Citations 1268

Impact of Bone Marrow Plasmacytosis on Outcome in Patients with AL Amyloidosis Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3177-3177

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3177.3177

Abstract Background: Previous studies have demonstrated inferior overall survival (OS) among patients with AL amyloidosis who have bone marrow plasmacytosis (BMPC) >10%. It is well recognized that AL patients who achieve the deepest hematologic responses have superior organ response and OS rate. Methods: We designed a study to determine if BMPC% affects CR rate post ASCT and whether pre-transplant induction therapy improves response rate and OS among patients with a higher baseline BMPC burden. Results: Among 415 AL patients who underwent ASCT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester within 12 months of diagnosis, 116 (28%) had BMPC>10% at diagnosis. The median age was 57.2 years. The median follow up for surviving patients was 67.3 months. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, time from diagnosis to transplant, or use of attenuated conditioning regimen between groups with high (>10%) and low (≤ 10%) bone marrow involvement. The high BMPC group tended to receive more induction chemotherapy before ASCT, and presented with greater value of albumin, beta-2 microglobulin and difference in serum free light chain (dFLC). A higher CR rate was observed in low BMPC group (44.6% versus 26.7%, p=0.0013). In patients with high BMPC, a higher CR rate (33.9% versus 17.7%, p<0.05) was seen in those who received pre-ASCT induction therapy compared with no induction therapy. Among 3 groups of patients who had: no pre-ASCT therapy; steroid only as induction; and induction chemotherapy, the 5-year OS rates were 50.5%, 40% & 67.5%, respectively, p<0.03. Conclusions: Lower bone marrow burden at diagnosis yielded a deeper response following ASCT. Compared to no therapy, patients who were treated with steroid only pre-ASCT had an inferior OS, but other induction regimens appeared to improve survival. These data would support the concept that using induction therapy prior to ASCT conditioning among patients with higher tumor burden may be of value. Figure 1. In BMPC > 10% at diagnosis, OS comparison between induction therapies pre-ASCT Figure 1. In BMPC > 10% at diagnosis, OS comparison between induction therapies pre-ASCT Figure 2. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 3. Disclosures Kumar: Celgene: Research Funding; Celgene, Millenium, Sanofi, Skyline, BMS, Onyx, Noxxon,: Other: Consultant, no compensation,; Sanofi: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Millenium/Takeda: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Skyline, Noxxon: Honoraria; Janssen: Research Funding. Gertz:Celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Smith Kline: Honoraria.
Overcoming Resistance to Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma By Simultaneous Inhibition of Bcl2 and IAP Families of Anti-Apoptotic Proteins

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2088-2088

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2088.2088

Abstract Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) cells evade apoptosis through multiple mechanisms thus enabling it to evade therapy. The Bcl2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins is aberrantly expressed in MM cell lines and patient cells. Yet, pharmacological intervention of this family appears to have significant activity only in molecular subgroups of MM patients. This clearly suggests alternate mechanisms of overcoming apoptotic signals in MM cells in addition to the Bcl2 family, through proteins such as IAPs. We have previously shown that simultaneous inhibition of the three major IAP proteins, namely cIAP1, cIAP2 and XIAP is required to induce pronounced apoptosis in MM cells. However, IAP inhibition results in apoptosis in only some MM cell lines and patient cells. Given that levels of Bcl2 family proteins are unaffected by IAP inhibition, we hypothesized that combined inhibition of the IAP proteins using a SMAC mimetic LCL161 and the Bcl2 family proteins using a pan-Bcl2 inhibitor obatoclax (OBX) will lead to more pronounced and synergistic cell death in a broader subgroup of MM patients. Methods: LCL161 was synthesized by Novartis Inc. (Basel, Switzerland). OBX was purchased from Selleckchem (Houston, USA). Stock solutions were made in DMSO, and subsequently diluted in RPMI-1640 medium for use. MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT viability assay and proliferation using thymidine uptake. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry upon cell staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) for cell lines and patient cells. Immunoblotting was done on cell extracts at various time points following incubation with the drugs in order to study the cell signaling pathways and a Results: LCL161/OBX combination induced synergistic cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative effects on a broad range of human MM cell lines, including drug resistant cell lines like DOX40 and MM1R. Components of the bone marrow microenvironment including bone marrow stromal cells and tumor promoting cytokines (VEGF, IGF and IL6) were unable to protect MM cells from the effects of the drug combination. We saw a time dependent increase in apoptosis, with the combination inducing significantly more apoptosis than either of the single agents alone. Examining the mechanism of action of the drug combination showed clear inhibition of the IAP proteins, activation of caspases 9, 8, 3 and Bid by LCL161 and the combination and up regulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bim, Bid, Puma and Noxa and accumulation of LC3-II by OBX and the combination. Using chloroquine along with the OBX, we were able to demonstrate that OBX induced protective autophagy and the addition of LCL161 was able to overcome this protective effect induced after single agent OBX treatment. Since protective autophagy can be induced by the ER stress response, we then examined the expression levels of proteins involved in this pathway. We observed clear induction of ER stress mediated UPR pathway by both the drugs. However, LCL161 and OBX induced different branches of the UPR pathway. OBX activated the ATF6 and pErk/peif2α/ATF4 branches of the UPR, both of which have been implicated in cell survival during ER stress. ATF4 under irrecoverable ER stress can lead to increase in transcription of CHOP and cause apoptosis. We therefore examined levels of CHOP and observed no induction of CHOP post treatment with either of the drugs or the combination. LCL161, however differentially modulated the IRE1 branch of the UPR by down regulating Xbp-1 splicing, which is a pro survival activity of IREI and up regulating pJNK, which indicated a pro-apoptotic activity induced by IRE1 post irrecoverable ER stress This indicated that the ER stress induced apoptosis is triggered by LCL161, which might be important to overcome the ER induced protective effects induced by OBX. Conclusion: Taken together, our studies indicate that LCL161/OBX combination induces synergistic cell death through modulation of apoptosis, authophagy and the ER stress response. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
AL Amyloidosis and Patient Reported Quality of Life

