Citations 563

Association between clonal plasma cell S-phase after autologous stem cell transplantation and survival outcomes in multiple myeloma.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.e19564

e19564 Background: Risk stratification in multiple myeloma (MM) relies on baseline staging systems and cytogenetic abnormalities, yet early relapse occurs in a subset of patients despite favorable risk features. Prior studies showed that clonal plasma cell S-phase assessed by flow cytometry using the plasma cell proliferation (PCPRO) assay at diagnosis and at autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) identifies biologically high-risk disease. The prognostic significance of clonal plasma cell S-phase following ASCT has not been well defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed MM patients who underwent ASCT within one year of diagnosis between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2024. Patients without available post-ASCT clonal plasma cell S-phase assessment were excluded, yielding 150 evaluable patients. The proportion of clonal plasma cells in S-phase was determined by DNA content between G0/G1 and G2/M peaks and reported as a percentage. S-phase was assessed at the first post-ASCT marrow evaluation at day +60 (D45–75) and/or day +100 (D76–130), using the earlier assessment when both were available. Patients were classified as low (<2%) or high (≥2%) post-ASCT S-phase. Landmark progression-free survival (PFS) analyses were performed from the post-transplant assessment. Multivariable Cox models adjusted for cytogenetic risk, maintenance therapy, disease response at transplantation, International Staging System (ISS), and age. Results: Among 150 evaluable patients, 36 (24%) had high post-ASCT S-phase (≥2%) and 114 (76%) had low post-ASCT S-phase (<2%). Median age at ASCT was higher in the high S-phase group (64.5 vs 61.0 years; p=0.063), and advanced ISS stage (II/III) was more frequent (78% vs 57%; p=0.02). Cytogenetic risk, induction regimen, depth of response at transplantation, and maintenance therapy were similar between groups. Patients with high post-ASCT S-phase had significantly inferior PFS compared with those with low S-phase (median 17.0 vs 39.7 months; p=0.0003). On multivariable analysis, post-ASCT S-phase ≥2% remained independently associated with inferior PFS (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.00–3.09; p=0.049). In an exploratory analysis among patients with paired S-phase assessments at the time of ASCT and post-ASCT, dynamic S-phase trajectories further stratified outcomes. Median PFS was longest in patients with persistently low S-phase (low→low; 39.7 months), intermediate in those converting from high to low S-phase (high→low; 27.2 months), and shortest in patients with newly emergent or persistently high post-ASCT S-phase (low→high: 15.0 months; high→high: 11.0 months) p=0.0019. Conclusions: Elevated proliferative activity of residual clonal plasma cells following ASCT identifies a biologically high-risk subset of MM patients with early relapse. Dynamic changes in post-ASCT S-phase further refine post-transplant risk stratification.
Efficacy and safety of iberdomide, daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7514-7514

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7514

7514 Background: Iberdomide (Iber) is a CELMoD that binds with greater specificity & affinity to the cereblon protein of the E3 ligase complex than a traditional IMiD. Both transplant-eligible (TE) & ineligible (TIE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) are currently treated with quadruplet induction, consisting of an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, an IMiD & dexamethasone (dex). We conducted a clinical trial (NCT05392946, IDEAL) to examine the efficacy of a novel finite-duration approach, using Iber, daratumumab, bortezomib & dex (Iber-DVd) quadruplet induction followed by Iber monotherapy maintenance. Methods: Both TE and TIE pts with NDMM were enrolled in this Phase 1 (3+3 design)/Phase 2 (single stage) trial. The primary goal was to assess the ≥complete response (CR) rate — utilizing the more sensitive serum MASS-FIX assay in lieu of serum immunofixation — during induction. Treatment involved twelve 28-day cycles of induction with Iber, given PO at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), days 1-21, daratumumab 1800mg SQ, weekly for 2 cycles, every other week during Cycles 3-6, & every 4 weeks thereafter, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m 2 SQ, weekly & dex 40 mg, weekly, followed by Iber monotherapy (24 cycles). Growth factor was not allowed during the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment period (Cycle 1). Results: Among 47 pts enrolled, 9 pts were in Phase 1 portion which assessed the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), with Iber starting at 1 mg/day dose, days 1-21 [Dose Level (DL) 1]. DLT (all grade 4 neutropenia) was noted in 3 pts, 2 at DL 1 & 1 at DL -1. This analysis includes 44 pts who received Iber at the RP2D (0.75 mg/day, days 1-21), including 6 pts from the Dose Confirmation Cohort (Phase 1, DL -1), dosed at MTD, & 38 pts in the Dose Expansion Cohort. The median age at registration was 65 years (range 36-86 years), & 23 pts (52.3%) were deemed high-risk. At data cut-off, pts had received a median of 15 cycles (range 3-36) of therapy. Overall response rate was 100%; ≥CR rate, 36.4% (95% CI: 22.4, 52.2) during induction & 52.3% (95% CI: 36.7, 67.5), overall, including the maintenance phase. The marrow flow-based (10 -5 ) MRD negative rate was 29.5% during induction & 47.7% overall. At a median follow-up (FU) 18.3 mos, 2 pts have died (one during FU due to progressive disease & the other on-treatment due to COVID-19). 12- (& 18-) month progression-free survival & overall survival rates were 91% (88%) & 97% (94%), respectively. Most common toxicities at RP2D were lymphopenia, neutropenia (leading 27% of pts to require pegfilgrastim support), rash, peripheral neuropathy, diarrhea, & infections. Cases of high-grade fatigue were low (<5%). Updated data will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Iber-DVd is an active and safe regimen for both TE and TIE pts with NDMM, leading to high response rates which improved over time, with nearly one-half of the pts achieving MRD negative state. Clinical trial information: NCT05392946 .
Prediction of progression in MGUS using transformer-based survival time-series modeling.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7518-7518

