Back to Authors

Gertz, Morie A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3853-5196

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 999

Analysis of the Immunoglobulin Heavy and Light Chain Gene Expression and Mutations in POEMS Patients.
Aravamudan, Bharathi, Tong, Caili , Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kumar, Shaji , Buadi, Francis K. , Gertz, Morie A. , Dispenzieri, Angela

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4986-4986

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4986.4986 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4986 The plasma cell disorder POEMS syndrome is defined by the following major features: peripheral neuropathy (P), organomegaly (O), endocrinopathy (E), monoclonal (immunoglobulin) protein expression (M), and skin changes (S). One of the most noticeable characteristics of this disease is that virtually all patients have lambda (γ) rather than the kappa (κ) restricted clonal plasma cells. We hypothesized that this restricted expression and possibly mutated heavy and light chain genes may be linked to the pathogenesis of POEMS. To this end, we analyzed light and heavy chain gene sequences from 21 POEMS patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester. We found that 16 of these patients had dominant light chain gene sequences, and that the expression of light chain was restricted to IGLV 1 subfamily and more specifically, to the IGLV1-40 or the IGLV 1-44 subtype. In contrast, no such stereotypy was observed at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IGHV), though IGHV gene expression indicated a high degree of clonality. We aligned these sequences with their corresponding germline consensus sequences in IMGT database to assess similarity and divergence. IGLV1-40 and IGLV 1-44 sequences from POEMS patients were also aligned with the sequences in the light chain library on Boston University Amyloid Database (http://pulm.bumc.bu.edu/aldb), and POEMS IGHV sequences were compared to IGHV sequences reported in the literature for multiple myeloma, MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) and CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia). We found that: i) both the restricted light- and the non-restricted heavy chain genes in POEMS patients varied significantly (>2%) from their germline counterparts; ii) the incidence of somatic hypermutation in IGHV was higher in POEMS than that reported for other plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma, MGUS and CLL, iii) in IGLV, mutations occurred at non-random, clustered hotspots located in specified areas of the gene (such as the structural elements that contribute the antigen binding CDR domain); iv) mutations occurring in the CDR regions tended to be conserved (the amino acid in POEMS was similar to that in germline in its physicochemical properties), and v) the histidine residue at position 40 (H40) in IGLV1-40 and the threonine at position 38 (T38) in IGLV1-44 are POEMS-specific. These observations suggest that an antigen driven somatic hypermutation mechanism may mark a post-germinal precursor plasma cell for selection, but further transformation of this selected cell into a malignant POEMS clone occurs via a different, hitherto unknown, mechanism. They also highlight the significance of H40 (in IGLV 1-40) and T38 (in IGLV 1-44) residues, which seem to be highly POEMS-specific (occurring seldom in other plasma cell disorders), and which may bias the selected plasma cell clone towards POEMS syndrome phenotype. Disclosures Lacy: celgene: Research Funding. Gertz:celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar:CELGENE: Research Funding; MILLENNIUM: Research Funding; BAYER: Research Funding; GENZYME: Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Research Funding.
A Phase II Trial of the Oral mTOR Inhibitor Everolimus (RAD001) in Relapsed or Refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.
LaPlant, Betsy, Camoriano, John , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lacy, Martha Q. , Chuma, Stacey, Sheehy, Patricia, Leduc, Renee, Rourke, Meghan, Ansell, Stephen M. , Bergsagel, Leif, Reeder, Craig B. , Richardson, Paul G. , Ghobrial, Irene M. , Gertz, Morie A. , Harris, Brianna , DeAngelo, Daniel J. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Anderson, Kenneth C. , Richardson, Paul Gerard Guy , Treon, Steven P. , Witzig, Thomas E.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 587-587

