Citations 530

A Phase III Randomized Trial of Thalidomide (THAL) Plus Zoledronic Acid (ZLD) Versus Zoledronic Acid Alone In Patients with Early Stage Multiple Myeloma (MC0289)

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3053-3053

10.1182/blood.v116.21.3053.3053

Abstract Abstract 3053 Background: Patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) have a higher chance of progression to active MM than patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Since active MM remains incurable and since patients with SMM can have a long time to requiring treatment, observation remains an option for these patients. Bisphosphonates can prevent the bone complications of myeloma. The immunomodulatory (IMiD) drugs are well-tolerated and have documented anti-tumor activity in active MM. We hypothesized that treatment with the IMiD THAL and a bisphosphonate (ZLD) would prolong the time to progression (TTP) over the control arm of ZLD alone. This is the first report of this phase III trial of THAL/ZLD vs ZLD alone for patients with untreated SMM. Goals: The primary goal of this trial was to compare the TTP between patients treated with THAL/ZLD versus ZLD alone in asymptomatic MM. Secondary goals were progression rate at one year, response rate, duration of response, time to next therapy, and toxicity. Methods: Patients were required to have measurable disease as defined by either a serum monoclonal protein >1.0 g by protein electrophoresis or nephelometry or >200 mg of monoclonal protein in the urine on 24 hour electrophoresis or a measurable soft tissue plasmacytoma; >10% plasma cells as measured on the bone marrow aspirate, bone marrow biopsy, or labeling index; absolute neutrophil count >1500/μL; platelet count >100,000/μL; creatinine <2.0 mg/dL, and a performance status of 0, 1, or 2. Patients could not have symptomatic MM that required chemotherapy. The statistical plan was to accrue 120 eligible patients (60 per arm) over 4 years and after a minimum follow-up of 12 months the study would provide >90% power at a type I error rate of 0.05 to detect an increase in the median TTP from 12 months (ZLD) to 24 months (THAL/ZLD), and >80% power to detect an increase in median TTP from 12 to 21 months). Results: The study was activated in July 2003 and closed March 2009 due to slow accrual. Sixty-eight patients (35 Thal/ZLD; 33 ZLD) with a median age 63 years (range, 47–84) were randomized. The median TTP for Thal/ZLD versus ZLD was 2.4 years versus 1.2 years, respectively, P=0.02 one-sided log-rank. After adjusting for pre-specified stratification factors, the hazard ratio for TTP was 2.2 (one-sided p value = 0.01, univariate stratified Cox PH model) for ZLD compared to Thal/ZLD. 89% of patients on the Thal/ZLD arm were progression-free survival (PFS) at one year compared to 55% on ZLD alone (one-sided p<0.001, chi-square). Similar results were obtained (Table and Figures) when the CRAB (calcium, renal, anemia, bone) criteria were applied. Confirmed response was evaluated using the first 12 months of treatment. In the Thal/ZLD arm the response rate was 31% with a median duration of response of 5.1 years (95% CI: 1.9 - NA). There were no confirmed responses in the ZLD alone arm. The median overall survival has not been reached for either arm. In regards to toxicity, no grade 5 adverse events (AEs) have been reported. Thirty patients have reported grade 3+ AEs (17 Thal/ZLD; 13 ZLD, Fisher's exact p-value 0.47). Eight patients have reported grade 4 adverse events (5 Thal/ZLD; 3 ZLD, Fisher's exact p-value 0.71). Overall, only one grade 4 event was felt to be at least possibly related to study treatment – grade 4 neutropenia in Thal/ZLD. Conclusions: While the trial did not meet its planned accrual goals, there was a significant improvement in improved in outcomes in the Thal/ZLD arm compared to control (ZLD). Thal/ZLD produces anti-tumor responses that are quite durable with the median response duration of over 5 years. ZLD alone did not produce any anti-tumor responses. This study indicates that a non-chemotherapy approach can be effective in SMM and may be a useful strategy to test in future studies. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Thalidomide for smoldering myeloma. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. 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. Gertz:Celgene: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria.
In Patients with Light-Chain (AL) Amyloidosis Myocardial Contraction Fraction (MCF) Is a Simple, but Powerful Prognostic Measure That Can be Calculated from a Standard Echocardiogram (ECHO)