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.7518

7518 Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is common, yet only a minority progress to malignant plasma-cell disorders. Mayo risk stratification uses baseline factors and is commonly implemented/validated in a Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) framework, which may miss prognostic longitudinal patterns. Methods: We assembled 15,158 MGUS patients with longitudinal laboratory data and progression outcomes (smoldering multiple myeloma, multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, or Waldenström macroglobulinemia). We compared a Mayo-factor Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) baseline versus STRaTS, a transformer-based survival model, to predict progression risk at 3-, 5-, and 10-year horizons. STRaTS leveraged longitudinal trajectories of routine labs including hemoglobin, platelets, differential counts (neutrophils/lymphocytes/monocytes), immunoglobulins (IgG/IgA/IgM), free light chains (kappa/lambda), M-spike, and creatinine. To minimize bias, we used laboratory results collected from 1–3 years after diagnosis and started follow-up at year 3; patients progressing before year 3 or lacking follow-up beyond year 3 were excluded. A total of 7,305 patients met eligibility and were split into train/validation/test cohorts of 4,383/1,461/1,461. Discrimination was assessed by concordance index (C-index). Clinical operating performance was evaluated on a held-out test cohort by comparing sensitivity and specificity at the same proportion of patients selected for intensified surveillance (same workload). Results: Among MGUS patients with complete baseline Mayo factors(N=3,388), Kaplan–Meier–estimated 3-/5-/10-year cumulative progression risk was 0.1/0.4/3.4% (Low), 3.0/4.3/7.9% (Low-Intermediate), 4.4/6.4/14.1% (High-Intermediate), and 8.9/12.5/16.9% (High). On a held-out test cohort, STRaTS demonstrated superior discrimination versus the Mayo-factor CoxPH (C-index 0.75 vs 0.538; p<0.0001). Both models were trained and evaluated on identical train/test splits. At the same surveillance workload, STRaTS achieved higher sensitivity with comparable specificity; when 40.3% of patients were selected for closer surveillance, 3-year sensitivity was 81.0% for STRaTS versus 47.6% for CoxPH (Table). Conclusions: Among MGUS patients who remain progression-free at 3 years, transformer-based survival modeling of longitudinal laboratory trajectories provides more accurate individualized conditional progression risk estimates and improved workload-matched identification of progressors compared with the conventional Mayo/Cox approach. Sensitivity/specificity (%). Operating Point Flagged % STRaTS Sens / Spec (%) CoxPH Sens / Spec (%) Int+High, 3y 40.3 81.0 / 58.5 47.6 / 58.9 Int+High, 5y 40.3 81.2 / 60.4 46.9 / 58.8 Int+High, 10y 40.3 25.0 / 56.3 23.8 / 58.7 Two-Group High (≥2 factors), 5y 5.6 37.4 / 93.4 35.4 / 93.1
Predictors of renal response in AL amyloidosis following anti‐plasma cell therapy: The impact of baseline serum free light chain levels and light chain isotype

British Journal of Haematology | May 11, 2026 | Volume: 209 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 149-159