10.1182/blood.v114.22.587.587 Get It

Abstract Abstract 587 Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway controls cell proliferation and survival. Everolimus is an oral agent targeting raptor mTOR (mTORC1). The trial's goal was to determine the anti-tumor activity and safety of single-agent everolimus in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). Patients and Methods: Eligible patients had measurable disease (IgM monoclonal protein >1000 mg/dL with >10% marrow involvement or nodal masses >2 cm), a platelet count ≥75,000 × 106/L, a neutrophil count ≥1,000 × 106/L, and a creatinine and bilirubin ≤2x laboratory upper limit of normal. Patients received everolimus 10 mg PO daily and were evaluated monthly. Tumor response was assessed after cycles 2 and 6 and then every 3 cycles until progression. Results: 50 pts were treated. The median age was 63 years (range, 43-85). The overall response rate (CR+PR+MR) was 70% (95% CI: 55-82%), with a PR of 42% and 28% MR. The median duration of response and median progression-free survival (PFS) has not been reached. The estimated PFS at 6 and 12 months is 75% (95%CI: 64-89%) and 62% (95%CI: 48-80%), respectively. Grade 3 or higher related toxicities were observed in 56% of patients. The most common were hematological toxicities with cytopenias. Pulmonary toxicity occurred in 10% of patients. Dose reductions due to toxicity occurred in 52% of patients. Conclusions: Everolimus has high single-agent activity with an overall response rate of 70% and manageable toxicity in patients with relapsed WM, and offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for this patient group. Disclosures: Ghobrial: Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Gertz:celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. 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. Treon:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Witzig:Novartis: Research Funding.
Should Troponin Level Be an Exclusion Criterion for Stem Cell Transplantation in Primary Amyloidosis?.
Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kumar, Shaji , Litzow, Mark R. , Gertz, Morie A. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Buadi, Francis K. , Leung, Nelson

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3003-3003

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3003.3003 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Mortality rates associated with stem cell transplantation are considerably higher than those of autologous stem cell transplantation for other hematologic malignancies. The efficacy of stem cell transplantation in amyloidosis largely is determined by treatment-related mortality rates (range, 11%-25%). Appropriate patient selection is essential to avoid this high mortality rate. Patients & Methods: The primary end point of the study was death from any cause between 4 days before transplantation and d+100 after transplantation. Patient characteristics are shown. Patient characteristics (N=271) Characteristic Median (range) Comment Age, y 58 (33–75) Male 159 (59%) Renal involvement 184 (68%) Cardiac involvement 147 (54%) Peripheral neuropathy 30 (11%) Hepatic involvement 28 (14%) Albumin, g/dL 2.8 (0.8–4.4) Creatinine, mg/dL 1.1 (0.6–12.0) 90% of patients had levels ≤1.7 mg/dL Alkaline phosphatase, U/L 93 (31–1,395) 25% of patients had levels >132 U/L Urinary total protein, g/d 3.35 (0.01–35.4) Percentage of plasma cells in the marrow 7 (0–78) 90% of patients had <17% plasma cells Interventricular septal thickness, mm 13 (7–25) Ejection fraction, % 65 (28–84) Time between diagnosis and stem cell transplantation, mo. 4 (0.8–75) Troponins,μg/L 0.01 (0.01–1.0) 75% of patients had levels ≤0.03 g/L 90% of patients had levels ≤0.08 g/L Results: Among 271 patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, troponin T was a powerful predictor of treatment-related mortality. Patients with troponin levels of 0.06 mg/L or higher had a day 100 all-cause mortality rate of 28%. Day-100 Survival Rate (N=271) Patients Troponin level ≥0.06 μg/L, no. of patients (n=40) Troponin level <0.06 μg/L, no. of patients (n=231) Total no. of patients *P<.001 Died before day 100* 11 16 27 Survived beyond d+100 29 215 244 Patients with troponin levels less than 0.06 mg/L had a day-100 all-cause mortality rate of 7% (P<.001). Figure Figure Despite possibly having multiple causes of death, for 7 of 11 patients with elevated troponin levels, cardiac causality could be inferred. For patients with low levels of troponin, clear cardiac causality was observed in 4 of 16. Among the 40 patients with troponin levels of 0.06 mg/L or higher, the conditioning dosage of melphalan was reduced for 31 patients (78%). Among the patients with troponin levels less than 0.06 mg/L, the dosage of melphalan was reduced for 29% of patients. Conclusion: Troponin levels should be measured in all patients before transplantation. Those with troponin levels exceeding 0.06 mg/L should be considered for less toxic therapies until the clinically optimal use of stem cell transplantation is better defined by randomized clinical trials. The chemotherapy dosage was reduced for 77% of patients in the high troponin group, but acceptable treatment-related mortality rates were not achieved. Clearly, a risk-adapted approach that modified the dosage of conditioning chemotherapy did not compensate for poor patient health or advanced cardiac involvement.
Proteomic Analysis of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) and IgM Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (IgM-MGUS) Identifies Potential Targets for Drug Therapy.
Leontocich, Alexey A., Eckel, Jeanette E., Timm, Michael, Ziesmer, Steve, Hoering, Antje , Cabanela, Miguel E., Nehme, Alex, Greipp, Philip R., Ghobrial, Irene M. , Fonseca, Rafaël , Gertz, Morie A. , Witzig, Thomas E.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 104 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 787-787

