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Meghji, Zahara

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 7

Racial Differences in Disease Characteristics: Understanding Multiple Myeloma in Hispanics
Jain, Tania , Chen, Ruqin , Patel, Raj , Jani, Prachi, Meghji, Zahara, Hoffman, James E. , Alencar, Alvaro J. , Kelly, Kevin R. , Sher, Taimur , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Jain, Tania , Fonseca, Rafaël , Patel, Raj, González‐Calle, Verónica , Roy, Vivek , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Blood | April 6, 2021 | Volume: 130 | Issue: Suppl_1 | Pages: 864-864

10.1182/blood.v130.suppl_1.864.864 Get It

Abstract Background:Racial disparities in multiple myeloma (MM) outcomes are well established. Clinical characteristics and cytogenetic abnormalities dictate outcomes in MM but historically they have been mostly defined in White patients with paucity of information regarding racial-ethnic minorities. Hispanics are the fastest growing racial-ethnic subgroup in United States and have the worst overall survival (OS) in MM but differences in disease presentation among Hispanics compared to Whites, the historical control, are undefined. Methods: MM patients seen at Mayo Clinic in Florida (MCF) and Arizona (MCA) between 1/1/2000-06/15/2017 were included. Patient and disease characteristics including gender, age at diagnosis, bone marrow (BM) plasmacytosis, laboratory data [M spike, creatinine (Cr), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), Hemoglobin (Hb), calcium (Ca)], MM subtype [IgG, IgA, light chain (LC), other], LC subtype (κ, λ, biclonal), presence of lytic bone lesions, disease stage (DS, ISS, R-ISS), mSMRT cytogenetic risk category, presence of individual cytogenetic mutations (deletions, translocations, gains, trisomy/hyperdiploidy) was collected. Comparisons between Hispanic study cohort characteristics and historical control were made by Chi-square, Fischer's exact and Signed rank tests, where applicable, using data from previous publications [Kyle et al, 2003 (n=1027) and Fonseca et al, 2003 (n=351)]. Patients with missing data on a certain clinical or disease feature were not included in the statistical analysis of that specific characteristic. Results: A total of 1705 MM patients were screened and 266 Hispanic patients seen at either site between the specified dates were identified for the analysis. These included equal number of males and females (n=133 each) with a median age of 58 years (range 25-87). IgG disease was seen in 52% with IgA and LC subtypes in 23% each. LC subtype was κ in 67%, λ in 31% and biclonal in 2% cases. Lytic and extramedullary disease were noted in 71% and 44% patients, respectively. DS and R-ISS stage at the time of MM diagnosis was not available in most patients while ISS stage among 150 patients showed stage 1, 2 and 3 in 48%, 28% and 24% patients, respectively. mSMART risk categories were present in 226 patients and included high, intermediate and standard risk in 12%, 11% and 77% patients, respectively. Of these 226 patients, cytogenetic disease prior to starting any MM treatment was available in 153 patients with similar risk category distribution. Median follow up for the whole Hispanic cohort was 38.6 months with a median OS 10.7 years (Figure 1). Comparison with historical control datasets which were 97% or greater comprised of White patients showed some significant differences for the Hispanic cohort including gender distribution, median age, BM plasmacytosis at the time of diagnosis, median Hb, Cr or M spike at presentation, light chain subtype, presence of lytic bone disease and certain cytogenetic alterations including t(4;14) and del13q/monosomy (Table 1). We did not note differences in high-risk cytogenetics between Hispanics and historical White controls. Conclusions: We report the first description of clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of Hispanic MM patients. The current and historical datasets that we have used are all from Mayo Clinic experience, thus making reasonable comparisons possible. We were able to confirm previous reports of demographic differences in Hispanics e.g., younger age at diagnosis. While some characteristics were significantly different, the clinical and cytogenetic differences we note do not clearly explain the inferior OS noted for Hispanics in population-based studies. Significant differences that we report warrant continued exploration in larger institutional and public databases in addition to a continued look into healthcare access and utilization. An ongoing collaborative analysis with data from Mayo Clinic, University of Miami and University of Southern California, Los Angeles is ongoing. Disclosures Fonseca: AMGEN: Consultancy; Jansen: Consultancy; Mayo Clinic & Dr Fonseca: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of myeloma via FISH, ~$2000/year; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Kelly: Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Jannsen: Honoraria. Sher: LAM Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding. Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria.
Factors Determining Utilization of Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) for Initial Therapy of Multiple Myeloma (MM) By Patient Race: Exploring Intra-Racial Healthcare Disparities
Frank, Ryan D. , Chimato, Nicolette T., Meghji, Zahara, Patel, Raj , Jani, Prachi, Kakar, Tanya Singh, Hodge, David O. , Sher, Taimur , Ailawadhi, Meghna, Alegria, Victoria R., Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Patel, Raj, Fiala, Mark A. , Aulakh, Sonikpreet , Roy, Vivek , Vishnu, Prakash , Paulus, Aneel

