Citations

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal proliferation of a neoplastic plasma cell and its production of a monoclonal immunoglobulin; evolving from an asymptomatic pre-malignant stage named monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). At the time of diagnosis with MM, lytic lesions are present in approximately 70-80% of patients. Lytic lesions increase the risk for skeletal related events as well as treatment costs, while lowering quality of life and overall survival. Metastatic bone surveys underestimate bone disease since plain radiographs demonstrate abnormalities until at least 30% of trabecular bone has been lost and cannot provide information about ongoing bone remodeling. Bone scintigraphy lacks usefulness in following bone disease due to decreased osteoblast activity in MM, while Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans produce heterogeneous local bone mineral density changes and are not recommended to evaluate bone disease in these patients. Biomarkers (eg, N- and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen) have been used to assess bone metabolism balance (BMB; ie, the difference between bone formation and resorption) in MM prior and subsequent to specific therapies, however, consensus is still lacking and their clinical utility is uncertain. Calcium in nature consists of six isotopes, and the relative abundance of the isotopes varies measurably. The strength of molecular bonds depends on atomic weight of the participating atoms. Calcium (Ca) containing compounds react at different rates depending on atomic mass. Bone formation favors lighter isotopes of Ca, depleting soft tissue of light Ca isotopes, while bone resorption releases this isotopically light Ca back into soft tissue with little or no selectivity. As a result of this difference in isotope fractionation, Ca isotopic composition in soft tissue should shift to heavier Ca isotope values in positive BMB and lighter values in negative BMB. In order to identify whether Ca isotopic composition can be used as a marker of myeloma-induced bone disease, we first set out to determine its association with MM disease activity. Using multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we determined the Ca isotopic composition in 108 peripheral blood samples from 54 patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Ca isotopic composition was determined as the ratio between the naturally occurring 44Ca and 42Ca isotopes (δ44/42Ca) relative to a standard in parts per ten thousand units, as previously described by Morgan et al. Disease activity was determined at the time of δ44/42Ca determination by assessing disease status and response to treatment, as described by the International Myeloma Working Group uniform response criteria, defining progressive or relapsed disease as active disease, and stable or responsive disease as non-active. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi squared or Fisher’s exact test, interval variables were analyzed using a one-tailed t-test. A repeated measures logistic regression model was developed using a cross-sectional time-series generalized estimating equation. All statistical analysis was done using Stata/SE 12.0. Fifty-four adult patients (61% male) diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy, ranging from MGUS (n=1) to SMM (n=4) to MM (n=49), were assessed at different time points, with 7 patients being assessed once, 41 were assessed twice, 5 were assessed 3 times, while 1 patient was assessed 4 times. Mean age at the time of first assessment was 66, ranging from 45 to 84. Mean δ44/42Ca was statistically lower in the active disease group as compared to the non-active group (-0.7536 vs -0.6564, p=0.0466). In a statistically significant repeated measurement logistic regression model (p= 0.0239), δ44/42Ca is associated with active disease (OR=0. 054, p=0.031, 95% CI=0.004-0.765) after adjusting for age, gender, presence of anemia, serum creatinine, free light chain ratio, current bisphosphonate and current anti-myeloma therapy. A lower δ44/42Ca in the active disease group might suggest a link between a more intense level of bone resorption and myeloma activity. Ca isotopic composition can become part of the clinician’s arsenal to determine disease status in a patient with MM. In order to further characterize δ44/42Ca to specifically infer myeloma-induced bone disease activity, further studies that include serum biomarkers and dynamic imaging should be performed. Disclosures: Gordon: Arizona State University: “Application of Ca isotope analysis to the early detection of metastatic cancer” (AzTE reference number M13-117) Patents & Royalties; Arizona State University: “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L), “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L) Patents & Royalties. Skulan:AZTE: “Application of Ca isotope analysis to the early detection of metastatic cancer” (AzTE reference number M13-117) Patents & Royalties; AZTE: “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L), “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L) Patents & Royalties. Anbar:Arizona State University: “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L), “Isotopic biomarkers for rapid assessment of bone mineral balance in biomedical applications” (US Application #PCT/US2011/039780; AzTE reference number M10-102L) Patents & Royalties; Arizona State University: “Application of Ca isotope analysis to the early detection of metastatic cancer” (AzTE reference number M13-117) Patents & Royalties. Fonseca:AMGEN: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Binding Site: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Lilly: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Medtronic: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Cylene: Research Funding; Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of the disease: Patents & Royalties.