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1774-1774

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1774.1774

Abstract Background: Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease with extracellular deposition of pathological insoluble beta-fibrillar proteins. Involvement of the heart is seen in more than one-half of the patients with systemic AL amyloidosis and it is the most important determinant of clinical outcome. Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive infiltrative cardiomyopathy in which, despite declines in stroke volume that accompany disease progression, the ejection fraction (EF) often remains preserved even in advanced stages of the disease. King et al. proposed a novel index of myocardial function, the myocardial contraction fraction (MCF), defined as the ratio of stroke volume (SV) to myocardial volume (MV). MCF is a measure of myocardial shortening, which differentiated myocardial performance in patients with similar degrees of hypertrophy and in a recent small cohort of AL amyloidosis patients appeared superior to left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) in predicting overall survival (OS). It was our goal to assess the prognostic role of MCF in a large cohort of patients with AL amyloidosis in the context of other prognostic variables. Methods: Patients seen between 4/1/1999 and 2/1/2015 were eligible for this retrospective study if they had an ECHO at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN within 30 days of their AL amyloidosis diagnosis with measurements of left ventricular chamber size and wall thickness needed to calculate MCF, EF, and the presence or absence of pericardial effusion. To capture the full cohort, modeling was done first excluding Mayo (2012) staging and global averaged left ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (LV strain) since limited numbers of patients had these studies, 342 and 294, respectively. Thresholds of continuous variables were chosen based on receiver operator curves targeting death at 1-year. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify factors that were prognostic for OS. Statistical analyses were done using JMP 9.0 (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: Among the 722 patients satisfying entry criteria,median age was 64 years (range 32-94) and 66% were male. The best cutoff for MCF was 21% (sensitivity: 74%, specificity: 60%; AUC=0.699) and distinguished two groups with different OS (median 53 vs. 9 months, P<0.0001; Figure). On univariate analysis the baseline ECHO variables predicting OS were interventricular septum thickness (IVS) >12 mm (RR 1.8, P=0.0002), EF <60% (RR 1.7), MCF ≤21% (RR 2.1), and presence of pericardial effusion (RR 2.0), all with P<0.0001. On multivariate MCF ≤21% (RR 1.6, P <0.0001), EF <60% (RR 1.4, P=0.0007) and the presence of pericardial effusion (RR 1.3, P=0.002) were independent predictors of OS. Additional modeling was done with the subset of 342 patients who were assessable for Mayo (2012) staging, (i.e. measurements of immunoglobulin free light chain, NT-proBNP, and troponin T). On univariate analysis, patients with a Mayo (2012) stage ≥ 3 had a RR 2.1, p<0.0001. On multivariate, only MCF ≤21% (RR 1.5, P =0.01), Mayo (2012) stage ≥ 3 (RR 1.5, P=0.01) and EF<60% (RR 1.7, P=0.0006) were independent prognostic determinants. Finally, we addressed LV-strain among the 294 patients in whom the study was performed. There was a significant correlation between MCF and LV strain (rho =-0.86, P<0.0001). On univariate, LV-strain less negative than -13 generated a RR of 2.3, p<0.0001. In contrast to the model containing MCF, on LV-strain multivariate, EF was no longer significant, but LV-strain less negative than -13 (RR 2.0, P=0.008) and Mayo (2012) stage ≥ 3 (RR 2.0, P=0.008) predicted independently OS. Conclusions: MCF ≤21% identified a subgroup of patients with a high mortality risk, and it was independent of the Mayo (2012) staging but highly correlated with LV strain. An advantage of MCF, which is a novel volumetric measurement of the left ventricular chamber, is that, unlike LV-strain, MCF is simple to calculate from routine ECHO measures. Figure 1. Overall survival of 722 patients according to MCF<21%. Figure 1. Overall survival of 722 patients according to MCF<21%. Disclosures Kumar: AbbVie: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Skyline, Noxxon: Honoraria; Celgene, Millenium, Sanofi, Skyline, BMS, Onyx, Noxxon,: Other: Consultant, no compensation,; Sanofi: Research Funding; Millenium/Takeda: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection In Patients Undergoing Induction Therapy with Lenalidomide Based Regimens: Failure Rates and Salvage Approaches

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2253-2253

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2253.2253

Abstract Abstract 2253 Background: Lenalidomide based combinations are among the most common initial therapies for myeloma. Previous studies have suggested that lenalidomide therapy can result in suboptimal stem cell collection in patients eligible to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation, especially older patients after prolonged exposure to the drug. Many salvage approaches are used when attempting repeat stem cell collection in this patient group. Patients and Methods: Two hundred twenty four patients who underwent stem cell collection following lenalidomide-dexamethasone induction from July 2004 and December 2009 were included in the current analysis. Data pertaining to the duration of lenalidomide therapy, stem cell mobilization regimen, and the collection yields were collected from the medical records. Results: The median age at mobilization was 60.6 years (range; 29, 76) and 136 (60%) were male. There were a total of 245 collection attempts from among 224 patients, 21 (9.8%) patients attempting to remobilize after failing to collect the desired numbers of stem cells at the first attempt. We first analyzed the results of the initial collection attempt. The median duration of lenalidomide therapy prior to stem cell collection was 4 months (range; 1, 26). The mobilization strategies were GCSF (Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor) alone in 151 (67%) patients, cyclophosphamide (CTX) followed by GCSF in 29 (13%) patients, and GCSF plus AMD3100 in 44 (20%) patients. Among those receiving AMD3100, it was added either due to peripheral blood CD34 cell count not reaching the threshold for initiation of harvest or for poor first day CD34 cells collection in 34 patients and given in a planned fashion in 10 patients. Overall 15 patients (7%) failed to reach the peripheral CD34 cell counts required to initiate apheresis, and among those starting apheresis 6 patients failed to collect at least 2 million CD34 cells/kg; a cumulative failure rate of 9%. Another 18 (8%) patients failed to collect at least 4 million CD34 cells /kg. The CD34 cells yield on day 1, the total yield, number of collections, the average daily yield and the percentage of the targeted cells collected for each mobilization strategy including failure rates are detailed in the table. Twenty-one patients reattempted stem cell mobilization; including 14 that failed a first attempt and 7 did who not achieve the intended goal even though they collected more than 2 million CD34 cells/kg. The mobilization regimens were GCSF alone, CTX + GCSF, GCSF + GM-CSF (Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor) and GCSF + AMD in 5, 8, 3, and 4 patients respectively. All patients collected at least 2 million CD34 cells /kg and 14 patients (70%) collected more than 4 million CD34 cells /kg. The median CD34 cells collected with the second attempt was 5.4 million/kg (rang; 2, 19.5) bringing the median total collection for these 21 patients to 9.6 million/kg (2.6-19.6). Overall, of the 224 patients studied, all but the 6 patients who failed initially and did not attempt a second collection collected at least 2 million CD34 cells /kg and 197 (88%) collected at least 4 million CD34 cells/kg. Conclusion: While the overall failure rate of stem cell collection in patients receiving initial therapy with lenalidomide is 10%, a risk adapted approach of adding AMD3100 appear to decrease the risk of failure. However, majority of patients failing a stem cell harvest attempt can be salvaged with a second collection allowing these patients to proceed to a stem cell transplant if desired. Disclosures: Gertz: Celgene: Honoraria; Millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genzyme: Research Funding. Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Dispenzieri: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria. Micallef: Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.
Response to Salvage Therapies and Outcome of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Relapsing After Pomalidomide Therapy