Blood | April 6, 2021 | Volume: 130 | Issue: Suppl_1 | Pages: 860-860

10.1182/blood.v130.suppl_1.860.860 Get It

Abstract Background: SCT is a standard therapeutic approach for patients with MM and has contributed to improved outcomes. While SCT utilization in MM has increased for all racial-ethnic subgroups over time, population-based studies have repeatedly shown that racial minorities are less likely to receive it. We explored factors that determine SCT utilization among patients within a given race to understand intra-racial disparities and how to address them in order to maximize the use of this imperative treatment among eligible patients. Methods: The 2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) for MM with patients diagnosed between 2004-2013 was studied. Cases without information on the selected patient or facility characteristics evaluated in this analysis, including SCT use, race, median income, insurance status or facility type of initial MM diagnosis and/or treatment were excluded. The association between utilization of SCT as part of initial therapy of MM and socio-demographic factors was studied stratifying patients into mutually exclusive racial-ethnic subgroups non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians (NHA) and others using multivariate GEE logistic regression analysis (clustered on facility ID). Interactions between race and patient/facility characteristics and SCT utilization were tested using similar methods but including all races. Results: Of the 123480 unique MM patients in NCDB diagnosed between 2004-2013, 111799 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15021 patients (13.4%) received SCT as part of initial MM therapy. Of those who received SCT, 77.5% were NHW (14.4% of all NHW), 15.1% NHB (10.3% of all NHB), 5.2% Hispanics (13.2% of all Hispanics), 2% NHA (15.5% of all NHA) and <1% others. There was no difference by gender but significantly reduced odds of receiving SCT were noted for every 10-year increase in age at diagnosis for all racial subgroups. NHA were the only subgroup not to have a significant year-wise increase over time in odds of receiving SCT between 2004-2013. A significant increase in SCT utilization was seen with increasing median income (quartiles; 2008-2012 data), for NHW and Hispanics but not for NHB and NHA, while increased education (% population with high-school degree; 2008-2012 data) was associated with a significant increase in SCT use for NHW and NHB, but not among Hispanics or NHA. An increase in great circle distance (GCD) from the treating facility as well as a lower Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index (CCI) was associated with significantly increased odds of receiving SCT for all racial groups. Insurancepayer status significantly affected odds of receiving SCT among all races with those having private insurance to be most likely to receive SCT among NHW, NHB and Hispanics while those with "other government" insurance payer type being most likely among NHA. Among treating facility characteristics, patients of all races were more likely to receive SCT if treated at an academic/researchfacility (including NCI-designated centers) or centers with highest quartile of patientvolume seen. For analysis by geographicalregion, NHW and NHA had the highest odds of receiving SCT in mountain region but there was no impact of geography on SCT for NHB or Hispanics. Odds ratio (OR) of receiving SCT as part of initial MM therapy by socio-demographic and facility characteristics for patients of individual racial subgroups are shown in Table 1. A significant interaction between odds of receiving SCT and various racial subgroups was noted for patient age at diagnosis (p<.001, decreased odds among NHW and NHA), GCD from treating facility (p=0.013, increased odds among NHB and NHA), CCI (p=0.043, decreased odds among NHA) and treatment facility volumes (p=0.046, increased odds among NHA and Hispanics). Conclusions: In the largest analysis exploring socio-demographic factors affecting SCT utilization in MM we note a significant disparity within races for who gets SCT as a part of initial MM management and who does not. While some of these factors are non-modifiable, others including access to healthcare, income, insurance and literacy levels, proximity to treatment center, treating facility type as well as volumes are modifiable and appear to be barriers to SCT among in some races, while not in others. These must be addressed to minimize disparities within racial subgroups, especially the minorities and realize maximal benefit of SCT for MM. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sher: LAM Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding.
Targeting CD38 Enhances the Antileukemic Activity of Ibrutinib in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Manna, Alak , Aulakh, Sonikpreet , Jani, Prachi, Akhtar, Sharoon , Coignet, Marie V. , Meghji, Zahara, Bhatia, Kirtipal , Sharma, Aarushi , Sher, Taimur , Alegria, Victoria R., Chini, Eduardo N. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Ahmed, Salman , Alegria, Victoria, Malavasi, Fabio , Chanan-Khan, Asher, Paulus, Aneel , Ahmed, Salman , Heckman, Michael G. , Malavasi, Fabio , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Clinical Cancer Research | April 2, 2019 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 13 | Pages: 3974-3985

