Citations

AbstractPrimary systemic amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell dyscrasia resulting in multisystem failure and death. High-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) has been associated with higher response rates and seemingly higher overall survival than standard chemotherapy. Selection bias, however, confounds interpretation of these results. We performed a case-match-control study comparing overall survival of 63 AL patients undergoing transplantation with 63 patients not undergoing transplantation. Matching criteria included age, sex, time to presentation, left ventricular ejection fraction, serum creatinine, septal thickness, nerve involvement, 24-hour urine protein, and serum alkaline phosphatase. According to design, there was no difference between the groups with respect to sex (57% males), age (median, 53 years), left ventricular ejection fraction (65%), number of patients with peripheral nerve involvement (17%), cardiac interventricular septal wall thickness (12 mm), serum creatinine (1.1 mg/dL [97.24 μmol/L]), and bone marrow plasmacytosis (8%). Sixty-six patients have died (16 cases and 50 controls). For PBSCT and control groups, respectively, the 1-, 2-, and 4-year overall survival rates are 89% and 71%; 81% and 55%; and 71% and 41%. Outside a randomized clinical trial, these results present the strongest data supporting the role of PBSCT in selected patients with AL.

AbstractGenetic heterogeneity between individuals confounds the comparison of gene profiling of multiple myeloma (MM) cells versus normal plasma cells (PCs). To overcome this barrier, we compared the gene expression profile of CD138+ MM cells from a patient bone marrow (BM) sample with CD138+ PCs from a genetically identical twin BM sample using microarray profiling. Two hundred and ninety-six genes were up-regulated and 103 genes were down-regulated at least 2-fold in MM cells versus normal twin PCs. Highly expressed genes in MM cells included cell survival pathway genes such as mcl-1, dad-1, caspase 8, and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (FLIP); oncogenes/transcriptional factors such as Jun-D, Xbp-1, calmodulin, Calnexin, and FGFR-3; stress response and ubiquitin/proteasome pathway–related genes and various ribosomal genes reflecting increased metabolic and translational activity. Genes that were down-regulated in MM cells versus healthy twin PCs included RAD51, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor protein, and apoptotic protease activating factor. Microarray results were further confirmed by Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and functional assays of telomerase activity and bone marrow angiogenesis. This molecular profiling provides potential insights into mechanisms of malignant transformation in MM. For example, FGFR3, xbp-1, and both mcl-1 and dad-1 may mediate transformation, differentiation, and survival, respectively, and may have clinical implications. By identifying genes uniquely altered in MM cells compared with normal PCs in an identical genotypic background, the current study provides the framework to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Abstract Aneuploid is ubiquitous in multiple myeloma (MM), and 4 cytogenetic subcategories are recognized: hypodiploid (associated with a shorter survival), pseudodiploid, hyperdiploid, and near-tetraploid MM. The hypodiploid, pseudodiploid, and near-tetraploid karyotypes can be referred to as the nonhyperdiploid MM. Immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) translocations are seen in 60% of patients. We studied the relation between aneuploidy and IgH translocations in MM. Eighty patients with MM and abnormal metaphases were studied by means of interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect IgH translocations. We also studied a second cohort of 199 patients (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG]) for IgH translocations, chromosome 13 monosomy/deletions (Δ13), and ploidy by DNA content. Mayo Clinic patients with abnormal karyotypes and FISH-detected IgH translocation were more likely to be nonhyperdiploid (89% versus 39%, P < .0001). Remarkably, 88% of tested patients with hypodiploidy (16 of 18) and 90% of tested patients with tetraploidy (9 of 10) had an IgH translocation. ECOG patients with IgH translocations were more likely to have nonhyperdiploid MM by DNA content (68% versus 21%, P < .001). This association was seen predominantly in patients with recurrent chromosome partners to the IgH translocation (11q13, 4p16, and 16q23). The classification of MM into hyperdiploidy and nonhyperdiploidy is dictated largely by the recurrent (primary) IgH translocations in the latter. (Blood. 2003;102:2562-2567)

