status, time to next anti-myeloma Tx (TTNT; time from randomization to next anti-myeloma Tx [MTx]), event-free survival (EFS; time from randomization to first PD, next MTx or any-cause death, whichever is first), PFS2 (time from randomization to second objective PD or any-cause death, whichever is first), safety, and health-related quality of life (QOL). Results Of 386 randomized pts (ide-cel, n = 254; std regimens, n = 132), 225 received ide-cel and 126 received a std regimen. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced. Median follow-up from randomization to data cutoff (April 28, 2023) was 30.9 mo (range 12.7-47.8). Ide-cel significantly improved median PFS (95% CI) vs std regimens (13.8 [11.8-16.1] vs 4.4 [3.4-5.8] mo), representing a 51% reduced risk of PD or death (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38-0.63; Figure); 18 mo PFS rates were 41% vs 19%, respectively. Ide-cel significantly improved ORR vs std regimens (71% vs 42%) with deeper (CRR 44% vs 5%; ≥CR and MRD negative status [sensitivity level 10 -5], 22% vs 1%), more durable responses (median DOR 16.6 vs 9.7 mo; Table). PFS and ORR benefits of ide-cel vs std regimens were consistent with the IA. Interim OS will be included in the presentation. In pts who received ide-cel (n = 225) or a std regimen (n = 126), median PFS (95% CI) was 15.7 (12.5-18.9) vs 4.4 (3.4-5.8) mo, respectively. In the ITT population, median TTNT, EFS, and PFS2 were numerically longer with ide-cel vs std regimens. Median (range) TTNT was 20.9 (16.6-24.2) vs 7.0 (5.3-8.5) mo. Median (95% CI) EFS was 13.3 (11.3-15.7) vs 3.9 (3.0-5.3) mo. Median PFS2 (95% CI) was 23.5 (18.4-27.9) vs 16.7 (12.2-20.3) mo; ide-cel was next MTx in 70 (53%) pts in the std regimens arm. In the treated population, grade (gr) 3/4 infections occurred in 66/249 (27%) pts in the ide-cel arm vs 25/126 (20%) in the std regimens arm. In the ide-cel safety population, any gr cytokine release syndrome occurred in 197/225 (88%) pts, gr ≥ 3 in 11 (5%); median time to first onset was 1 d (1-14), median duration was 4 d (1-51). Any gr investigator-identified neurotoxicity occurred in 34/225 (15%) pts, gr ≥ 3 in 7 (3%); median time to onset was 3 d (range 1-317); median duration was 2.5 d (range 1-252). Ide-cel continued to demonstrate durable, clinically meaningful improvements in pt-reported outcomes, including symptoms, functioning, and QOL vs std regimens. Conclusions In this final PFS analysis of KarMMa-3, significantly longer PFS was maintained with ide-cel; PD or death risk reduced by 51%; responses were deeper and more durable vs std regimens. CRR with ide-cel increased since the IA, indicating a deepening response, but were unchanged with std regimens. A single ide-cel infusion vs continuous treatment with std regimens resulted in longer median TTNT and PFS2, indicating improved long-term disease control. The ide-cel safety profile was consistent with previous reports, with no parkinsonism or Guillain-Barré syndrome reported. These data continue to support use of ide-cel in pts with TCE RRMM. Study support 2seventy bio and Celgene, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

AbstractThe phase 3 FIRST trial demonstrated significant improvement in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with an immune‐stimulatory agent, lenalidomide, in combination with low‐dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous) vs melphalan +prednisone + thalidomide (MPT) in transplant‐ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Rd continuous similarly extended PFS vs fixed‐duration Rd for 18 cycles (Rd18). Outcomes in the Canadian/US subgroup (104 patients per arm) are reported in this analysis. Rd continuous demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS vs MPT (median, 29.3 vs 20.2 months; HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.49‐0.97]; p = 0.03326) and an improvement vs Rd18 (median, 21.9 months). Median OS was 56.9 vs 46.8 months with Rd continuous vs MPT (p = 0.15346) and 59.5 months with Rd18. The overall response rate was higher with Rd continuous and Rd18 (78.8% and 79.8%) vs MPT (65.4%). In the 49.0%, 52.9%, and 29.8% of patients with at least very good partial response in the Rd continuous, Rd18, and MPT arms, respectively, the median PFS was 56.0, 30.9, and 40.2 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 treatment‐emergent adverse events were neutropenia (28.4%, 30.1%, and 52.0%), anemia (23.5%, 21.4%, and 23.5%), and infections (37.3%, 30.1%, and 24.5%) with Rd continuous, Rd18, and MPT, respectively. These results were consistent with those in the intent‐to‐treat population, confirming the benefit of Rd continuous vs MPT in the Canadian/US subgroup and supporting the role of Rd continuous as a standard of care for transplant‐ineligible patients with NDMM.

Abstract Introduction: The NCIC CTG previously reported the results of a dose-finding trial testing the combination of Melphalan (M) and Lenalidomide (L) in previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma who were ineligible for stem cell transplantation because of older age and/or comorbidity (White, Blood2007; 110: 63a). Using a 28-day schedule, M (dose indicated as mg/m2/day given on days 1–4) and L (dose indicated in mg/day given on days 1–21) was associated with excess toxicity with the regimens M9L10, M4L15 and M6L10. We concluded that phase II testing of M5L10 was warranted and now report the results of this testing. Methods: Previously untreated symptomatic and consenting patients with tissue-confirmed plasmacytosis and a measurable M-protein were eligible provided that they had acceptable hematologic and biochemical laboratory parameters and no precluding comorbidities. Planned treatment consisted of M 5 mg/m2 days 1–4 and L 10 mg days 1–21, given every 28 days for 12 cycles. As our intent was to determine dose levels that could be given independently of G-CSF, primary prophylaxis with G-CSF was not included but use of G-CSF for established neutropenia was permitted. A hematologic dose limiting toxicity (H-DLT) was defined as the need for 2 dose attenuations of L or 1 dose attenuation of M occurring within the first 3 treatment cycles. Responses to treatment were classified using 1998 EBMT criteria and assessed after 2 and 6 cycles of therapy. Results: The intended sample size was 41 patients; 35 patients (1 ineligible) were enrolled before the study was closed due to observing a frequency of DLTs that surpassed predefined boundaries. Of the 34 eligible patients, median age was 73.4 yrs and ISS was stage I = 13, stage II = 11 and stage III = 10. Prior to study closure, 27 patients were evaluable for DLT; 7 (26%) did not experience a DLT. Among the remaining 20 (74%) patients, non-hematologic (N=2) and hematologic (N=18) DLTs requiring dose attenuations were seen within the first 3 treatment cycles; the H-DLTs included severe or prolonged neutropenia (N=11), thrombocytopenia (N=2) or both (N=5). One fatal serious adverse event was observed, this was due to a stroke. The other non-hematologic DLT was a cranial nerve III palsy which subsequently resolved. Responses after 2 cycles were evaluable in 21 patients and included partial response (PR) = 11, minimal response = 6, no change = 2 and progressive disease (PD) = 2. For those patients without PD after 2 cycles, responses after 6 cycles were evaluable in 8 and included PR = 6, stable response = 1 and PD = 1. Conclusion: Although M + L is an active combination for previously untreated myeloma patients, the regimen is associated with considerable myelosuppression. Without the routine use of GCSF, the doses used in the MY.11 study were not tolerable. Inability to use planned doses may have compromised the efficacy of the combination.

