Durie, Brian G.M.

Abstract Patients with multiple myeloma show significant heterogeneity with respect to progression, therapeutic response and toxicities. Part of the Bank On A Cure project is to examine potential genetic polymorphisms that may be associated with common toxicities monitored in clinical trials. The SWOG/ECOG intergroup trial S9321 therapy includes VAD induction followed by randomization to high dose melphalan with autologous transplant support. Paticularly important toxicities with VAD include infection, thrombosis and hyperglycemia; and with melphalan toxicities in GI function are noted. Toxicities and genotypes were assessable during VAD induction on 569 patients; and during high dose melphalan on 161 patients. Toxicities examined included an array of symptoms: cardiovascular, flu-like, GI, neurologic, infection, lung, metabolic, and pain. Grade 3 toxicities found in at least 20 patients were compared to SNP genotypes. For VAD induced toxicities,TNF-alpha SNP genotypes showed association with fatigue, dyspnea and thrombosis; CYP3A4 SNP genotypes showed association with fatigue; DNA repair SNP genotypes in XRCC1 showed associations with infection, hyperglycemia and dyspnea; LT-alpha SNP genotypes showed association with dyspnea; and IL-6 and IL-10 SNP genotypes were marginally associated with neuropathy. After high dose melphalan, diarrhea was associated with SNP genotypes in TGF-beta, CYP3A4 and ERCC2. Interestingly, IL-6 polymorphisms were significantly associated with infection. The p values on the above associations ranged from .05 to .004. In addition, we noted ethnic distributions of some SNP genotypes were significantly different; and significant ethnic disparities in therapy induced hyperglycemia, fatigue, dyspnea and thrombosis were noted (p values range from .04 to .009). Of particular note is that the high producer IL-6 genotype is present in over 90% African Americans, compared to 35% Caucasians. Details of each association will be presented. Not all associations can easily be explained by known biologic function of the genotype, and it is important to qualify these results, as the likelihood of seeing some genotype associations by chance is quite high given the number of comparisons made. Further, we are continuing to examine additional prognostic factors that may, together with genotypes, provide collective predictors of toxicities. We consider these associations as targets for further study through the increasing sample acquisition in the Bank On A Cure project.

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>A, Lys478Arg) and G polypeptides (His140Tyr); Coagulation factors V(Arg534Gln), VIII (Glu1260Asp), IX(Ala194Thr), XI (Phe339Cys) and XII(-4G>T); PROCR(Gly219Ser); prothrombin(19911A>G ,20210G>A); MTHFR(Glu429Ala, Ala222Val); Serpine1(-844G>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 While there are certain common clinical features in myeloma, the disease shows significant heterogeneity with regard to disease progression, and responses to therapy, affecting both survival and toxicities. Heritable variations in a wide variety of genes and pathways affecting cellular functions and drug responses likely impact patient outcomes. In the Bank On A Cure (BOAC) program we have developed a custom chip that assesses 3,404 SNPs representing variations in cellular functions and pathways that may be involved in myeloma progression and response. The chip has gone through rigorous quality controls checks for high call rates, accuracy, and reproducibility that will be presented. Using the BOAC chip, we have conducted studies to look for SNPs that may identify biologic variations that are associated with good or poor response across a variety of treatments. In this study we looked for SNPs that may distinguish short term and long term survivors in two phase III clinical trials: ECOG E9486 and intergroup trial S9321. E9487 patients were treated with VBMCP followed by randomization to no further treatment, IFN-alpha, or cylcophosphamide; and, although there was variation in survival, no significant differences in survival were noted among the 3 arms of the trial. Patients included in this SNP study from S9321 received VAD induction followed by randomization to VBMCP or high dose melphalan + TBI. SNP profiles were obtained for patients with less than 1 year EFS (n=20 in E9487; n=50 in S9321) and patients showing greater than 3 years EFS (n=32 in E9486; n=41 in S9321). Statistical approaches were performed to identify single and groups of SNPs that best discriminated the survival groups. Previous studies have suggested genetic variations in drug metabolism genes, p-glycoprotein transport, and DNA repair genes may influence survival outcomes. Our results show significant survival associations of genetic variations in genes within these functional categories (eg. GST, XRCC, ABCB, and CYP genes). Although genetic variations were found that were uniquely associated with each clinical trial, several of these genetic variations show survival associations that increase in significance when the two trials were examined as a conglomerate data set. Grouping genetic variations through common pathway approaches using gene set enrichment analysis, as well as clustering or partitioning algorithms, further improve the value of the SNPs as potential prognostic markers of survival outcomes. These results and statistical approaches will be presented, and represent steps toward identifying patient variations in biologic mechanisms important in predicting therapeutic outcomes.