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3412 Get It

AbstractPurpose:CD38 has emerged as a high-impact therapeutic target in multiple myeloma, with the approval of daratumumab (anti-CD38 mAb). The clinical importance of CD38 in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been known for over 2 decades, although it's relevance as a therapeutic target in CLL remains understudied.Experimental Design:We investigated the biological effects and antitumor mechanisms engaged by daratumumab in primary CLL cells. Besides its known immune-effector mechanisms (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, complement-dependent death, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis), we also measured direct apoptotic effects of daratumumab alone or in combination with ibrutinib. In vivo antileukemic activity was assessed in a partially humanized xenograft model. The influence of CD38 on B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling was measured via immunoblotting of Lyn, Syk, BTK, PLCγ2, ERK1/2, and AKT.Results:In addition to immune-effector mechanisms; daratumumab also induced direct apoptosis of primary CLL cells, which was partially dependent on FcγR cross-linking. For the first time, we demonstrated the influence of CD38 on BCR signaling where interference of CD38 downregulated Syk, BTK, PLCγ2, ERK1/2, and AKT; effects that were further enhanced by addition of ibrutinib. In comparison to single-agent treatment, the combination of ibrutinib and daratumumab resulted in significantly enhanced anti-CLL activity in vitro and significantly decreased tumor growth and prolonged survival in the in vivo CLL xenograft model.Conclusions:Overall, our data demonstrate the antitumor mechanisms of daratumumab in CLL; furthermore, we show how cotargeting BTK and CD38 lead to a robust anti-CLL effect, which has clinical implications.
Survival Differences in Women and Men After Septal Myectomy for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Meghji, Zahara, Nguyen, Anita , Fatima, Benish , Geske, Jeffrey B. , Ommen, Steve R. , Lahr, Brian D. , Geske, Jeffrey B , Nishimura, Rick A. , Dearani, Joseph A. , Schaff, Hartzell V.

JAMA Cardiology | February 27, 2019 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 237

10.1001/jamacardio.2019.0084 Get It

A SEER-based multiethnic picture of cholangiocarcinoma in the United States pre and post the advent of gemcitabine/cisplatin.
Mody, Kabir , Antwi, Samuel O. , Hodge, David O. , Meghji, Zahara, Roberts, Lewis R. , Roberts, Lewis R , Antwi, Samuel O , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 2, 2019 | Volume: 36 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 448-448