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1965-1965

10.1182/blood.v116.21.1965.1965

Abstract Abstract 1965 Background: Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory compound to be used for heavily pre-treated patients with relapse and refractory multiple myeloma and has shown considerable efficacy in recent clinical trials. It is not clear how patients may respond to other therapies, once the disease becomes refractory to pomalidomide. We examined this question among a cohort of patients receiving pomalidomide therapy in phase 2 clinical trials. Methods: Patients enrolled in an ongoing phase 2 clinical trial of pomalidomide (2-4 mg daily) along with dexamethasone (40 mg weekly), in relapsed myeloma, form the study population. Several cohorts of patients (>= 3 prior therapies not specified, lenalidomide refractory, and lenalidomide and bortezomib refractory patients were enrolled sequentially in this trial (Lacy, M.Q., et al., J Clin Oncol, 2009. 27(30): p.5008–14). Only those patients who have gone off study for disease progression were included in the current analysis. Details of subsequent therapies and survival data were obtained from the medical records. Results: Forty-seven patients from among 142 patients enrolled on the clinical trial between November, 2007 and April, 2010 were included in the study. The median (range) duration of pomalidomide therapy was 4 (0.6-16) months. 15 (32%) patients were lenalidomide refractory and 11 (23%) were refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib at the time of study entry. The best confirmed response to pomalidomide was MR (Minimal Response) or better in 23 patients (52%). Various regimens were employed following relapse on pomalidomide. The response to the first regimen following relapse in the 34 patients where salvage therapy was initiated is as shown in Table 1. Overall, 81 regimens were employed across 34 patients; median (range) number of regimens per patients was 1 (0-8). The response rates to the different regimens were as shown in the Table 1. The median overall survival (OS) from the time of progression on pomalidomide was 14.7 months (95% CI; 4, NR). The OS was similar between those patients who had a response to pomalidomide (MR or better) and those who did not. However the OS was shorter for patients who were refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib (2.1 months) compared to those who were lenalidomide refractory only (6.5 months), and the non-refractory group (NR), P=0.06. Conclusions: This study confirms poor outcome of the patients relapsing after all available therapies. It also gives interesting insights into the activity of different regimens among patients who have relapsed after pomalidomide. The findings once again highlight the incurable nature of the disease and warrant further investigation to develop newer effective treatment regimens for this group of patients who presently do not have effective therapeutic options especially in the relapsed setting. Regimens: ASCT: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation, Bz: Bortezomib, Mel=Melphalan, Dex: Dexamethasone, CRD: Cyclophosphamide, Revlimid (Lenalidomide), Dexamethasone, CTX; Cyclophosphamide, Len; Lenalidomide, Sor: Sorafenib, VDT-PACE: Velcade (Bortezomib), Dexamethasone, Thalidomide, Cisplatin, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide. Response: SD; Stable Disease; Prog; Progression MR: Minimal Response; PR: Partial Response. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Mikhael:Celgene: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria.
The Impact of Induction Regimen Choice on Transplant Outcome and Survival in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Agents