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<.00001), LT-a (p<.0001), ERCC312 (p<.0001), XRCC399 (p=.006), IL-1RA (p<.00001), GST-M (p=.0008), and ERCC751 (p<.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<.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<.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 Purpose: Treatment of multiple myeloma has evolved tremendously and optimal utilization of available therapies will ensure maximal patient benefits. Patients and Methods: We report the Southwest Oncology Group randomized phase II trial (S1304) comparing twice weekly low-dose (27 mg/m2; arm 1) to high-dose carfilzomib (56 mg/m2; arm 2), both with dexamethasone, administered for 12 cycles (11 months) for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma with up to six prior lines of therapy (NCT01903811). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and patients on arm 1 could cross-over to arm 2 after progression on treatment. Results: Among 143 enrolled patients, of whom 121 were eligible and analyzable, the overall response rate was 42.8%, with no significant difference between the arms (P = 0.113). Also, neither the median PFS [5 months and 8 months, respectively; HR, 1.061; 80% Wald confidence interval (CI), 0.821–1.370; P = 0.384] nor the median overall survival were significantly different (26 and 22 months, respectively; HR, 1.149, 80% Wald CI, 0.841–.571; P = 0.284). Sixteen patients crossed over to arm 2 with a median PFS benefit of 3 months. Certain adverse events (AE) were more frequent in arm 2, including fatigue, thrombocytopenia, and peripheral neuropathy, but there was no significant difference in cardiopulmonary AEs. Conclusions: This randomized trial did not support a benefit of fixed duration, twice weekly 56 mg/m2 dosing of carfilzomib over the 27 mg/m2 dose for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. However, treatment to progression in earlier patient populations with high-dose carfilzomib using different schedules should still be considered as part of the standard of care.

8032 Background: The impact of t(11;14) (16%–24% of MM pts) on prognosis is not fully understood. Consensus is lacking on the effects of induction treatment (tx) on outcomes with t(11;14). The Connect MM Registry (NCT01081028) is a large, US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of pts with NDMM designed to examine real-world diagnostic patterns, treatment (tx) patterns, clinical outcomes, and HRQoL pt-reported outcomes in pts with NDMM. The impact of t(11;14) on tx outcomes are reported. Methods: Analysis included data from pts from 250 community, academic, and government sites in cohort (C) 1 (9/2009–12/2011) and C2 (12/2012–4/2016), who completed first-line (1L; induction) tx and were tested for t(11;14) by FISH or cytogenetics. Primary end points (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]) were measured from start of 1L tx to earliest event (PFS, death or progression; OS, death), loss to follow-up, or data cutoff, adjusted for baseline (BL) risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluding pts with concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities [del 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q+] was also performed. Results: By 1/2018, 3011 pts were enrolled; 2938 were treated. Of 1574 enrolled pts tested for t(11;14), 378 were t(11;14)+ and 1196 were t(11;14)−. More pts in C2 vs C1 were t(11;14)+ (60% vs 40%). BL characteristics were similar between groups. t(11;14) status did not affect PFS ( P= NS) or OS ( P= NS; Table). Pts in C1 and C2 received similar 1L txs (IMiD agent + proteasome inhibitor [PI], 30% vs 42%; PI only, 42% vs 43%; IMiD agent only, 17% vs 11%). Results were similar when pts with concomitant abnormalities were excluded. Conclusions: Results of this analysis suggest that t(11;14) does not affect PFS and OS outcomes in NDMM pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01081028. [Table: see text]

8015 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease with varying survival outcomes depending on the presence of certain genetic abnormalities. Common abnormalities include trisomies, translocations involving chromosome 14, and amplifications or deletions of chromosomes 1, 13, and 17. t(11;14), occurring in approx. 15% of patients (pts) with MM, is considered a standard risk abnormality, but recent data suggest that the prognosis may be inferior to what had been expected. This is of particular relevance as new therapeutic options such as the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax has been shown to be effective in t(11;14) pts. Methods: This was a multicenter study designed and conducted by the IMWG, to identify the outcomes of pts with t(11;14) using a retrospective cohort of pts. Pts with MM diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 with t(11;14) identified on FISH performed within six months (mos) of diagnosis, and with treatment details available and if alive, a minimum of 12 mos of follow up, were enrolled. Results: The current analysis includes 848 pts with a median age of 64.4 years; 60.0% are male. The median follow-up from diagnosis for the entire cohort was 45.7 mos; 84.7% of the pts were alive at the last follow up. ISS stage distribution included: Stage 1 (35.3%), Stage II (38.9%) and stage III (25.8%). The distribution of FISH abnormalities included: del 13q (14.5%), 1q amp (12.1%), del 17p or monosomy 17 (6.1%). Pts received initial therapy with different regimens: IMiD-24.3%, PI-41.0%, both-20.8% and 13.8% had no novel agent. The drug classes by line of therapy are shown in table. An early stem cell transplant (SCT) was used in 40.8% of pts. The median time to next treatment (TTNT) after initial treatment was 15.0 (95% CI: 12.2 to 17.7) mos. The median overall survival from diagnosis for the entire cohort was 82.5 (95% CI: 73.5 to 95.8) mos. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the outcomes of a large group of myeloma pts with t(11;14) abnormality. Pts receiving a combination if a PI and an IMiD appear to have the best survival outcomes and thse receiving an early SCT appear to have excellent survival with median OS approaching 10 years. Additional pts are being accrued to this study and additional analysis examining the variables affecting response duration and survival will be presented. [Table: see text]