10.1200/jco.2018.36.4_suppl.448 Get It

448 Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, lethal cancer with five-year survival of less than 10%. Although incidence rates have been increasing in the United States, ethnic variations in survival have not been investigated. We examined multi-ethnic variation in overall survival (OS) and CCA-specific survival (CSS) using data from the population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program in the four year periods before and after introduction of gemcitabine/cisplatin as treatment for CCA. Methods: The study included data from 9,975 CCA cases reported in SEER between 2006 and 2013. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine overall and cholangiocarcinoma-specific survival by ethnicity, age, gender and in the pre- and post- gemcitabine/cisplatin era (2006-2009 vs. 2010-2013). Results: Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics had poorer 3-year OS (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.10-1.26) and 3-year CCA-specific survival (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.16-1.35). Similarly, non-Hispanic Blacks had 3-year OS (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12-1.30) and 3-year CCA-specific survival (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.13-1.37). Males and older patients also were found to have shorter survival compared to females and younger patients. Also noted was an increase in CCA incidence rate over time (2006-2013) of 5.93%. Among those < 50 versus ≥50 years old, a 23% higher rate of incidence in those < 50 was noted. Overall survival and CSS were both significantly improved for patients post-advent of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin. Statistically significant improvement in CSS pre- and post-advent of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin was noted in non-hispanic whites (p < 0.001) and Hispanics (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks have worse survival after diagnosis with CCA. Further studies are needed to determine the determinants of poor survival among these groups toward targeted intervention. Significant improvements in OS and CSS have been seen after the advent of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin. The incidence of CCA is rising faster in young persons, under the age of 50, compared with older patients.
Multiscale Entropy Technique Discriminates Single Lead ECG’s With Normal Sinus Rhythm and Sleep Apnea
Shivaram, Suganti, Muthyala, Anjani, Meghji, Zahara, Karki, Susan, Arunachalam, S P , Arunachalam, Shivaram P.

2018 Design of Medical Devices Conference | July 30, 2018 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1115/dmd2018-6948 Get It

Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal interruptions in breathing during sleep due to partial or complete airway obstructions affecting middle-aged men and women on an estimated ∼4% of the population [1]. While the disorder is clinically manageable to relieve patients, the challenge occurs with diagnosis, with many patients going undiagnosed leading to further complications such as ischemic heart diseases, stroke etc. Sleep apnea also significantly affects the quality of day to day life causing sleepiness and fatigue. Polysomnography (PSG) technique is currently a used for detecting sleep apnea which is a comprehensive sleep test to diagnose sleep disorders by recording brain waves, the oxygen level in the blood, heart rate, breathing, eye and leg movements during the study. However, PSG test is very expensive, requires patients to stay overnight and is known to cause inconvenience to the patients.
Racial disparity in utilization of therapeutic modalities among multiple myeloma patients: a SEER‐medicare analysis
Ailawadhi, Sikander , Frank, Ryan D. , Advani, Pooja , Swaika, Abhisek, Temkit, M’hamed , Menghani, Richa, Sharma, Mayank , Meghji, Zahara, Paulus, Shumail M., Khera, Nandita , Hashmi, Shahrukh K. , Paulus, Aneel , Kakar, Tanya Singh, Hodge, David O. , Vizzini, Michael, Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Shumail, Kakar, Tanya S, Colibaseanu, Dorin T, Vizzini, Michael R., Chanan-Khan, Asher A., Ailawadhi, Sikander , Paulus, Aneel , Colibaseanu, Dorin , Roy, Vivek

Cancer Medicine | November 3, 2017 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 2876-2885

10.1002/cam4.1246 Get It

AbstractOutcomes have improved considerably in multiple myeloma (MM), but disparities among racial‐ethnic groups exist. Differences in utilization of novel therapeutics are likely contributing factors. We explored such differences from the SEER‐Medicare database. A utilization analysis of lenalidomide, thalidomide, bortezomib, and stem cell transplant (SCT) was performed for patients diagnosed with MM between 2007 and 2009, including use over time, use by race, time‐dependent trends for each racial subgroup, and survival analysis. A total of 5338 MM patients were included with median 2.4‐year follow‐up. Within the first year of MM diagnosis, utilization of lenalidomide, bortezomib, SCT, and more than one novel agent increased over time while utilization of thalidomide decreased. There was significantly lower utilization of lenalidomide among African‐Americans (P < 0.01), higher thalidomide use among Hispanics and Asians (P < 0.01), and lower bortezomib use among Asians (P < 0.01). Hispanics had the highest median number of days to first dose of bortezomib (P = 0.02) and the lowest utilization of SCT (P < 0.01). Hispanics and Asians were the only groups without notable increases in lenalidomide and bortezomib use, respectively. SCT utilization increased over time for all except African‐Americans. SCT use within the first year after diagnosis was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.4–0.68), while bortezomib use was associated with inferior survival (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02–1.28). We noted considerable variability in MM therapeutics utilization with seeming inequity for racial‐ethnic minorities. These trends should be considered to eliminate drug access and utilization disparities and achieve equitable benefit of therapeutic advances across all races.