Abstract Oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone is a convenient regimen in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM), with a partial response (PR) rate of 40% and median progression-free survival of 19 months in our retrospective analysis of patients in first or second relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (Trieu Y, et al, Mayo Clin Proc2005; 80: 1582). We sought to enhance the efficacy of this regimen by adding oral lenalidomide (Revlimid®), a potent anti-myeloma agent, in a phase I-II trial. The CPR regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide on days 1, 8 and 15, lenalidomide on days 1–21, and prednisone 100 mg every other day in a 28-day cycle. ASA 81 mg/day was given to all patients (pts) as prophylaxis for DVT. Three dose levels were evaluated using a 3 by 3 dose escalation design. Between 11/2007–07/2008, 15 pts with relapsed/refractory MM were entered onto study. Median age was 60 (45–78) years and 60% were male. Immunoglobulin subtype was IgGκ:λ in 10:1; IgA κ:λ in 2:1 and κ light chain in 1. Median number of prior regimens was 2 (1–3) and 14 had undergone previous ASCT, including double transplants in 2 pts. Prior therapy also included thalidomide in 3 (20%) and bortezomib in 6 (40%). FISH cytogenetics were available in 9, but none had 13q deletion, t(4;14) or p53 deletion. At the time of protocol entry, median β2-microglobulin level was 222 (92–325) nm/L, albumin 38 (35–46) g/L, creatinine 78 (50–100) μmol/L, platelet count 230 (93–318) x 109/L and ANC 2.5 (1.9–9.0) x 109/L. Protocol treatment is summarized in Table 1. Dose level N Cyclophosphamide dose (mg/m2) Lenalidomide dose (mg) Prednisone dose (mg) Median # cycles given 1 3 150 15 100 9 2 3 150 25 100 6 3 6 300 25 100 4 3 (expanded) 3 300 25 100 1 Dose limiting toxicity was not observed during cycle 1 at any of the dose levels and the maximum tolerated dose of this regimen has not yet been reached at the highest dose level planned; all pts remain on active therapy. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was seen in 1 pt (cohort 2) and neutropenia in 4 pts (1 in cohort 1, 1 in cohort 2 and 2 in cohort 3) and were managed with dose reduction and/or growth factor support. No episodes of febrile neutropenia occurred in any pt. Only 1 pt experienced varicella zoster; routine antiviral prophylaxis was not used. Other grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities were uncommon and included abdominal pain/bacteremia in 1 pt in cohort 1, hypokalemia in 1 pt in cohort 2, and DVT in 1 pt in cohort 3. Mild grade 1/2 constipation (47%), muscle cramps (33%) and fatigue (33%) were also noted. To date, best response includes the following: dose level 1 (1 near complete remission [nCR], 2 PR); dose level 2 (3 PR); dose level 3 (4 PR, 2 minimal response [MR]); expanded cohort 3 (1 MR, 2 too early). We conclude: 1) the combination of full doses of the agents in CPR can be given in a 28-day cycle with minimal toxicity; 2) the overall response rate (nCR + PR + MR) in 13 evaluable pts to date is 87%; 3) no pts have progressed in this preliminary analysis; 4) longer follow-up is required to assess the long-term efficacy of this regimen.

Abstract p53 deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been reported in about 10% of newly diagnosed patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM) and has been associated with a poor prognosis. Previous data from our centre has demonstrated that the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of these pts after a single autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is only 16.9 and 48.2 months, respectively, compared to 24.4 and 76.6 mos, respectively, in all pts transplanted during the same time period (Mikhael et al, Blood2007; 110: abstract 953). Minimal information is available on the treatment (Tx) and course of these pts following disease progression. Therefore, we performed a retrospective review of all MM pts treated at our institution who were found to have p53 deletion. We identified 31 pts with relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) MM with this cytogenetic abnormality. At diagnosis, median age was 54 years (range, 31–70), hemoglobin 97 g/L (range, 67–149), creatinine 96 μmol/L (range, 28–1751), beta 2-microglobulin 314 nmol/L (range, 225–437), CRP 3 mg/L (range, 2–7) and LDH 205 U/L (range, 82–478); 58% were male. Immunoglobulin subtypes included: IgG (14 pts), IgA (8 pts), IgD (2 pts) and light