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3044-3044

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3044.3044

Abstract Background Induction with novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators, prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care frontline treatment of transplant-eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Common novel agent-based induction regimens include three drug combinations with a backbone of bortezomib (V), thalidomide (T) and/or lenalidomide (R). There is limited information on the comparative efficacy of novel regimens used as part of initial therapy prior to an ASCT in terms of overall survival (OS). To address this question, we retrospectively analyzed 1096 consecutive patients undergoing ASCT for MM at Mayo Clinic. Methods Study patients included those who underwent first transplant within 12 months of diagnosis, did not receive more than one induction regimen, did not relapse prior to transplant and did not receive treatment for smoldering MM in the past. Baseline characteristics, response rates and survival data were extracted from an electronic medical record and statistical analysis was done using JMP 10.0.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). Choice of induction regimen was almost exclusively made by the referring physician. Results Median age at diagnosis was 60.3 years (Interquartile range 53.9-65.9). ISS staging at diagnosis was available for 49.7% of patients, of which, 34.2%, 39.3% and 26.5% of patients had ISS stage 1, 2 and 3 disease, respectively. Estimated median follow up was 65.6 months (95% CI 58.3-73.3). Baseline characteristics of patients by initial treatment have been summarized in table 1. Major subgroups by induction therapy included patients receiving Cy-Bor-d (n=193, 17.6%), Vd (n=64, 5.83%), Rd (n=253, 23.1%), VRd (n=126, 34.6%), Td (n=157, 14.3%) and VAD or dexamethasone alone as the non-novel agent comparator group (n=229, 20.9%). Median overall survival (OS) was significantly different between novel agent-based and conventional regimens (Log-rank test; p=0.0029), which were 102.7 months (95% CI, 95.2-112.2) and 78.8 months (95% CI, 67.8-92.6) respectively. Median OS with each regimen is shown in table 1. Among novel agent-based regimens, there was no significant difference in median OS, except Td, which was inferior to Rd (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.17-2.24). Conclusion We cannot demonstrate with overall survival as an endpoint that the doublets of Vd and Rd are inferior to VRd or Cy-bor-d. There were insufficient patients treated with VTd to be included. Our study shows that the choice of novel induction regimen prior to ASCT does not affect survival (with the exception of Td being inferior to Rd), reflecting the wide array of effective salvage options. However, further prospective randomized clinical trials comparing these regimens are required to validate these findings. Table 1. Baseline characteristics and overall survival. Baseline characteristics and survival Cy-Bor-d (n=193) Vd (n=64) Rd (n=253) VRd (n=126) Td (n=157) VAD or Dex (n=229) p-value Median age 61.9 62.15 60.8 60.8 59.3 58.5 0.0041 Sex (percent males) 56.48 57.81 56.92 61.91 57.96 59.82 0.9271 ISS at diagnosis 1:24.82% 2:40.69% 3:34.48% 1:29.73% 2:24.32% 3:45.94% 1:40% 2:43.78% 3:16.22% 1:41.76% 2:34.06% 3:24.18% 1:28% 2:36% 3:36% 1:20% 2:60% 3:20% 0.0005 Median follow-up (95% CI) 20.3 (17.1-22.7) 49.5 (44.7-55.7) 59 (54.5-67) 26.9 (22.8-30.7) 126.7 (120.2-132.9) 143.4 (132.5-152.6) <0.0001 Median OS Not reached (Estimated 5 year OS rate 75%) 97.2 months (95% CI, 66.6-NR) 112 months (95% CI, 97.4-124.3) Not reached (Estimated 5-year OS rate 77%) 81.1 months (95% CI, 59.1-99.1) 78.8 months (95% CI, 67.8-92.6) 0.0019 Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Kumar: Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Gertz:Smith Kline: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.
Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Response Failure in the Era of Novel Therapies.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1878-1878

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1878.1878

Abstract Abstract 1878 Poster Board I-900 Autologous stem cell transplant as a platform for multiple myeloma treatment is the standard of care for patients who can safely withstand the procedure. Before novel agents were introduced, one-third to one-half of patients did not achieve partial response at transplant. Previously published medical literature has showed that in this past era, absence of initial response to induction therapy had no impact on progression-free survival and overall survival after high-dose therapy. Lack of response to initial induction did not preclude a good response after stem cell transplant. With the introduction of novel agents—immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors—response rates with initial therapy are now between 70% and 100%. This retrospective study analyzes progression-free survival and overall survival in patients who do not have a partial response after induction therapy with a regimen that contains a novel agent. Unlike patients in reports published previously—before novel agents—patients who do not achieve partial remission have a significantly shorter overall survival from transplant (74.0 vs 43.5 months) and a shorter progression-free survival (22.6 vs 13.1 months; P<.001). Absence of a response to induction therapy with a novel agent predicts a poorer outcome after high-dose therapy.{abstabft}.b CR+VGPR for plateau, P<.001 compared with other 3 categories. Failure to respond to novel-agent induction leads to shorter posttransplant progression-free survival (PFS). Failure to respond to novel-agent induction leads to shorter posttransplant overall survivalDisclosures: Gertz: celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar: celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lacy: celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria.TableMultivariable Analysis of Posttransplant Progression-Free SurvivalVariableP ValuePlateau vs relapsed-refractory.003Albumin.86Sex.94b2-Microglobulin.89Bone marrow plasma cells.18Age.75Abnormal cytogenetics.002CTX mobilization.51Labeling index.002
Depth of Response with Stem Cell Transplantation and Outcome for Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Agents.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1228-1228