10.1182/blood.v104.11.787.787 Get It

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze molecular changes that occur at the protein level in WM and IgM-MGUS in order to identify proteins dysregulated at disease progression and design new therapies. We employed antibody protein microarrays (BD Clonetech, CA) to measure changes in the patterns of protein expression between WM, IgM-MGUS and normal lymphoplasmacytic cells as control. The antibody array is a novel technique that assays protein differences directly by hybridizing fluorescently labeled protein mixtures from cell extracts onto a glass slide spotted with 512 different monoclonal antibodies specific for human proteins. CD 19+ and CD138+ purified lymphoplasmacytic cells were obtained from cryopreserved bone marrow samples of 5 newly diagnosed patients with WM and 5 patients with IgM-MGUS. Control plasma cells were obtained from 3 pooled CD19+ and CD138+ purified normal donor bone marrow cells. To assess differential expression, the mean of the ratios of Cy5/Cy3 for each sample were analyzed using the Clontech software to calculate an internally normalized ratio. The normalized data were analyzed by the Genespring software and changes of protein expression ≥2 fold in 60% of the samples as compared to normal control were identified in both WM and MGUS groups. There were 20 proteins upregulated in WM and 21 proteins in MGUS as compared to normal control cells These included proteins from the small GTPases such as the Ras, Rho and Ran families (Rab 4, MONA, RCC1, and CDC42GAP), Kinases/signaling proteins (ROK alpha, p62 dok, JAK, 14-3-3e), cyclin dependent kinase (CDK2), fatty acid synthase (HDAC3), NFkB pathway (IKKalpha, IKBe), and histone deacetylase. The WM and IgM MGUS differed in only 3 proteins using the 2-fold threshold. The WM samples showed overexpression of the heat shock protein Hsp90, the Ras family protein CDC25C, and the chemotaxis protein p43/EMAPII as compared to the MGUS samples. This is the first proteomic study of WM and MGUS patients. It identifies novel proteins dysregulated in WM that may serve in future clinical trials as targets for therapy such as Hsp90, NFkB, HDAC and fatty acid synthase. In addition, it identifies 3 proteins that identify disease progression from MGUS to WM, which could be useful for monitoring MGUS patients and designing targeted therapies to prevent progression to WM.
Factors Predicting Early Mortality in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma,
Rana, Vishal , Srivastava, Geetika , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lacy, Martha Q. , Greipp, Philip R., Zeldenrust, Steven R., Kyle, Robert A. , Lust, John A., Short, Kristen Detweiler, Kumar, Shaji , Buadi, Francis K. , Gertz, Morie A. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Dingli, David , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3981-3981

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3981.3981 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3981 Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) can present with life threatening complications including lethal infections during the disease course. The mortality is high during the early period following diagnosis, mostly as a result of complications of the disease or treatment. It is not clear if we can identify patients at the highest risk of early death based on the presenting clinical and laboratory features. Methods: From among 1545 patients seen at our institution between Jan 1999 and Dec 2008, we identified 265 patients who died within 12 months of diagnosis. For each of these patients we identified two “controls” who had at least 12 months of follow up, were alive at the time of last follow up and were closest to the ‘case' patient in terms of time of diagnosis. We performed logistic regression using the clinical and laboratory features, to identify parameters that predict for 12-month mortality and to determine the best cutoffs. Results: This study included 265 patients as cases and 530 controls. The gender distribution was similar in the two groups. We examined the impact of age, performance status (PS), hemoglobin, platelets, serum creatinine, calcium, LDH, albumin, B2M, free light chain difference, plasma cell labeling index, ISS stage, risk category and exposure to novel agents upfront. Based on the results of univariate and then multivariate analysis – age> 72, ECOG PS>2, Calcium >11.3 and ISS stage 3 were found to be significant. We developed the risk score using 1 point for each adverse factor, Age> 72, PS > 2, ISS 3, and Calcium > 11.3. The odds ratio of patients dying in the first year was 2.7, 9.2 and 37 in the presence of one, two and three or more risk factors compared to none of the risk factors. We then looked at the impact of the initial therapy on outcome. 279 patients (35%) received one of the novel agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide or bortezomib) as initial therapy. The odds ratio for dying in the first year was 0.35 for patients receiving a novel agent compared to the rest. The impact of the novel agent was independent of the risk score, with the risk score predicting outcome in both groups. Conclusions: In newly diagnosed MM advanced age, poor performance status, ISS stage and high calcium were associated with early mortality. If eligible all patients should get the benefit of use of novel agent upfront. Identifying these patients at the time of diagnosis is important and should help develop better risk-adapted strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Engraftment Syndrome Is Common in Patients with POEMS Syndrome Undergoing PBSCT.
Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kumar, Shaji , Litzow, Mark R. , Gastineau, Dennis A. , Inwards, David J. , Elliott, Michelle A. , Micallef, Ivana N. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Porrata, Luis F. , Afessa, Bekele, Kyle, Robert A. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Buadi, Francis K. , Dingli, David , Hogan, William J. , Bryce, Alan H. , Gertz, Morie A.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 2995-2995

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2995.2995 Get It

Abstract Background: POEMS syndrome is a devastating syndrome, characterized by peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cells, skin changes, papilledema, volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis, & high VEGF. We noted an unexpectedly high transplant related morbidity, which we have since postulated to be ES. Methods: 30 patients with POEMS were treated with PBSCT at Mayo Clinic Rochester. We retrospectively studied outcomes, with an emphasis on treatment related morbidity. Two definitions of ES were used: Spitzer (BMT 2001) and Maiolino (BMT 2003). Results: Two-thirds were male. Median age was 48, range 20–70. Time from first symptoms and diagnosis was 26 and 4 months, respectively. To mobilize stem cells, CTX/G-CSF was used in 5 & G-CSF in the remainder. Conditioning was Mel200 (n=19), Mel140 (n=10), and BEAM (n=1). Post-transplant 15 had GM-CSF begun day+6. Only 10% remained outpatient, and median time to discharge from hospital was transplant day 17 (range 0–175). Factors predicting for later dismissal included age (p=0.04), abnormal CXR 7 to 17 days post transplant (p<0.0001), & bolus corticosteroids (CS) beyond day 12 post-transplant (p=0.006). Ninety-three percent had fever, although only 9 had bacteremia. Eight satisfied criteria for ES according to Spitzer and 14 according to Maiolino. Another 3 patients received steroid bolus days 8, 12, and 11 for presumed ES but did not meet criteria because of delayed ANC recovery (days 16, 18, and 20, respectively). Of the 5 patients requiring endotracheal intubation, 3 satisfied Maiolino’s criteria for ES. Although these 3 received bolus CS during their course, administration was delayed at 18, 14, and 18 days. The patient whose CS bolus antedated intubation only received prednisone 30 mg/day. In toto, fourteen patients received bolus CS (daily doses between 20 and 1200 mg prednisone equivalents) commencing day 8 to 59. Those 7 patients who received CS before day 13 did better than the 7 who received them day 13 or later (Table). Conclusions: It is essential to recognize that nearly 50% of patients satisfied formal criteria for ES as defined by Maiolino. In these patients ES may run a self-limited course or lead to catastrophe. No Steroid (n=16) Steroid ≤ D12 (n=7) Steroid > D12 (n=7) P *Engraftment syndrome according to definition of Maiolino (M) or of Spitzer (S). ES M / S, n* 5 / 2 4 / 4 5 / 2 NA Wt change, % 0.6 (−.4.2–6.7) 6.7 (3.6–27.2) 11.2 (–2.1–23.2) 0.005 Rash, % 27 71 43 0.13 Diarrhea, % 73 86 86 0.71 Tmax, C 39 (37.8–41) 40.1 (39–41.1) 38.9 (38.7–40.8) 0.08 1st fever, day 10 (6–15) 8 (7–9) 12 (8–146) 0.007 Abn CXR1, % 13 71 71 0.03 Ventilator, % 0 14 71 0.004 First WBC, day 12 (8–21) 14 (12–14) 14 (12–17) 0.03 ANC500, day 15 (12–29) 16 (14–115) 18 (15–45) 0.08 PLT20, day 12 (8–41) 20 (11–115) 24 (9–170) 0.05 PLT50, day 15 (11–192) 32 (16–115) 56 (13–551) 0.03 RBCs, units 3 (2–8) 6 (4–31) 11 (6–64) 0.0008 PLTS, aph. units 2 (1–9) 9 (4–51) 18 (4–60) 0.0004 Hosp dsm, day 15 (13–36) 21 (15–69) 41 (16–175) 0.009
Relationship of Stem Cell Transplant and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Multiple Myeloma: A Case-Control Study.
Fatema, Kaniz , Micallef, Ivana N. , Eisinger, Amy D., Cha, Stephen S., Tsang, Teresa S.M. , Gertz, Morie A. , Barnes, Marion E. , Cha, Stephen S.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3001-3001

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3001.3001 Get It

Abstract Background: Clinical observations within our tertiary care setting suggested that atrial arrhythmia is common following hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (SCT). Yet little is known with regard to the incidence of such arrhythmia and factors contributing to its development. We assessed the frequency of first atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/flutter) development in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who underwent SCT at the Mayo Clinic over a 4 year period. Method: Using a case-control design, we compared 395 consecutive patients who underwent SCT at the Mayo Clinic during the period 2002–2005 to control subjects who did not have SCT (2:1 matched by age, gender, and date of MM diagnosis) in terms of the baseline risk factors and the frequency of new AF/flutter after MM diagnosis. Patients who had a prior history or evidence of atrial arrhythmia were excluded from analyses. Factors predictive of atrial arrhythmia in the cases were also determined. Results: First AF/Flutter developed in 38 of 395 cases (mean age 58 ± 9 years) and 47 of 790 controls subjects within 5 years of MM diagnosis (P=0.002). The 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of the risk of AF/flutter were 17% and 8% for cases and controls, respectively. Amongst the cases who developed new AF/flutter, the onset of the arrhythmia was within 21 days of SCT for the majority (94%). In multivariable analysis, body weight change of ≥3% in the first week post-transplant (HR 2.86; CI 1.13–7.24; P=0.026) and presence of diastolic dysfunction (HR 1.79; CI 0.99–3.23; p=0.054) at MM diagnosis were independent predictors of first AF/flutter in the cases, adjusting for age, sex, and well established clinical risk factors. Conclusion: The risk for new AF/flutter was remarkably high in the early post- SCT period in MM patients. In addition to established risk factors for atrial arrhythmia, a weight change ≥3% during the first 7 days after SCT, and the presence of diastolic dysfunction at baseline, were independent novel risk factors for new AF/flutter. These findings warrant further investigation, as modification of fluid management and diastolic filling may potentially lower the risk of post-SCT atrial arrhythmia.
Pre-Clinical Data and Preliminary Patient Results of Intravenous MV-NIS To Treat Relapsed, Refractory Multiple Myeloma.
Myers, Rae, Tong, Caili , Greiner, Suzanne , Harvey, Mary, Griesmann, Guy E., Ames, Matthew M. , Lacy, Martha Q. , Schweikwart, Karen, Welch, Anthony , Peng, Kah-Whye , Dispenzieri, Angela , Reid, Joel M. , Federspiel, Mark J. , Dingli, David , Gertz, Morie A. , Welch, Anthony

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1181-1181

10.1182/blood.v110.11.1181.1181 Get It

Abstract Background: MV-NIS is an Edmonston-lineage measles virus that expresses the human sodium-iodide symporter (hNIS). The virus is oncolytic, and its activity can be monitored by noninvasive imaging of radioiodine uptake by hNIS. The receptor is CD46, a membrane regulator of complement activation that is overexpressed on myeloma cells. Methods: Formal studies were done in collaboration with the RAID program to assess the efficacy, biodistribution and safety of MV-NIS in transgenic, measles susceptible mice and in non-human primates. The protocol therapy for the animal studies was modeled on the planned human clinical trial. Mouse efficacy studies were done in irradiated 6-week old female CB17 ICR SCID mice implanted subcutaneously with human KAS-6/1 cells. Mouse toxicity & biodistribution were done in 184 6–8 week IfnarKO x CD46 Ge mice treated with 105–107 TCID50 MV-NIS. Squirrel monkey toxicity studies were done in 12 measles-naïve adults with 108 TCID50. The clinical trial is a 3 patient/cohort dose escalation study which allows for 1 dose of MV-NIS/patient. Once MTD of MV-NIS is reached, subsequent cohorts will be treated with CTX 10 mg/kg 2 days prior to MV-NIS at MTD/100. Immune response to measles is tested pre & post therapy. PK & biodistribution are tested by measurements of MV-N in blood, urine, & gargle samples and by serial nuclear imaging, respectively. BM myeloma cells are tested for CD46 expression and MV infectivity. Results: Preclinical studies: The minimum effective dose in the mouse model was 4 x 106 TCID50 /kg. The MTD for MV-NIS with CTX was not reached in the mouse study. Pre-treatment with CTX changed the biodistribution of MV-NIS infected cells and the kinetics of virus elimination from infected tissues in mice and monkeys. In monkeys, MV-N mRNA was detected at day 1 in the buccal cavity with levels declining on day 2, then surging on day 8, suggesting viral replication. There were no unscheduled deaths or treatment related lesions on necropsy. Patients: Three patients were treated with a dose of 106 TCID50 (Table). No DLT was observed. Two patients had MV-N amplified from their gargle specimen. Accrual to dose level 2 has begun. Conclusions: IV administration of MV-NIS is feasible. The virus is capable of traveling to a distant site and replicating before being cleared by the immune system. Patient 2 Patient 2 Patient 3 *copies per microgram RNA of cells derived from gargle sample at each time point: day +3, +8, +15, +22, and +29; no MV-N detected in urine or blood Anti-measles neutralizing Ab titer, pre-Rx / post Rx 1:10 / 1:160 < 1:10 / 1:20 < 1:10 / 1:10 AEs possibly related Gr 2 plts Gr 1 plts, cough, fever, rigors Gr 2 Incr aPTT CD46 copies/cell CD138+ / CD138- BMPC 79,771 / 10,322 140,187 / 10,145 28,258 / 11,228 MV-N QRT-PCR: d3/ d8/ d15/ d22/ d29 (cp/ug RNA)* −/ −/ −/ nd / nd −/ −/ 16,440 / 1405 / − 123-I uptake on SPECT No Uptake day 8 No
Prognostic Value Of Quantifying Circulating Plasma Cells By Multiparametric Flow Cytometry In Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
Morice, William G. , Timm, Michael, Lacy, Martha Q. , Kapoor, Prashant , Kumar, Shaji , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Gupta, Vinay Kumar , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Morice, William George , Singh, Preet Paul , Gertz, Morie A. , Buadi, Francis K. , Dispenzieri, Angela