Abstract Nonrandom recurrent chromosomal abnormalities are ubiquitous in multiple myeloma (MM) and include, among others, translocations of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IgH). IgH translocations in MM result in the up-regulation of oncogenes, and include more commonly t(11;14)(q13;q32), t(4;14)(p16;q32), and t(14;16)(q32;q23). Based on the recurrent nature of these translocations and their finding since the early stages of the plasma cell (PC) disorders, we hypothesized that they would confer biologic and clinical variability. In addition, deletions of 13q14 and 17p13 have also been associated with a shortened survival. We used cytoplasmic Ig—enhanced interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect deletions (13q14 and 17p13.1), and translocations involving IgH in 351 patients treated with conventional chemotherapy entered into the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group clinical trial E9486/9487. Translocations were frequently unbalanced with loss of one of the derivative chromosomes. The presence of t(4; 14)(p16;q32) (n = 42; 26 vs 45 months, P < .001), t(14;16)(q32;q23) (n = 15; 16 vs 41 months, P = .003), – 17p13 (n = 37; 23 vs 44 months, P = .005), and – 13q14 (n = 176; 35 vs 51 months, P = .028) were associated with shorter survival. A stratification of patients into 3 distinct categories allowed for prognostication: poor prognosis group (t(4;14)(p16;q32), t(14; 16)(q32;q23), and – 17p13), intermediate prognosis (– 13q14), and good prognosis group (all others), with median survivals of 24.7, 42.3, and 50.5 months, respectively (P < .001). This molecular cytogenetic classification identifies patients into poor, intermediate, and good risk categories. More importantly it provides further compelling evidence that MM is composed of subgroups of patients categorized according to their underlying genomic aberrations.

AbstractLight chain–associated amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell dyscrasia in which the secreted monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains form amyloid fibrils. There is considerable heterogeneity in clinical presentation, and prognosis of the disease relates to the severity of organ dysfunction induced by amyloid deposits. The mechanisms by which the amyloid fibrils are deposited as well as the predilection for specific organ sites have not been clearly elucidated. This study characterizes the repertoire of immunoglobulin light chain variable genes used by the clonal B cell in AL amyloid patients, and the association of light chain variable region (VL) genes with clinical presentation and outcome is assessed in 58 (32 λ and 26 κ) patients. A preferential use of VL germ-line genes was noted for both AL κ and λ patients. There was a significant correlation between the use of the Vλ VI germ-line donor, 6a, and renal involvement as well as the Vλ III gene, 3r, with soft-tissue AL. The use of a biased VL gene repertoire also correlated with clinical outcome, revealing important trends for predicting prognosis. The use of Vλ II germ-line genes was associated with cardiac amyloidosis and affected survival adversely. The presence of multiple myeloma also correlated with a poor prognosis. The presence of renal disease, on the other hand, was associated with improved survival. Therefore, identification of the clonal VL gene in AL has important implications in determining clinical outcome.

The POEMS syndrome (coined to refer to polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes) remains poorly understood. Ambiguity exists over the features necessary to establish the diagnosis, treatment efficacy, and prognosis. We identified 99 patients with POEMS syndrome. Minimal criteria were a sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy and evidence of a monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder. To distinguish POEMS from neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, additional criteria were included: a bone lesion, Castleman disease, organomegaly (or lymphadenopathy), endocrinopathy, edema (peripheral edema, ascites, or effusions), and skin changes. The median age at presentation was 51 years; 63% were men. Median survival was 165 months. With the exception of fingernail clubbing (P = .03) and extravascular volume overload (P = .04), no presenting feature, including the number of presenting features, was predictive of survival. Response to therapy (P < .001) was predictive of survival. Pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, thrombotic events, and congestive heart failure were observed and appear to be part of the syndrome. In 18 patients (18%), new disease manifestations developed over time. More than 50% of patients had a response to radiation, and 22% to 50% had responses to prednisone and a combination of melphalan and prednisone, respectively. We conclude that the median survival of patients with POEMS syndrome is 165 months, independent of the number of syndrome features, bone lesions, or plasma cells at diagnosis. Additional features of the syndrome often develop, but the complications of classic multiple myeloma rarely develop.