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1228.1228

Abstract Abstract 1228 Poster Board I-250 Background It is generally believed that a ‘deeper’ response in multiple myeloma is associated with an improved outcome, including time to progression (TTP) as well as overall survival. Before the advent of novel agents such as IMiDs or bortezomib, complete responses (CR) were rare in the absence of stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In that era, the depth of response achieved before ASCT tended to be dwarfed by the impact of the conditioning used for stem cell transplant. Hence, the time to progression in patients achieving CR before ASCT was not different from those who achieved CR after ASCT. With novel agents, CR rates are higher and again raises the question of whether patients who achieve CR before ASCT benefit from consolidation with ASCT. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether CR achieved before ASCT still benefit when consolidated with ASCT Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Board at Mayo Clinic Rochester, the transplant dysproteinemia database was searched for all patients treated with novel agents and patients who achieved CR before or after ASCT were identified. In addition, we identified patients with IMiDs induction therapy and achieved CR but did not proceed with ASCT. Relevant demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were determined at the time of ASCT. Comparisons between groups were performed with non-parametric tests. Overall survival and TTP were determined from the time of ASCT using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 354 patients who underwent ASCT within a year from diagnosis of multiple myeloma were identified. Of these, 24 achieved CR before proceeding to ASCT while another 100 patients achieved CR after ASCT. There were no differences between the two cohorts with respect to age (58 vs 57.5 yr, p=0.14), gender, number of treatment regimens (1 vs 1, p=0.83), time to ASCT (6.5 vs 6.3 months, p=0.80), b2M (2.41 vs 2.26, p=0.58) and ISS (p=0.23). Patients who achieved CR before ASCT had a lower plasma cell burden (1.0 vs 5.0%, p<0.0001) and lower labeling index (0 vs 0, p=0.0007). Aneuploidy was present in none of the patients with CR before transplant compared to 10% in patients who achieved CR after ASCT (p=0.11). The median TTP for patients with CR before ASCT has not been reached (71% at 70 months) compared to 30 months for patients who achieved CR after ASCT (p=0.07). After a median follow up of 70 months, 21 of 24 patients (88%) with CR before transplant are alive compared to 76 of 100 patients with CR after ASCT (p=0.44). In contrast, for patients who achieved CR with IMiDs but did not proceed with ASCT, 55% have not progressed at 51 months and 71.7% are alive at 51 months (Gay et al ASH, 2009). Conclusion Our results suggest that patients who achieve CR before ASCT benefit from high-dose therapy and experience prolonged TTP without the need for maintenance therapy. ASCT after achieving CR can result in a deeper response with improvement in disease free and overall survival. Disclosures Lacy: celgene: Research Funding. Gertz:celgene: Honoraria; genzyme: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria; amgen: Honoraria.
Increased Incidence of Extramedullary Plasmacytomas In Patients with Multiple Myeloma In the Era of Novel Therapy and Effect of Pomalidomide on Extramedullary Disease