chain only (7 pts). Concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities included 13q deletion in 68% and t(4;14) in 67% of pts evaluable. Thirty-nine percent developed plasma cell leukemia (PCL) at some point in the disease course, which was associated with a poor OS (p=0.005). All but 5 had undergone prior ASCT with a median time from diagnosis to ASCT of 8 (95% CI, 4–145) mos. Txs given for rel/ref MM consisted of the following regimens: thalidomide-based in 15, bortezomib-based in 12, lenalidomide-based in 11, alkylating agents in 9 and steroids only in 5 pts, and other regimens (D-PACE or investigational drugs) in 7 pts. The median follow-up from diagnosis in these pts is 45 (95% CI, 4–145) mos. The overall response rate (≥PR) (ORR), median PFS and median OS from the start of each regimen is shown below. Agent Median duration of Tx (mos) ORR(%) Median PFS (mos) Median OS (mos) Thalidomide 6.2 20% 5.0 11.9 Bortezomib 5.2 50% 5.6 36.1 Lenalidomide 10.6 60% 4.8 36.1 Alkylating agents 6.0 11% 5.1 30.0 Steroids 1.9 20% 1.9 33.4 Other 2.2 43% 6.3 33.4 We conclude: 1) Median PFS in pts with the p53 deletion is less than 6 months, with an OS of 2.5–3 yrs; 2) novel agents other than thalidomide produce the highest ORR in rel/ref MM with p53 deletion; 3) the short OS in the thalidomide group is likely related to the unavailability of other novel agents for subsequent relapses, as the majority of the pts were treated before 2004; 4) better strategies/drugs are required for these pts.

Abstract Introduction. The NCIC CTG is conducting phase II testing to establish the tolerability and estimate the efficacy of combining lenalidomide (L) + melphalan (M) over multiple cycles for previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma who are ineligible for stem cell transplantation. We report the data from the preliminary safety phase of this trial. Methods. The MY.11 trial was initially designed as a randomized phase II test of M 9 mg/m2 given on days 1–4 (M9) plus either L 10 mg (L10) or 20 mg given on days 1–21 of a 28 day cycle. Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF was not included, but use of G-CSF for established neutropenia was permitted; our intent was to determine dose levels that could be given independently of G-CSF. A dose attenuation schedule was developed for neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia that was severe and occurred during the administration of L or was persistent and caused a delay in the next treatment cycle. A hematologic dose limiting toxicity (H-DLT) was defined as the need for 2 dose attenuations of L or 1 dose attenuation of M. Prior to the randomized phase of the trial, a safety run-in phase testing M9+L10 in 6 patients was planned; closure of this arm was to occur if, during the first 3 treatment cycles, there were ≥ 3 H-DLTs or any non-hematologic serious adverse event (SAE) judged to be treatment related. Four of the planned 6 patients were entered; during their first 3 treatment cycles, each experienced a H-DLT and one died from sepsis. The study was therefore amended with the intent to conduct a randomized phase II test of M 4 mg/m2 days 1–4 plus L 15 mg days 1–21 (M4L15) and M 6 mg/m2 days 1–4 plus L 10 mg days 1–21 (M6L10). Prior to the randomized phase of testing, each regimen was tested in non-randomized safety run-ins that included 6 patients per arm. The same parameters as above for study arm closure were applied. If the M6L10 arm was closed, the trial would proceed to test M 5 mg/m2 days 1–4 and L 10 mg days 1–21 (M5L10). Results. Six patients were enrolled to M4L15: during their first 3 treatment cycles, 4 patients experienced H-DLTs related to severe or persistent grade 3–4 neutropenia and one other patient experienced an SAE related to hallucinations and multiple constitutional complaints. This arm was therefore closed to accrual. Six patients were enrolled to M6L10: during their first 3 treatment cycles, 3 patients experienced H-DLTs related to severe or persistent grade 3–4 neutropenia. One of these patients was hospitalized with pulmonary edema and another with febrile neutropenia. This arm was therefore closed and the MY.11 trial amended to proceed as a single-arm phase II testing M5L10. Conclusion. Although M + L holds promise as an effective combination for previously untreated myeloma patients, the regimen is associated with considerable myelosuppression. The efficacy of the combination when given at tolerable doses remains to be established.