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the biology of multiple myeloma (MM) and has prognostic importance in this disease. Solitary plasmacytoma is a localized plasma cell malignancy that progresses to MM in a significant number of patients. We examined if angiogenesis is increased in solitary plasmacytoma and if it can help identify patients likely to progress to myeloma. We studied angiogenesis in plasmacytoma biopsy samples and bone marrow biopsies from 25 patients. High-grade angiogenesis was present in 64% of plasmacytomas. In contrast, bone marrow angiogenesis was low in all patients. Patients with high-grade angiogenesis in the plasmacytoma sample were more likely to progress to myeloma and had a shorter progression-free survival compared with patients with low-grade angiogenesis (P = .02). Angiogenesis is increased in solitary plasmacytoma and is a significant predictor of progression to myeloma and provides further evidence of its importance in the pathogenesis of myeloma.

Abstract This study examined the prognostic value of circulating peripheral blood plasma cells (PBPCs) in patients with primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). A sensitive slide-based immunofluorescence technique was used to assess 147 patients for circulating PBPCs. Circulating monoclonal plasma cells were quantified as a percentage of circulating cytoplasmic immunoglobulin-positive cells (PBPC%). The absolute circulating plasma cell count was also determined. When analyzed retrospectively, 24 (16%) of 147 patients were found to have detectable circulating PBPCs. Overall survival for patients with high PBPC%'s (> 1%) was poorer (median survival, 10 vs 29 months;P = .002). Similarly, overall survival for patients with high PBPC counts (> 0.5 × 106/L) was significantly poorer (median, 13 vs 31 months;P = .003). Increased percentages of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC%; P = .0004), increased levels of serum β2-microglobulin (P = .04), and dominant cardiac amyloid involvement (P = .03) also predicted poorer survival. The combined consideration of circulating PBPCs and BMPC% identified low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups with median survivals of 37.5, 15.5, and 10 months, respectively (P = .0003). Multivariate analysis revealed circulating PBPCs and BMPC% to be independent prognostic factors for survival. Patients with PBPC%'s of 2% or higher were significantly more likely to have a coexisting clinical diagnosis of multiple myeloma (50% vs 12%, P = .008). The prognostic value of circulating PBPCs may help select treatment for patients with AL.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells and is characterized by increased marrow angiogenesis. Thalidomide, an agent with antiangiogenic properties, is effective in relapsed myeloma. We report the results of a study combining thalidomide and dexamethasone as initial therapy for myeloma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with newly diagnosed myeloma were studied. Thalidomide was given at a dose of 200 mg/d orally. Dexamethasone was given at a dose of 40 mg/d orally on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 (odd cycles) and 40 mg/d on days 1 to 4 (even cycles), repeated monthly. RESULTS: Of all 50 patients, a confirmed response was seen in 32 patients yielding a response rate of 64% (95% confidence interval, 49% to 77%). Thirty-one patients (62%) proceeded to stem-cell collection after four cycles of therapy including 26 who underwent stem-cell transplantation and five who chose stem-cell cryopreservation. Major grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed in 16 patients (32%), and the most frequent were deep vein thrombosis (six patients), constipation (four patients), rash (three patients), and dyspnea (two patients). Three deaths occurred during active therapy because of a pancreatitis, pulmonary embolism, and infection. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the combination of thalidomide plus dexamethasone is a feasible and active regimen in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It merits further study as an oral alternative to infusional chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone and other intravenous regimens currently used as pretransplantation induction therapy for myeloma.