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3047-3047

10.1182/blood.v116.21.3047.3047

Abstract Abstract 3047 Background: There is concern about the increased incidence of extramedullary plasmacytomas among patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in recent years (Varettoni et al Annals of Oncology 21: 325–330, 2010). There is controversy about whether novel agents increase the risk of extramedullary disease (EMD). EMD may be associated with decreased overall survival in MM. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of true, treatment-emergent EMD in MM among a cohort of patients who have been previously exposed to novel agent (thalidomide, lenalidomide, or bortezomib) therapy, and to evaluate the activity of pomalidomide in patients with EMD. Methods: We examined 174 consecutive patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma that were enrolled on a phase II clinical trial of pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone. The study cohort was chosen since all patients had previously been exposed to novel agents, and were followed systematically. We adopted a strict definition of EMD which required that in order to be considered extramedullary, plasmacytomas must not have risen from any bone. Thus, masses arising from the bone with a soft tissue component were not considered extramedullary. Results: Of 174 patients studied, 16 patients (9.2%) had EMD prior to enrollment. In 3 of the 16 patients, EMD was present at time of diagnosis and was therefore not considered as treatment-emergent disease for this analysis. In 13 of 174 patients (7.5%) EMD developed during the course of MM, after starting therapy. All 13 patients by inclusion criteria were exposed to novel agents prior to the onset of EMD, including 100% to immunomodulatory agents (thalidomide or lenalidomide); and 78% (10 patients) were exposed to bortezomib prior to developing EMD. The median number of lines of prior therapy in these patients was 6, range 1–12). EMD occurred a median of 48 months following diagnosis (range, 16–183 months); the rate of EMD in the first 3 years following diagnosis of MM was 3%. Since all patients had prior exposure to immunomodulatory agents in this cohort, we were able to calculate the median length of time from initiation of immunomodulatory agents to onset of EMD as 24 months (range 7–119 months). The EMD sites involved included the temporal area soft tissue (3), muscle (3 [1 pt with 10 different areas of involvement, 1 pt with 5 muscles involved]), chest wall not attached to bone (3), abdominal/pelvic masses (3), kidney (2), scrotum (2), sinus (1), paraspinal (1), hilar/pleural based (1), paraesophageal (1), subcutaneous tissue (1), pancreas (1), spleen (1), mediastinum (1), pleural fluid (1), liver (1). Per protocol, all patients received pomalidomide (2-4 mg per day) and low dose dexamethasone (40 mg once a week). Of the 13 patients, there were 2 CR (with complete disappearance of EMD), 2 PR, 2 stable disease, 3 with progressive disease, and 4 patients who did not have their EMD re-evaluated. Thirty percent (n=4) of patients had a 50% or greater reduction in size of the EMD including one patient who received concomitant radiation. Overall survival from measured from trial entry was significantly shorter for patients who presented with EMD compared to those who did not have EMD, median 16 months versus not reached, p=0.002 (log-rank). Conclusion: We found that 7.5% of patients with relapsed refractory myeloma in the era of novel agents develop EMD during the course of their myeloma, including 3% within 3 years of diagnosis. The underlying reasons for the possible increased incidence of EMD may include better radiographic detection (the role of PET/CT scans and MRI), improved overall survival of patients in recent years, and the possibility that novel agents may increase the risk for strictly defined, true EMD among patients who did not have EMD at time of initial MM diagnosis. These need further study. Disclosures: Dispenzieri: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria. Gertz:Celgene: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.
Recent Improvements In Survival In Light Chain Amyloidosis and the Importance of An Early Mortality Risk Score

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1892-1892

10.1182/blood.v116.21.1892.1892

Abstract Abstract 1892 Background: Primary or light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a clonal plasma cell disorder characterized by a relatively low plasma cell burden and multi-organ deposition of immunoglobulin light chain derived amyloid fibrils. The survival of patients with amyloidosis is quite variable with median survival of 12–18 months in different series, and largely dependent on the number and severity of organs involved. In addition to new drugs, the combination of melphalan and dexamethasone is an effective regimen for AL and risk adapted approaches to SCT has decreased treatment related mortality. It is not clear if the recent progress in risk stratification and treatment approaches have translated into improved survival for these patients. Methods: We studied two separate cohorts of patients; the first cohort consisting of 2118 patients with AL seen at Mayo Clinic over a 40-year period between November 1967 and August 2006 was used to examine the trends in overall survival from diagnosis during this time period. The second cohort of 443 patients seen between September 2006 and August 2009 were examined only for the changes in early mortality and for validation of a model for predicting early mortality developed using the first cohort of patients. Results: The estimated median follow up for the entire group was 7.8 years (95% CI; 7.1, 8.5). The patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on date of diagnosis; 1966–1976 (n=121), 1977–1986 (n=343), 1987–1996 (n=636) and 1997–2006 (n=1017). The median OS from diagnosis for the four cohorts were 0.9, 1.2, 1.2 and 1.5 years respectively, P < 0.001 (Figure 1). More importantly there was steady improvement in the long-term survival among these patients with 4-year survival estimates of 16%, 21%, 24% and 33% respectively. Next, we specifically looked at the survival trends within the last cohort (1996-2006), dividing the patients into three time periods; 1996–1999 (n=263), 2000–2003 (n=291) and 2003–2006 (n=463). While the OS from diagnosis was relatively unchanged between the first and second time periods (28 vs. 30% 4 year survival), there was significant improvement in the last three year period (42% survival at 4 years); P =0.02. Given the high early mortality in this disease, we specifically examined the one-year mortality among the entire patient cohort and found no clear improvement in terms of one-year mortality. Using logistic regression analysis, we identified cTnT > 0.01, NT-ProBNP > 4200 and Uric Acid > 8.0 mg/dL to be the best predictors of death within one year of diagnosis. The probability of death within one year for those with none, 1, 2, and 3 risk factors was 19, 38, 61, and 78% respectively, P < 0.01 (Figure 2). This model was further validated among patients seen during the most recent three years, September 2006 and August 2009. Conclusion: Survival in AL amyloidosis has improved over time, particularly in the recent years and likely reflects the recent improvements in therapy. However, early mortality remains a problem and baseline factors can be used to identify patients at risk for early mortality, who then can be targeted for risk adapted therapy approaches in clinical trials. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide for treatment of newly diagnosed myeloma. Dispenzieri:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria.
Efficacy of Retreatment with Immunomodulatory Compounds In Patients Receiving Initial Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1964-1964

10.1182/blood.v116.21.1964.1964

Abstract Abstract 1964 Background: Thalidomide (thal), lenalidomide (len) and pomalidomide (pom) have been shown to have considerable efficacy in patients with newly diagnosed as well as relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). They are often used as initial therapy in patients proceeding to stem cell transplant (SCT), and based on the initial response, are usually considered for salvage therapy during their disease course. However, the retreatment efficacy of these compounds is unknown. We conducted this study to ascertain the degree of response that can be obtained by retreatment with immunomodulatory compounds. Patients and Method: 410 patients with newly diagnosed MM who received either thalidomide-dexamethasone or lenalidomide-dexamethasone were studied. Of these, 183 patients received thalidomide, lenalidomide or pomalidomide (with or without dexamethasone) as one of the salvage regimens following relapse, and form the study group. We included all patients who received the repeat immunomodulatory therapy as salvage treatment at any time during the MM disease course. Results: The median (range) age of the MM patient group was 60 (29-80) years; 117 (64%) were male. Thalidomide and lenalidomide were used as initial therapy in 106 (58%) and 77 (42%) patients, respectively. Patients received a median of 2 treatments (range, 1–6) prior to salvage therapy; bortezomib was used as one of the salvage treatment (prior to the repeat immunomodulatory therapy) in 41 (22%) patients. An autologous stem cell transplant was performed in 118 (64%) patients after the initial immunomodulatory therapy. Almost one half (89; 49%) of the patients went off the first line therapy to undergo a SCT; whereas drug toxicity (26; 14%) and disease progression (21; 11%) were other causes requiring a treatment change. The compound used for salvage therapy was thalidomide, lenalidomide or pomalidomide in 40 (22%), 129 (70%) and 14 (8%) patients, respectively. The responses to salvage therapy based on the initial therapy and the salvage regimen are as shown in Table 1. Overall, 67 (37%) patients achieved a partial response or better and 73 (40%) patients achieved less than a partial response (stable and progressive disease) to repeat immunomodulatory therapy, while the remaining 43 (23%) had non evaluable disease response. Conclusions: Retreatment with an immunomodulatory therapy, especially a different compound, was associated with excellent response rates. Lowest response rates were seen in patients retreated with thalidomide after having received lenalidomide as their initial therapy after the diagnosis of MM. This information is valuable in deciding on the choice of repeat therapy with immunomodulatory compounds in patients with relapsed disease. Disclosures: 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.