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3317-3317

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3317.3317

Abstract Background: Patients with light chain amyloidosis (AL) often have delayed diagnosis and present with significant symptomatology; this may result in decreased quality of life (QOL). With improving treatment options providing longer survival, it is increasingly important to assess QOL. However there is paucity of data in the literature addressing QOL in AL patients. We prospectively employ a "Hematology Patient Reported Symptom Screen" (HPRSS) which consists of three questions about fatigue, pain and overall QOL. The aim of this study is to understand if HPRSS parameters predict various clinical outcomes. Methods: Eligibility for this retrospective study was as follows: 1) New diagnosis of AL between 2009-2014; 2) baseline HPRSS documented in the medical record; and 3) at least a year of follow-up, which included either death within or follow-up through 12 months after diagnosis. The HPRSS questions were rated on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the worst for fatigue and pain, and 10 being the best for overall QOL. Scores were abstracted from visits at time of diagnosis, and at 12 months +/- 1 month post-diagnosis. We considered a 2-point difference in serial scores a "change" over time. Results: For the 302 patients in this study, the baseline median scores [interquartile range] for fatigue, pain, and QOL were 6 [3,7], 2 [0,5] and 5 [3,8], respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 39.1 months, with 102 deaths in the first year. There were significant differences in baseline HPRSS between those who lived longer than one year and the early death patients in the domains of fatigue (5 [IQR 3, 7] vs. 7 [IQR 5, 8], p<0.0001) and QOL (6 [IQR 4, 8] vs. 5 [IQR 3, 7], p=0.006), but not in pain (2 [IQR 0, 5] vs. 2 [IQR 0, 5]). There were significant baseline differences in the early death group for alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine, and Mayo stage. Patients who received ASCT had the best baseline fatigue 4 [2.5,6] and QOL 7 [5,8] scores and were significantly different from those who did not receive ASCT [fatigue p<0.0001) and QOL (p<0.0001)] On univariate analysis fatigue and QOL were prognostic for OS. On multivariate analysis Mayo 2012 staging, autologous stem cell transplant and baseline fatigue remained independently prognostic. When analyses were restricted to the 125 patients with HPRSS measurements at 12 months, we found that over time QOL scores improved significantly 6 [IQR 3.5, 8] to 7 [IQR 5, 8] (two sided Wilcoxon signed rank p=0.01), but fatigue (5 [IQR 2, 5] to 4.5 [IQR 3, 6]) and pain scores (2 [IQR 0 ,4] to 1.5 [IQR 0, 4]) did not. Patients with worse baseline parameters tended to have improvement in QOL by 12 months while those with the best baseline parameters tended to decline in QOL although not statistically significant. When we included the 102 patients who died within 12 months to the comparison, the early death patients had the worst baseline parameters and there were significant differences across all 4 groups for most characteristics (Table 1). There was no association between achieving hematologic or organ response with change in QOL. Conclusion: Asking patients with AL to rate their fatigue and QOL using a 10-point scale has predictive value. Patient reported fatigue at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for survival. Survival at one year was associated with significant improvement in QOL. Table 1. Baseline parameters between patients with early death and/or survive 12 months. Grouped by Patient Reported QOL at 12 months Relative to Baseline Dead by 12 months, n=102 Improved, n=44 Stable, n=55 Worsened, n=26 pa HPRSS scores [IQR] Baseline QOL Baseline fatigue Baseline pain 12 month QOL 12 month fatigue 12 month pain 5 [3,7] 7 [5,8] 2 [0,5] NA NA NA 4 [3-5] b,c,d6 [4-8] b,c2 [0-4] 7 [6-9] b,d4 [1.25-6] 1 [0-3] 7 [4-8] 4 [2-7] 2 [1-5] 7 [4-8] 5 [3-6] 2 [0-4] 8 [7-10] 2.5 [0-5.25] 2 [0-6.25] 5 [3-7] 5 [3-6] 2.5 [1-4] <0.0001 <0.0001 NS NS 0.001 NS dFLC, mg/dL 48 (2.89-726) 30 (1.1-494) 19 (36-455) 22 (0.2-2097) 0.008 Troponin, ng/mL 0.065 (<0.01-0.84) 0.02 (<0.01-1.6) 0.01 (<0.01-0.19) 0.01 (<0.01-0.14) <0.0001 NT-proBNP pg/mL 5222 (159-70,000) 1766 (26-16868) 1381 (24-19180) 496 (56-2973) <0.0001 Received Transplant (%) 4 (4) 13 (33) 36 (50) 13 (50) 0.0002 a Significant by Wilcoxon across all 4 categories; b Significant difference between Improved and Worsened; c Significant difference between Improved and Stable; d Significant difference between Worsened and Stable Disclosures Kumar: Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding.
Exome Sequencing in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) Families Identifies Cosegregating Functional Variants

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1967-1967

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1967.1967

Abstract Introduction: Several B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM), are known to have a familial component to disease risk. Although several common inherited genetic variants have been found to be associated with risk of these malignancies, a large proportion of the heritability remains unexplained. Here we set out to identify rare high-penetrance susceptibility variants for CLL and MM using the established Mayo Clinic family study of B-cell malignancies. Methods: We performed exome sequencing on germ line DNA of 106 families with either two or more members with CLL (n=93 families) or two or more members with MM or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n=13 families) using Aglient capture kits. All samples were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2000. Bioinformatics analyses leveraged the following software packages: Novoalign, Picard, The Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK), and the Biological Reference Repository (bioR). Quality control filters were implemented; subjects with mis-specified relationships were removed as were variants with <95% call rate or <20x coverage, and those variants identified as sequencing artifacts. To identify potentially functional single nucleotide variants, the following was required a) uncommon in public databases, b) cosegregating variants in multiple families, c) variants to be highly conserved and in coding regions, and d) functional prediction status of deleterious (SIFT score), damaging (PolyPhen score), and a moderate, or high variant impact (SNPEffect). The association of these variants with risk was then evaluated in large samples of cases and controls in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Results: In the CLL familial cohort, there were 443 individuals (160 with CLL, 73 with monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL), and 210 relatives without CLL or MBL) sequenced; and in the MM cohort, there were 39 individuals (13 with MM, 13 with MGUS and 13 without MM or MGUS) sequenced. A total of 61,992 single nucleotide variants passed quality control filters in the CLL cohort and 39,456 single nucleotide variants in the MM cohort. From these, we identified 32 variants in the CLL cohort and 39 variants in the MM cohort that were cosegregating in multiple CLL or MM families, respectively, and were predicted to affect protein structure or function. Of these, one CLL variant was within 1 Mb of a known GWAS-discovered locus. Moreover, there were seven CLL and four MM variants that were within 1 Mb of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had statistical significance between p<10-4 and p<10-6 in GWAS. Finally, there were 3 variants found to be common between CLL and MM families (see Table). Conclusions: Through whole exome sequencing, we identified a number of rare, highly penetrant predisposition variants for CLL and MM. Several of these variants were common to both B-cell malignancies providing evidence of shared genetic components; one variant may be a functional driver of the GWAS-discovered loci. These identified variants provide a list for future validation studies. Table: Exome variants common in both Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma SNP ID rs41314099 rs61754114 rs143025033 Chromosome 17 6 7 Gene WSCD1 BACH2 TNS3 Penetrance (CLL) 0.70 0.75 0.80 Penetrance (MM) 1.00 0.80 0.75 Allele Frequency (CLL) 0.015 0.025 0.017 Allele Frequency (MM) 0.077 0.077 0.058 1000 Genome Frequency (European) 0.010 0.020 0.010 SIFT Term Deleterious Deleterious Deleterious PolyPhen Term Probably Damaging Probably Damaging Probably Damaging SNP: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism; CLL: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; MM: Multiple Myeloma; Penetrance is defined as proportion of individuals carrying the alternate allele that are also affected; SIFT: Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant, predicts whether an amino acid substitution affects protein function; PolyPhen: Polymorphism Phenotyping, predicts possible impact of an amino acid substitution on the structure of a human protein Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Impact of Novel Agents on Young Patients with t(11;14) Multiple Myeloma

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2059-2059

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2059.2059

Abstract Background: Outcome studies for the unique cohort of young patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are sparse. In general, MM is a heterogenous disease with the genetic signature being one of the major determinants of prognosis. We have recently reported on improvement in overall survival (OS) of young patients with the use of novel agents, but the maximal survival gain has been achieved by integrating autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) to our current approach. Herein, we report on outcomes of patients with MM who were 50 years or younger at diagnosis and stratified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results. Our study focuses on t(11;14) myeloma as its prognostic impact remains unclear with the use of novel agents upfront. Methods: Out of 1384 patients with MM, evaluated consecutively at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2011, 290 (21%) were 50 years or younger at diagnosis. Interphase FISH, performed within 100 days of diagnosis of MM, was utilized to stratify patients as high-risk [deletion 17p, t(14;16), t(14;20) or t(4;14)] or standard-risk [normal FISH, trisomies, t(11;14), t(6;14) or monosomy13/deletion 13q]. FISH results were available in 125 young patients that comprise the cohort of interest in the current study. OS from diagnosis was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median age at diagnosis of MM was 47 years (range: 22 to 50 years) and 58% of the patients were male. At the time of data cut-off (7/31/2014), 45 (36%) patients had died with 90% of all known causes of deaths (n=39) being MM related. FISH abnormalities were noted in 114 (91%) patients. At diagnosis, 46%, 30% and 24% patients were categorized as International Staging System (ISS) stage I, II and III, respectively. The estimated median follow up was 60 months (95% CI: 54-67) and the 5-year OS rate was 69% [median 86 months (95% CI: 76-108)]. Standard (n=100; 80%) and high (n=25; 20%) risk patients had a median OS of 89 months (95% CI: 76-108) and 77.6 months (95% CI: 42-130), respectively (p=0.87). In order to further investigate the similar outcomes between these broad risk-groups with typically diverse disease course, we assessed the outcomes based on the common genetic abnormalities (Table 1) within each of the 2 categories. Presence of t(11;14) (n=37; 29%) was associated with a significantly shorter median OS (76 months) compared to patients with trisomic and normal FISH profile (n=46) (91 months, p=0.01; Figure 1). Patients with t(11;14) also had a significantly shorter median OS compared to those with other standard-risk FISH abnormalities (median OS 96 months, p=0.02). Presence of t(11;14) was not associated with higher plasma cell labeling index (PCLI, p=0.29) or worse ISS stage (p=0.99) compared to patients without t(11;14). OS survival of patients with t(11;14) was similar to those with high risk features (median 76.2 vs. 77.6 months, p=0.32). Of 24 (65%) patients with t(11;14) who underwent SCT, 79% had early SCT (within 12 months from diagnosis). Median OS was 79.4 months (95% CI: 36-108) vs. not reached (NR) (95% CI: 27-NR), respectively (p=0.79) in early versus late SCT. Twenty-one (57%) and 13 (35%) patients with t(11;14) received initial immunomodulatory drugs or bortezomib-based therapies, respectively. Those receiving frontline bortezomib had a higher median OS (76.2 months, 95% CI 76-79) compared to 64.8 months (95% CI 32-108) with other initial agents although it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.78). Conclusion: Presence of t(11;14) is associated with an inferior OS compared to patients with normal FISH, trisomies, or other standard risk abnormalities in young patients with MM. Given, the inherent biases associated with a retrospective study from a referral institution, our findings require external validation. However, our data suggest that our current therapeutic approaches in managing young patients with this unique genetic signature are inadequate. Table 1FISHn(%)Median OS in months (95% CI)t(11;14)37(29)76.2 (53.5-107.7)Trisomies35(28)91.3 (76.4-NR)13/del(13q)11(9)NR (32-NR)Normal11(9)95.5 (45.4-95.6)t(4;14)11(9)NR (40.1-NR)del(17p)/-1710(8)42 (19.2-129.6)t(14;16)4(3)77.6 (42.4-NR)Others6(5)NR (11.5-NR) Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Development and Results of a Multiple Myeloma Specific Custom 77-Gene Mutation Panel for Clinical Targeted Sequencing

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 169-169

10.1182/blood.v124.21.169.169

Abstract Background:A goal of “post-genomic” cancer care is development of specific, affordable, reliable and rapid next-generation sequencing-based assays determining prognosis, therapeutic selection and minimal disease monitoring, replacing older technologies in the diagnostic and monitoring workup. In this regard, we designed and deployed a custom gene panel for identification of mutations, copy-number changes and clonal frequency in multiple myeloma (MM) samples. Methods: The MM Mutation Panel Version 2.0 (M3P 2.0)1 includes 1271 amplicons from 77 genes that are either mutated in MM (genes with a published mutation incidence ≥3%), represent critical pathophysiological pathways, are targetable with small molecule-based therapies and/or are associated with drug resistance (eg. XBP-1, CRBN, IZKF, IRF4). The amplicons are spread across 21 chromosomes, allowing the identification of copy-number changes in these regions. Results: We have sequenced 38 MM cases (150 will be presented) with paired tumor-germline DNA samples, using only 20ng of DNA for library preparation. Patients (Pts) included 29 untreated and 9 MM pts with multi drug refractory disease. Coverage depth averaged 964X. Hyperdiploid MM was successfully identified in 45% of cases, del(13q) in 34%, del(1p) in 18%, del(17p) in 8% and gain of 1q in 13%. Array CGH in representative cases confirmed concordance with semiconductor sequencing. Overall, 71 exonic missense and 3 nonsense mutations were detected, and 7 frameshift indels. In 89% of the pts a mutation in at least one M3P2.0 gene was identified (range 1-8). 92% of mutations were predicted damaging (Provean, Polyphene-2 or SIFT). Most commonly mutated were KRAS (37%), NRAS (21%), BRAF (13%), TP53, CDKN1B, DIS3 (each 11%), FAM46C, STAT3, and IRF4 (each 8%). The MEK-ERK pathway was mutated in 61% of cases and in 3 cases more than one gene in this pathway (NRAS, KRAS, BRAF) was simultaneously mutated. Six mutations in BRAF were identified in 5 untreated pts, 3 of them known to be activating and targetable (Val600E). Other commonly mutated pathways were the NFKB pathway in 24% of pts and the Cyclin D pathway, mutated in 16% of cases. Genes of the cereblon pathway (CRBN, IRF4, IKZF3), essential for the action of lenalidomide (len) were mutated in 5 Pts. One newly diagnosed and len refractory Pt harbored a subclonal CRBN mutation (Asn316Lys, allelic fraction [AF] 20%) as well as 4 clonal IRF4 mutations within the DNA binding domain of the gene (Lys89Asn (AF 78%), Lys77Glu, Ser48Arg and Cys49Ser (AF 80% each). Another IRF4 mutated (Lys123Arg, AF 90%) hemodialysis dependent Pt was responsive to dose adapted treatment of len and dexamethasone (dex). Mutations in the C2H2-type 3 region of IKZF3 in a len resistant (Gly191Arg, AF 48%) pt occured as well as in a len and dex responsive (Arg242Gly, AF 52%) Pt. Furthermore, we identified a truncating XBP1 mutation (p.Leu232*, 97% AF) in a Pt refractory to bortezomib. One patient harbored a mutation in the steroid receptor NR3C1 (Pro255Leu, 22% variant reads). Finally, integrated mutation and copy-number data identified biallelic deletions of CDKN2C and FAM46C in a multi drug refractory Pt. Mutation and/or copy-number losses in both alleles were found in DIS3 in 4 Pts, in CYLD, TP53 and TRAF3 in 2 Pts and in CARD11, CDKN2A, CDKN1B, RB1and STAT3 in one Pt each. Conclusion: In summary, we report the initial results from 38 MM Pts using a custom MM sequencing panel which employs small amounts of DNA requiring very few cells and providing deep coverage in clinically meaningful timeframes. Our findings frequently include prognostically significant information, actionable targets and mutations in genes related to drug resistance. Targeted mutation profiling will likely become part of the clinical workup in MM and our M3P2.0 mutation panel is a suitable tool to provide information needed to guide precision therapy and to set the basis for individually tailored treatment decisions. 1. Kortuem KM. et al. Development Of a 47 Gene Sequencing Panel For Common Mutations Present In Multiple Myeloma: Preliminary Results In 77 p53 Deleted Patients, ASH 2013. Disclosures Stewart: Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Array BioPharma: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy. Bruins:OncoSpire: Salary support Other. Vasmatzis:OncoSpire: Salary Support Other. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Co.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline Diagnostics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Fonseca:Medtronic, