Citations

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdvances in fibril typing by mass spectrometry have improved the accuracy of amyloidosis diagnosis. Dual amyloidogenic proteins have been reported in deposits in sole and multiple different organs.MethodsFive patients with dual amyloidoses were diagnosed between 1995 and 2022 by Congo red staining and fibril typing using the best available methods at the time of evaluation. Sequencing of TTR and GSN genes was performed. Literature search identified 46 additional cases.ResultsThree patients exhibited Waldenström macroglobulinemia‐associated AL (n = 3) amyloidoses in conjunction with ATTRwt or AGel amyloidosis; two patients featured AL/ATTRwt and AA/ATTRwt amyloidoses. One patient demonstrated dual amyloidoses within one anatomical site; three patients featured two amyloidosis types at different anatomical sites; and one patient had dual amyloid deposits in a single anatomical site along with different sites. The time interval between diagnoses was 0–288 months, with the heart and kidneys being the most affected organs.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the complexity of clinical presentation in amyloidosis, as multiple amyloid types can co‐exist in a single individual and affect various anatomical sites. Accurate assessment of the clinical phenotype and thorough amyloid fibril typing from the target organs are essential for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00898235

Abstract Intracellular protein transport (ICT) is a tightly regulated process that orchestrates protein localization and expression, ensuring proper cellular function. Dysregulated ICT can lead to aberrant expression of surface proteins involved in cell-cell communication, adhesion, and immune responses, contributing to disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) enables the simultaneous measurement of mRNA and surface protein levels in the same cell, providing a powerful opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying surface protein regulation. In this study, we introduce a novel computational frame for Modeling Protein Expression and Transport (MPET) that evaluates the contribution of ICT activity to differential surface protein expression using CITE-seq data. MPET comprises three modules for identification of ICT– surface protein regulatory circuits across biological scales and their contributions to phenotypic variation. We applied MPET to analyze single-cell data from COVID-19 patients with varying disease severity. Our analysis revealed context-dependent recruitment of ICT genes and pervasive rewiring of ICT pathways throughout the course of disease progression. Notably, we found that even when the transcriptional levels of key immune response proteins remained stable, their expression on cell surface were significantly altered due to dysregulated ICT. MPET provides a valuable new tool for dissecting complex regulatory networks and offers mechanistic insight into post-transcriptional regulation of cell surface proteins in diseases.

ABSTRACTThe optimal conditioning schedule and CD34+ cell dose for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for AL amyloidosis is unknown. Patients (n = 1704) who underwent ASCT for AL amyloidosis between 2003 and 2020 in 9 centers were included. Data on melphalan conditioning dose, number of conditioning days, whether a rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion was given or not, and infused CD34+ cell dose were collected. Full‐dose melphalan (≥ 180 mg/m2) was administered in 63.7% of the patients, and 80.4% had melphalan split into 2‐day conditioning. A rest day (day −1) between the conditioning regimen and stem cell infusion was provided in 52.5% of patients. The median infused CD34+ cell count was 4.7 × 106/kg. An infused CD34+ cell count ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg was associated with a shorter time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment. In a nominal regression analysis, full‐dose melphalan, 1‐day melphalan conditioning, and omitting a rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion were independent predictors of post‐ASCT higher deep hematological response. The median follow‐up was 8.6 years, and 38% of patients died. Independent predictors of superior overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis included full‐dose melphalan, having no rest day, and infused CD34+ cells ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg. Independent predictors of higher day‐100 transplant‐related mortality (TRM) in nominal logistic regression analysis included poorer performance status, NT‐proBNP/BNP ≥ 1800/400 pg/mL, serum albumin < 2.5 g/dL, CD34+ cells < 4.5 × 106/kg, and not having a rest day. In conclusion, 1 day of melphalan conditioning and administration of CD34+ cells ≥ 4.5 × 106/kg are recommended for ASCT in AL amyloidosis.

Abstract Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) that can be remediated using remotely delivered interventions. The 12-week telerehabilitation physical activity behavioral (TPAB) intervention includes receipt of a wearable sensor and weekly discussions about physical activity self-monitoring, goal setting, facilitators, and barriers. TPAB has been shown to be feasible and efficacious in increasing daily steps in older adults. However, evidence is lacking for TPAB’s use for people with MCI and using a dyadic approach (i.e., with their care partners). Results from the first phase of our study include descriptive information from two dyads about (1) dyad member interaction with the wearable sensor (i.e., how knowing the current daily step count impacted activity), (2) how dyad members helped each other overcome individual or shared barriers to daily stepping and (3) how dyad members planned activities together to achieve high daily average stepping. This project quantitatively identified (1) the highest stepping day each week was the same for both dyad members 46% of the time (2) the frequency of both dyad members meeting individual weekly stepping goals was 81% compared to just one dyad member or no dyad member reaching the weekly step goal. This project revealed barriers using wearable sensor technology (i.e., not looking at or wearing the wearable sensor). Our discussion will focus on how to enhance meaningful interaction with technology in dyads to track daily stepping that can be applied to improve behavioral change in people with MCI and care partners.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in AL amyloidosis effectively produces a high overall hematological response rate, complete response rate, and durable remissions. However, it is a high-dose chemotherapy-based therapy with high morbidity which can be offered only to a subset of AL amyloidosis patients who are considered fit for this therapy. Transplant-related mortality (TRM) in AL amyloidosis has decreased over the past three decades due to improvement in patient selection. New therapeutic options question the utilization of ASCT. A model to predict TRM can improve the decision-making process, patient selection and further reduce TRM. AL amyloidosis patients (n=1718) from 9 centers globally, transplanted in the years 2003-2020 were included. Pre-ASCT variables of interest were assessed for association with Day-100 all-cause mortality, including age at ASCT (≥ 60 years), sex, light chain isotype, ECOG performance status (ECOG PS; 0, 1 and 2/3), the difference between involved and uninvolved light chains (dFLC; ≥180 mg/L), N-terminal prohormone of B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; ≥1800 pg/mL) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; ≥400 pg/mL), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF, &lt;50%), interventricular septum (&gt;16 mm), corrected diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (cDLCO; ≤65% of predicted), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; ≤65% of predicted), serum albumin (&lt;2.5 g/dL), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; &lt;30 mL/min/m2), alkaline phosphatase (&gt;X2 upper limit of normal), and systolic blood pressure (&lt;100 mmHg). Troponins could not be included in our modeling given the multitude of assays used across institutions and periods that could not be reconciled. A random forest (RF) classifier with 10-fold cross-validation was used to assist in variable selection. The final model variables were selected based on statistical performance and clinical relevance. The model was fitted using logistic regression. The median age at ASCT was 58, and 40% of patients were women. The most frequently involved organs were the kidneys (69%) and the heart (52%). Mayo 2004 stages I and II were collectively present in 83% of patients. Day-100 TRM occurred in 75 patients (4.4%) with the 3 main causes being shock (n=27), cardiac arrhythmia (n=26), and organ failure (n=22). Age at ASCT, sex, and light chain isotype were not predictors of Day-100 TRM. Across the other pre-ASCT variables, adverse features were present from 6.9% (LVEF &lt;50%) to 25.8% (dFLC ≥180 mg/L) of patients. Ten factors were associated with Day-100 TRM on univariate analysis. The odds ratio of these variables ranged from 1.6 to 10.2. RF classifier using all these variables identified a model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72±0.12. Using the importance hierarchy function to refine the model selection, a 4-variable model [NT-proBNP/BNP ≥1800/400 pg/mL, serum albumin &lt;2.5 g/dL, ECOG PS 1 or 2/3, and systolic blood pressure &lt;100 mmHg] was built with an AUC of 0.70±0.12. Based on logistic regression coefficients, ECOG PS 2/3 was assigned two points, while other adverse predictors were assigned 1-point each (model score range 0-5). We then applied the model scoring to our study population. Score distribution was as follows: 0 (n=431, 25.1% of patients), 1 (n=688,40.1%), 2 (n=413, 24.0%), and 3 and above (n=186, 10.8%). Day-100 TRM rates were 0.46%, 3.2%, 5.8%, and 14.5% for 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 points, respectively. The respective rates for the years 2003-2011 were 1.1%, 3.3%, 6.4%, and 19.2%, while for the years 2012-2020 0%, 3.1%, 5.2%, and 8.4%. We developed a simple clinical tool to predict the Day-100 TRM risk in AL patients undergoing ASCT. This tool will allow more informed decision making weighing the individual benefits and risks of ASCT compared to other therapies.

Background: Isatuximab is an IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to CD38 expressed on plasma cells in light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Anti-CD38 antibodies have shown efficacy alone and in combination in a variety of settings for patients with multiple myeloma and light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Here we report the final analysis of a multi-center, cooperative group prospective phase II study of isatuximab in previously treated patients with AL amyloidosis (NCT03499808). Methods: Eligibility included: age ≥18 years, relapsed or refractory systemic AL amyloidosis, ≥1 prior line of therapy, measurable disease, ≥1 organ involved, not refractory to daratumumab, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, creatinine clearance ≥25 mL/min, and NT-proBNP ≤8500 pg/mL. Patients received isatuximab intravenously 20 mg/kg weekly during the first 28-day cycle and every other week during cycles 2 through 24 for a maximum of 24 cycles. The primary objective was hematologic response with secondary objectives of organ response, safety, progression free survival, and overall survival. Results: Forty-three patients were registered, with 35 patients being eligible for response. The median age of the evaluable patients was 70 years (range, 40.1-79.5) with the majority (66%, n=23) having a lambda clonal plasma cell dyscrasia. The most common cytogenetic abnormality using fluorescence in situ hybridization was translocation t(11;14) observed in ten patients (29%). The most common prior treatment was a proteasome inhibitor (94%, n=33) while 46% (n=16) had undergone autologous stem cell transplant. Eighteen patients (51%) had single organ involvement while 17 (49%) had multiple organs involved. The distribution of organ involvement was typical for AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement in 25 patients (71%) and renal involvement in 14 (40%). As of December 30, 2022, no new safety concerns were identified. The most common treatment related grade ≥3 adverse events included lymphopenia (n=3, 8.5%) and infection (n=2, 6%). The overall hematologic response rate was 77.1% with a rapid median time to partial response or better of 1.1 months. Two patients (6%) achieved a hematological complete response (CR), 18 (51%) had a very good partial response (VGPR), and 7 (20%) had a partial response (PR). At 24 months from hematologic response, the rate of patients still in response was estimated at 81% (95% confidence interval (CI): 67, 96). The 24-month estimated overall survival was 85% (95% CI: 73%, 97%). Renal response occurred in 50% (7/14) of patients with renal involvement with a median time to response of 18.5 months. Cardiac response occurred in 56% (14/25) of patients with cardiac involvement with a median time to response of 16.6 months. Conclusions: Isatuximab monotherapy resulted in high rates of hematologic response in relapsed AL amyloidosis which translated into organ responses. Treatment appears safe and was well tolerated. Support: NIH/NCI/NCTN grant awards U10CA180888, U10CA180819, CA180820, and CA180821; and in part by Sanofi-Aventis (Sanofi US)