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 754-754

10.1182/blood.v122.21.754.754 Get It

Abstract Background The presence of circulating plasma cells (PCs) in multiple myeloma (MM) is a known poor prognostic marker. Prior studies have utilized a technically challenging slide-based immunofluorescence technique to detect and quantify the presence of circulating PCs which was not widely adapted in clinical practice. More recently, the routine use of flow cytometry has provided the opportunity to quantitatively assess circulating PCs in MM patients with relative ease. We report the prognostic value of quantifying circulating clonal PCs using multiparametric flow cytometry in MM patients with relapsed disease. Methods We evaluated all MM patients seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 2009 to 2011 with previous or ongoing relapsed disease and who had their peripheral blood samples evaluated by flow cytometry. Each blood sample had its peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated by ficoll gradient and stained with antibodies to CD45, CD19, CD38, CD138 and cytoplasmic Kappa and Lambda Ig light chains. A six-color multi-parameter flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson FacsCantos II) was used to examine each sample with a target of detecting 150,000 events (cells) that was then analyzed using the Facs Diva Software. Plasma cells were selectively analyzed through combinatorial gating using light scatter properties and CD38, CD138, CD19, and CD45. Normal PC's were then separated from clonal plasma cells based on the differential expression of CD45, CD19 and polytypic Ig light chains. The clonal plasma cells detected were reported out as the number of clonal events/150,000 collected total events. For those samples where less than 150,000 events were gated or examined, the number of final clonal events was adjusted to 150,000 events. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival assessed using the log rank test. Results There were 647 consecutive patients with a history of treated MM who had a peripheral blood flow cytometry as part of their routine clinical evaluation. The median patient age was 62 years (29-88) and 55% were male. The median time since diagnosis was 12 months (range: 1-363) and the median number of lines of treatment received was 2 (1-11). There were 81 (13%) patients with clonal circulating PCs with a median of 368 cells (4 – 133,464). The 2-year overall survival (OS) for the 81 (13%) patients with any circulating PCs was 17% compared with 65% for those with none (P<0.001). The presence of circulating clonal PCs was associated with high-risk disease by FISH (P <0.001) as well as higher PCLI (P <0.001). We then correlated the presence of circulating clonal PCs with the disease status at flow cytometry assessment. Among the study patients, only 145 (22%) had actively relapsing disease with the remaining 502 (78%) in a plateau including patients in CR. Circulating clonal PCs were more likely to be detected in patients with actively relapsing disease compared with plateau phase (43% vs. 4%, P < 0.001); none of the CR patients and <5% of the remaining plateau phase patients had any detectable circulating clonal PCs. We then restricted the analysis to the actively relapsing patients; the best cutoff predicting 1-year mortality by ROC analysis was 100 events. Based on this, we defined >=100 events as a cutoff for defining the prognostic role of circulating clonal PCs in actively relapsing patients. The median OS for those with >=100 clonal PC events was 12 months compared with not reached for those with <100 events (p<0.001; Figure 1 ). Among patients with actively relapsing disease, >= 100 circulating PCs was associated with a higher ISS stage, plasma cell labeling index and bone marrow PC% compared with those with <100 circulating PCs. In a multivariable model, only LDH > 222 (HR: 2.08, P = 0.045) and >= 100 circulating PCs (HR: 2.48, P = 0.048) were found to adversely affect OS in actively relapsing patients. Conclusion The utilization of flow cytometry to quantify circulating clonal PCs in patients with relapsed MM appears to have significant prognostic relevance. In patients with actively relapsing disease, >= 100 circulating PCs predicted for worse OS with a median of 12 months. Future studies are needed to determine if this would allow an opportunity to develop a more risk adapted approach for patients with relapsed disease. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Pomalidomide Plus Low-Dose Dexamethasone In Myeloma Refractory to Both Bortezomib and Lenalidomide: Comparison of Two Dosing Strategies In Dual-Refractory Disease
Lacy, Martha Q. , Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Short, Kristen Detweiler, Kumar, Shaji , Zeldenrust, Steven R., Greipp, Philip R., Lust, John A., Kyle, Robert A. , Stewart, A. Keith, Allred, Jacob B., Laumann, Kristina, Reeder, Craig B. , Gertz, Morie A. , Buadi, Francis K. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Dingli, David , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Roy, Vivek , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Mıkhael, Joseph