10.1111/bjh.70542 | PMID 42108212

Summary Renal response (RenR) in light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is associated with a lower risk of end‐stage kidney disease and improved survival. However, substantial variation exists in the time to and depth of RenR. We investigated variables associated with RenR in a retrospective study of newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients ( n = 350) assessable for RenR between 2010 and 2022. RenRs were recorded at 6, 12 and 24 months and best response. Deep RenR was defined as a ≥renal very good partial response (RenVGPR, >60% reduction in 24‐h proteinuria or ≤200 mg). Logistic regression and competing risk methods were used to examine variables associated with RenR. The median age was 64 years, and median follow‐up was 5.5 years. On multivariable logistic regression, obtaining ≥HemVGPR within 6 months, kappa isotype, high baseline difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLC ≥40 mg/dL), renal stage and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) were significantly associated with deep RenR. Cumulative incidence rates for deep RenR, treating death or renal progression as a competing event, demonstrated that early HemR, first‐line AHSCT, lower renal stage and dFLC ≥40 mg/dL significantly increased the likelihood of deep RenR. Specific clonal plasma cell features, namely light‐chain isotype and baseline dFLC levels, independently influence the timing and depth of RenRs in AL amyloidosis following treatment, in addition to renal stage and HemR.
A multicenter study of progression risk and outcomes in solitary bone plasmacytoma with and without marrow involvement

Blood Advances | April 22, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 4286-4295

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025019136 | PMID 42018661

Abstract Solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and SBP with minimal marrow involvement (SBPmm) are treated similarly with definitive radiation therapy (RT) followed by observation. However, differences in the natural disease course after RT between the two, are not well described. We performed a multicenter study assessing outcomes after RT in 141 patients with SBP and 102 with SBPmm diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2024. About 92% of patients with SBPmm progressed to multiple myeloma (MM) vs 76% of those with SBP (P = .01). Among patients with SBP, 21% progressed with a second solitary bone lesion vs 4% with SBPmm (P&lt; .01). Patients with longer time to progression (TTP) after initial RT could achieve durable responses with RT to a second solitary plasmacytoma in the absence of other myeloma-defining events (MDE). Multifocal lytic bone lesions were the most common MDE, occurring in 89% and 81% of patients with SBPmm and SBP, respectively. Patients with SBPmm had a median TTP of 15 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-21) compared to 43 months (95% CI, 34-55) for those with SBP (P&lt; .0001); 67% with SBPmm progressed within 2 years of diagnosis. Del(17p) and 1q+ (gain or amplification) were associated with shorter TTP to MM in SBPmm, with 2-year progression rates of 100% and 82%, respectively. We report significant differences in risk and modes of progression between SBP and SBPmm. Patients with SBPmm are at particularly high risk for early progression to MM, with most developing bone disease as the MDE. These findings support prospective studies incorporating frontline systemic therapy for SBPmm.
Determinants of gastrointestinal disease burden and survival in systemic AL amyloidosis

Blood Advances | April 9, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 4009-4019

10.1182/bloodadvances.2026019722 | PMID 41954624

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is a clinically relevant but undercharacterized manifestation of systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL). We aimed to define the clinical spectrum, histologic patterns, and outcomes of symptomatic GI involvement in AL. We retrospectively analyzed 4396 patients with AL from 2010 to 2024, of whom 521 (11.9%) had provider-attributed symptomatic GI involvement; 66% had biopsy-proven GI AL. Symptoms most commonly included early satiety (61%), bowel irregularities (58%), nausea (35%), abdominal pain (28%), and dysphagia (23%). Autonomic neuropathy was frequent (43% clinician attributed; 23% via autonomic reflex testing) and contributed to dysmotility-related symptoms, often without GI biopsy positivity. Among 747 GI biopsies, mucosal infiltration predominated (71%) and was associated with bleeding (22% vs 9%), cachexia, and inferior survival, whereas vascular involvement was associated with lower bleeding risk. Combined involvement of mucosa, submucosa, and vessels conferred the worst prognosis (median overall survival [mOS], 2.4 vs 5.1 vs 7.8 years for 3 vs 2 vs 1 layer); mOS was 6.8 years and was primarily driven by cardiac stage and hematologic response (very good partial response [VGPR] or better: hazard ratio, 0.20; 95% CI 0.13-0.32), with more favorable outcomes in patients with isolated GI involvement. Cachexia and persistent diarrhea were the main drivers of morbidity, need for nutritional support, and GI-related mortality (odds ratio, 2.7 for the combined end point). GI bleeding rarely recurred after achieving VGPR or better. Overall, mucosal involvement, cachexia, and dysmotility define clinically meaningful GI AL and support systematic assessment of autonomic dysfunction as well as evaluation of the need for nutritional support as a GI-specific end point for AL trials.
Risk of AL Amyloidosis is Associated with Degree of Free Light Chain Elevation and Duration of Exposure

No container title available | April 8, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-9227260/v1 | PMID 41994108