8000 Background: The diagnostic criteria for MM were revised in 2014, recategorizing ultra-high risk (i.e., 80% at two years) as active myeloma requiring therapy. The removal of patients at the highest risk of progression from the smoldering group requires reassessment of current risk stratification models. Methods: We designed a multicenter, retrospective study of SMM patients to develop a risk stratification model. Patients diagnosed with SMM on/after January 1, 2004 were included if they had no disease progression within 6 months, had baseline data from diagnosis (+/- 3 months), had a follow up of ≥1 year, and did not participate in a therapeutic trial of SMM. Various clinical and laboratory factors were explored to identify factors that predicted progression at 2 years. Univariate Cox regressions were run for each factor. For factors with p-values ≤ 0.25, optimal cut points were identified using Youden’s index. Binary factors were used in stepwise regression to fit multivariable Cox model and significant risk factors were determined (F-test). Results: Overall, 2004 patients were included (ages 26-93, 51% female). Factors independently associated with progression (optimal cutoffs) included: Serum M protein (2 g/dL), involved to uninvolved serum-free light chain ratio (20), and marrow plasma cell % (20%). Patients were stratified using the risk factors: Low- (0 factors), Intermediate- (1), and High-Risk (≥2). Previously used high risk markers such as Bence Jones proteinuria (≥500 mg/24 hours) and severe immunoparesis (50% decrease in uninvolved immunoglobulin levels) were both significant in univariate analysis, but were eliminated on step wise selection. Compared to the low risk group, intermediate- and high-risk groups had significantly higher rate of progression (Table). Within the high-risk group, having all 3 risk factors (n=61) versus 2 did not add to the model, with insufficient separation between 2 and 3 factors. Conclusions: We have developed a risk stratification model for SMM that incorporates revised cutoffs for previously used parameters (20/2/20) that can be universally applied. Additonal analysis are being conducted to develop models that utilize common cytogenetic abnormalities, as well as those without FLC given lack of availability of all tests across the world. [Table: see text]

8037 Background: Advances in the treatment of MM have greatly improved clinical outcomes for patients (pts). SPM occurrence has been observed in early and late stage MM as well as with increasing age. US SEER Cancer Registry reports a background incidence rate of SPM 2.1/100 person-yrs (PY) among persons ≥ 65 yrs of age. However, incidence of SPM in MM pts and the relationship to therapy still warrants further exploration. Methods: Connect MM is a US-based observational registry designed to characterize pts with newly diagnosed MM from 266 US sites. Initiated in Sep 2009, patient data were collected at baseline and each subsequent quarter with a standardized form. On Dec 14, 2011, Connect MM reached full enrollment at 1,500 pts. Results: As of Jan 13, 2012, preliminary retrospective SPM data is available for 1015 pts. Median age was 67 yrs, 56.8% male, and median follow-up was 10.6 mo (0.03-24.9 mo). 12 pts (7 male) with median age of 68.5 yrs developed SPM. Median time to SPM was 8.5 mo (0.8-17.7 mo) after treatment initiation. 11 invasive SPM were observed - 4 hematological (heme): 1 AML, 1 MDS, 1 CMML and 1 DLBCL, and 7 solid: 2 melanoma skin, 1 bronchus, 1 breast, 1 prostate, 1 tonsil, and 1 gastric carcinoid. Also, 1 pt had non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and 1 pt with invasive skin cancer also had NMSC. Of the 4 pts developing heme SPM, 3 had bortezomib (BORT), 1 had thalidomide (THAL), 1 had lenalidomide (LEN), 2 had melphalan (MEL), and all 4 pts had steroids. Of the 7 pts who developed solid tumor SPM, 5 had BORT, 5 had LEN, 2 had doxorubicin, 1 had MEL, 5 had steroids, 1 had irradiation, and 1 had not received MM treatment. 2 pts with prior history of invasive malignancy developed solid tumor SPM (1 pt also developed NMSC).1 pt who received irradiation developed NMSC. Early overall incidence of invasive SPM was 1.21/100 PY (95% CI 0.60, 2.16) for all pts and 1.20/100 PY (95% CI 0.44,2.62) for pts ≥ 65 yrs of age. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis shows that SPM occurred at an expected rate in this disease specific registry of patients with NDMM and appeared to occur irrespective of MM treatment administered. Incidence rates of SPM may increase over time as patients receive transplantation and alkylators. Prospective observation will continue.