Abstract MDS with chromosome 5q deletion [del(5q)] is uniquely sensitive to clonal suppression by lenalidomide (LEN), yielding high rates of cytogenetic and erythroid response. Although haploinsufficiency for a candidate tumor suppressor gene within the common deleted segment (CDS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of del(5q) MDS, no specific gene products account for the karyotype-dependent LEN sensitivity. Using primary AML cells, we showed that LEN is selectively cytotoxic to del(5q) cells, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2 > G1 junctures and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent fashion. Now we show that the CDS-encoded Cdc25C and PP2A phosphatases (PPTs) serve as molecular targets for LEN. Cdc25C and PP2A are dual specificity PPTs that regulate cell cycle. The genes encoding the catalytic subunit alpha (PP2ACa), the dominant catalytic isoform, and the regulatory subunit B (beta isoform PR 52) of the PP2A holoenzyme reside within the del(5q) CDS. Real-time RT-PCR showed that Cdc25C and PP2ACa gene expression is significantly reduced in primary del(5q) AML and MDS BM-MNC compared to non-del5q and normal controls. A Cdc25C FISH probe confirmed presence of only a single allele in del(5q) specimens [n=5] vs. normal karyotype [n=5] with no overlap with the EGR1 locus. We found that LEN inhibited rHu-Cdc25C activity with IC90 inhibitory concentrations ≤10nM. Similarly, PP2A PPT activity was inhibited by LEN in enzyme immunoprecipitates from Ramos cells at sub-micromolar concentrations. In U937 cells, we confirmed intracellular Cdc25C and PP2A inhibition, showing concentration-dependent retention of the inhibitory p-Tyr15 -Cdc2 substrates for Cdc25C with corresponding phosphorylation of the PP2A substrate Ser216 Cdc25C, findings reproduced by treatment with the PP2A selective antagonist, fostreicin. Cdc25C immunoprecipitation showed that phosphorylation of Ser216 Cdc25C increased binding to the 14-3-3 protein with consequent cytoplasmic sequestration confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Phosphorylation of histone H2A.X Ser139 was unchanged after LEN treatment, indicating that phosphorylation of the inhibitory Cdc25C serine does not arise from upstream DNA damage activated kinases. Importantly, siRNA suppression of Cdc25C gene expression in U937 cells promoted LEN-specific apoptosis in 45% of cells, which increased to 68% after fostreicin inhibition of PP2A. These data indicate that haplodeficiency for the Cdc25C and PP2ACa genes promotes selective sensitivity of del(5q) cells to LEN-induced apoptosis. Haplodeficiency of critical drug-able targets may represent a novel strategy for tumor selective therapy.

Abstract Background: Patients diagnosed with cancer experience a significant influx of health care information while continuing to demonstrate understanding deficit regarding their disease and health. This knowledge deficit can negatively impact a patient’s acute and long term health care experience. By identifying patient information deficits and needs, health care providers may be better able to provide targeted education to patients and families. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a patient centered cancer symposium on knowledge level, reported symptom burden, and desired information from a broad population of cancer patients. Methods: Surveys were distributed to the attendees of the third annual Mayo Clinic “Living with Cancer” patient symposium in January 2014. While 700 individuals registered for the event, only individuals with a past or present cancer diagnosis were asked to participate. Surveys included demographic data in addition to a questionnaire evaluating disease comprehension, symptom burden, desired information and desired role in the health care decision making process. Results: 75 patients completed the pre-intervention and post-intervention survey. There were slightly more female participants (60.2%). Disease types included 40% hematologic malignancies, 27% breast cancer, 20% prostate cancer and 13% other. The majority of patients were greater than 3 years from cancer diagnosis (62%). Baseline Patient Understanding: Most respondents reported understanding their disease quite a bit (54%) or very much (30%). Respondents reported the majority of their knowledge regarding their disease came from their oncologist (56%), oncology nurse (24%), previous symposiums (22%), or the internet (15%). Most respondents reported “quite a bit” or greater comprehension of screening tests (75%), monitoring disease response to treatment (70%), monitoring disease recurrence (70%), treatment options (67%) and treatment side effects (73%). There was no consensus among participants regarding understanding or limiting risk factors, symptoms associated with disease relapse, fatigue and pain management, navigating the health care system, financial considerations, or confidence in their primary care physician’s involvement in their cancer or post-cancer care. A large proportion of attendees reported “quite a bit” or greater desire for increased information/understanding regarding their disease (83%), risk factors (83%), nutrition (80%), screening tests (69%), and management of fatigue (69%) and stress (68%). Knowledge Improvement Durable at 3 months: There was improvement in 18 of 20 areas of self-reported knowledge. This was noted in increased percentage of respondents reporting “quite a bit” or greater comprehension, especially in areas of disease risk factors(55%pre vs 63%post), disease side effects(55%pre vs 63%post), and health care navigation(53%pre vs 69%post). The reported desire for “quite a bit” or more increased understanding on various topics did decrease post symposium regarding their disease(87.9% pre vs 68.9%post), disease risk factors(86.3%pre vs 64.0%post), screening tests(74.7%pre vs 63.3%post), and nutrition(78.4%pre vs 64.9%post)(all p<0.05). There was no significant decrease in the desire for increased understanding managing stress and fatigue. Summary: Demonstrated in this study, individuals choosing to attend a patient-centered cancer symposium, seek to improve an already solid knowledge base. Study participants indicate a significant desire for increased information on all topics, even those with sufficient level of knowledge reported. This indicates that some cancer patients’ thirst for knowledge is difficult to quench, and may benefit from recurrent education opportunities. The improvement in almost all topics assessed indicates a patient centered symposium is an effective method to provide information to patients regarding the spectrum of cancer health management. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract We previously identified five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at four susceptibility loci for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in individuals of European ancestry through a large genome-wide association study (GWAS). To further elucidate genetic susceptibility to DLBCL, we sought to validate two loci at 3q13.33 and 3p24.1 that were suggestive in the original GWAS with additional genotyping. In the meta-analysis (5662 cases and 9237 controls) of the four original GWAS discovery scans and three replication studies, the 3q13.33 locus (rs9831894; minor allele frequency [MAF] = 0.40) was associated with DLBCL risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, P = 3.62 × 10−13]. rs9831894 is in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with additional variants that are part of a super-enhancer that physically interacts with promoters of CD86 and ILDR1. In the meta-analysis (5510 cases and 12 817 controls) of the four GWAS discovery scans and four replication studies, the 3p24.1 locus (rs6773363; MAF = 0.45) was also associated with DLBCL risk (OR = 1.20, P = 2.31 × 10−12). This SNP is 29 426-bp upstream of the nearest gene EOMES and in LD with additional SNPs that are part of a highly lineage-specific and tumor-acquired super-enhancer that shows long-range interaction with AZI2 promoter. These loci provide additional evidence for the role of immune function in the etiology of DLBCL, the most common lymphoma subtype.

AbstractEpidemiologic studies show an increased risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in patients with autoimmune disease (AD), due to a combination of shared environmental factors and/or genetic factors, or a causative cascade: chronic inflammation/antigen‐stimulation in one disease leads to another. Here we assess shared genetic risk in genome‐wide‐association‐studies (GWAS).Secondary analysis of GWAS of NHL subtypes (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma) and ADs (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis). Shared genetic risk was assessed by (a) description of regional genetic of overlap, (b) polygenic risk score (PRS), (c)"diseasome", (d)meta‐analysis.Descriptive analysis revealed few shared genetic factors between each AD and each NHL subtype. The PRS of ADs were not increased in NHL patients (nor vice versa). In the diseasome, NHLs shared more genetic etiology with ADs than solid cancers (p = .0041). A meta‐analysis (combing AD with NHL) implicated genes of apoptosis and telomere length.This GWAS‐based analysis four NHL subtypes and three ADs revealed few weakly‐associated shared loci, explaining little total risk. This suggests common genetic variation, as assessed by GWAS in these sample sizes, may not be the primary explanation for the link between these ADs and NHLs.

Despite the accepted notion that granulocytes play a universally destructive role in organ and tissue grafts, it has been recently described that eosinophils can facilitate immunosuppression-mediated acceptance of murine lung allografts. The mechanism of eosinophil-mediated tolerance, or their role in regulating alloimmune responses in the absence of immunosuppression, remains unknown. Using lung transplants in a fully MHC-mismatched BALB/c (H2 d ) to C57BL/6 (H2 b ) strain combination, we demonstrate that eosinophils downregulate T cell–mediated immune responses and play a tolerogenic role even in the absence of immunosuppression. We further show that such downregulation depends on PD-L1/PD-1–mediated synapse formation between eosinophils and T cells. We also demonstrate that eosinophils suppress T lymphocyte responses through the inhibition of T cell receptor/CD3 (TCR/CD3) subunit association and signal transduction in an inducible NOS–dependent manner. Increasing local eosinophil concentration, through administration of intratracheal eotaxin and IL-5, can ameliorate alloimmune responses in the lung allograft. Thus, our data indicate that eosinophil mobilization may be utilized as a novel means of lung allograft–specific immunosuppression.

Marrow adipocytes reprogrammed by myeloma cells induce bone lesions.

e21004 Background: Pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) and combination ipilimumab + nivolumab (IPI+NIVO) are FDA-approved immunotherapies for advanced melanoma (AM). HRQoL was better maintained with PEMBRO vs IPI in KEYNOTE-006. CheckMate-067 reported no clinically meaningful HRQoL differences with IPI+NIVO vs IPI. As randomized trial data are lacking, we compared HRQoL outcomes in AM between PEMBRO and IPI+NIVO in real-world clinical settings. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted with sponsor blinded to sites, and sites blinded to sponsor; nine oncologists from 9 US academic centers and affiliated satellite clinics enrolled AM patients (pts) age ≥18 years initiating first-line PEMBRO or IPI+NIVO between June 2017 – March 2018. The European Organization for the Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and EQ-5D-5L were administered at baseline and weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24 following therapy. Least squared (LS) mean changes in HRQoL scores from baseline were compared using mixed-effects models for repeated measures, adjusting for baseline covariates. Results: A total of 225 PEMBRO and 187 IPI+NIVO pts were enrolled, with > 95% questionnaire completion rates through week 24. At baseline, PEMBRO pts were more likely > age 65 (49% vs 37%, p = .011), stage IV disease (92% vs 85%; p = .002), and higher comorbidity index (1.0 vs 0.6; p < .001) compared with IPI+NIVO pts. Adjusted EORTC global health status/quality of life (GHS) LS mean changes from baseline showed greater improvement with PEMBRO vs. IPI+NIVO at 12, 18 and 24 weeks. At week 24, PEMBRO pts achieved a 3.3-point improvement (95% CI = 0.8, 5.7) and IPI+NIVO pts had no significant change (1.0, 95% CI = -1.6, 3.5), with a LS mean difference of 2.3 points (p = .037; 95% CI = 0.14, 4.51). At week 24, the EQ-5D visual analogue scale increased 1.0 (95% CI, -1.2, 3.2) for PEMBRO vs IPI+NIVO which decreased 0.9 (95% CI = -3.2, 1.3), with a statistically significant LS mean difference of 2.0 (95% CI = 0.4, 3.9; p = .045). Conclusions: Results from 2 measures suggest HRQoL was maintained vs. baseline in both PEMBRO and IPI+NIVO pts, with a significant between-group difference favoring PEMBRO in GHS over 24 weeks.