Abstract Systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) arises from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains, but determinants of progression from precursor states remain poorly defined. In a cross-sectional cohort comprising 1950 systemic AL patients diagnosed 2010-2024, 258 (13.2%) patients with a previously diagnosed plasma cell disorder (PCD) were compared to patients with no prior PCD diagnosis. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined signficance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) in the former group had lower difference between involved and uninvolved FLCs (dFLC), higher M-protein, and lower rates of t(11;14) at AL diagnosis. Patients developing AL from SMM had a shorter time to AL (median 34.2 versus 61.3 months) and higher dFLC (median 28.9 versus 11.0 mg/dl) compared to those from MGUS. Patients developing AL after known multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) commonly lacked deep hematologic response before AL (≤ very good partial response in 78% of MM, 100% of LPL patients). We additionally studied longitudinally followed cohorts of 3,966 MGUS and 426 (SMM) patients with longitudinal FLC measurements and matched follow-up, in which 1.8% of MGUS and 7.2% of SMM patients developed AL. Those patients who developed AL showed markedly higher dFLC at MGUS/SMM diagnosis and more frequent λ restriction and rates of t(11;14). Higher dFLC was associated with progressively earlier AL development; a 10% cumulative risk occurred at 20 months for patients with a dFLC >80 mg/dL but was not reached if dFLC <10 mg/dL at an estimated median follow-up of 86 months. In multivariable analysis, dFLC >6.4 mg/dL (HR 11.3) and λ isotype (HR 3.6) independently predicted AL, whereas heavy chain secretion was associated with lower risk (HR 0.2 for IgG). These findings indicate that AL risk is primarily driven by cumulative light chain exposure, refining our knowledge of AL pathophysiology and providing guidance for follow-up of patients with elevated dFLC.
Biomarkers of Cellular Senescence and their Association with Frailty, Clinical Outcomes, and Survival in Multiple Myeloma

No container title available | March 19, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-8605152/v1 | PMID 41890848

Abstract Frailty predicts adverse outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM), yet an objective frailty biomarker is lacking. Circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors correlate with frailty and adverse outcomes in chronic diseases, but their relevance in MM is unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between 36 plasma SASP factors, frailty, and clinical outcomes in: (1) a historical cohort using stored specimens from 59 patients with newly diagnosed MM, and (2) a prospective cohort of 36 patients initiating new MM treatment. Several SASP factors were significantly associated with frailty after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index; GDF-15, TNF-RI, IL-6, and IL-8 showed positive correlations with both cumulative-deficit based and physical frailty indices. Additionally, significant age-adjusted associations were observed between SASP factors and treatment outcomes, including overall survival (OS), high-grade toxicity, and healthcare utilization. We developed a 5-factor SASP model that demonstrated superior predictive performance for OS compared to chronological age, R-ISS stage, and clinical frailty, and TNF-RI alone (5-year OS AUC: 0.90). These findings highlight the association between senescence biomarkers and frailty and OS, and support further investigation of SASP factors as objective frailty biomarkers in MM.
Real‐World Outcomes of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated With Front‐Line Daratumumab Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone

American Journal of Hematology | March 8, 2026 | Volume: 101 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 884-888

10.1002/ajh.70258 | PMID 41738585

Cytogenetics-based Clinical Trajectories in Patients with MRD Negativity Post Autologous Transplant for Multiple Myeloma

No container title available | January 20, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-8586124/v1

Abstract Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment has become central to risk-adapted treatment strategies in multiple myeloma, yet the prognostic value of MRD negativity following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) across individual high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) remains unclear. We analyzed 351 newly diagnosed patients who achieved MRD negativity (sensitivity 2.4×10 − 6 ) at Day 100 following ASCT and had baseline cytogenetic data available. Median follow-up was 50.4 months. Standard-risk cytogenetics were present in 46% (n = 162), while 34% (n = 118) had one HRCA and 20% (n = 71) had ≥ 2 HRCAs. Despite uniform MRD negativity, several HRCAs continued to confer inferior progression-free survival (PFS). Compared with the standard-risk group (4-year PFS 84%), patients with del(17p), 1q21+, t(4;14), or MAF translocations [t(14;16)/t(14;20)] had significantly lower 4-year PFS rates: 56% (HR 2.89; p = 0.0001), 60% (HR 2.46; p = 0.0001), 43% (HR 3.50; p = 0.0001), and 58% (HR 2.51; p = 0.01), respectively. Isolated del(17p) and 1q21 + also conferred inferior PFS. The 4-year PFS was 65% for patients with one HRCA (HR 2.31; p = 0.0004) and 55% for those with ≥ 2 HRCAs (HR 2.75; p = 0.0001). In this large MRD-negative post-ASCT cohort, several HRCAs, including isolated HRCAs, remained clinically meaningful drivers of inferior PFS, highlighting that early MRD negativity does not uniformly mitigate the impact of high-risk biology.