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 863-863

10.1182/blood.v116.21.863.863 Get It

Abstract Abstract 863 Background: Patients with MM who have progressed after multiple novel agents have limited treatment options. Pomalidomide (CC4047) is the newest immunomodulatory (IMiD) agent. Pom/dex using a dose of 2 mg/day has demonstrated response rates (≥PR) of 63% in relapsed MM (Lacy, JCO 2009, 27:5008-5014) and 32% in a lenalidomide-refractory cohort (Lacy, Leukemia, in press). The maximum tolerated dose has been determined to be 4 mg/day for 21 of 28 days (Richardson, ASH, 2009), We opened two sequential phase II trials using the Pom/dex regimen at differing doses to study the efficacy of this regimen in patients who have failed both lenalidomide and bortezomib. Methods: Patients refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib therapy; defined as relapsing on or within 60 days of stopping each regimen, were enrolled. Pomalidomide was given orally 2 mg daily (Cohort A) or 4mg daily (Cohort B) on days 1–28 of a 28-day cycle with oral dexamethasone given 40 mg daily on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. Response was assessed by the International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response criteria. All patients received aspirin 325 mg daily for DVT prophylaxis. Results: 35 patients with relapsed and resistant/refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib were enrolled in each cohort. The median age was 62 years (range, 39–77) in Cohort A and 61 (range, 45–77) years in Cohort B. The median time from diagnosis to enrollment was 57 months for Cohort A (range 12–249) and 72 months(range, 13–183) for Cohort B. 15 patients had high risk molecular markers in Cohort A and 16 in Cohort B. The median number of prior regimens was 6 in both groups. The median (range) duration on treatment was 5(1-13) and 2(0-6) cycles in cohorts A and B respectively. Toxicity at least possibly attributed to drug consisted primarily of myelosuppression: grade 3/4 neutropenia (37% Cohort A vs. 55% Cohort B); grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (11% Cohort A vs. 13% Cohort B); and grade 3/4 anemia (9% Cohort A vs. 16% Cohort B). Grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities occurred in 23% Cohort A vs. 13% Cohort B. Grade 1 or 2 fatigue was the most common non-hematologic toxicity seen in 43% Cohort A vs. 52% Cohort B. Grade 1 or 2 neuropathy occurred in 17% Cohort A vs. 16% Cohort B. Other non-hematologic toxicities occurring in <5% included pneumonitis, hyperglycemia, renal failure, thrombosis. One patient in cohort B had grade 4 hepatitis. Confirmed responses in Cohort A consisted of VGPR 14%, PR 11%, and MR 24% (ORR 49%, 95% CI: 31–66), and responses in Cohort B consisted of VGPR 9%, PR 20%, and MR 12% (ORR 40%, 95% CI: 23–58). The median follow-up on alive patients was 7.5 months, and 3 months in Cohorts A and B, respectively. The median PFS in cohorts A and B are respectively 6.4 months (95% CI: 4.7-NR) and 3.3 months (95% CI: 2.3-NR). Conclusions: Pom/dex is remarkably active and well tolerated in this heavily pre-treated population of dual bortezomib/lenalidomide-refractory MM patients. The majority of patients have not progressed and objective responses (MR or better) are seen in 40–49%. This study confirms therapeutic benefit for Pom/dex in patients relapsing after other novel therapies. These studies do not show an advantage for the 4 mg/day on days 1–28 of each 28 day cycle did not show an advantage over the 2 mg/day on days 1–28 of each 28 day cycle. Disclosures: Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Gertz:Celgene: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Dispenzieri:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Fonseca:Genzyme: Consultancy; Medtronic: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Celegene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Intellikine: Consultancy; Cylene: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; FISH probes prognostication in myeloma: Patents & Royalties. Bergsagel:Celgene: Consultancy; Centocor: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Stewart:Celgene: Honoraria.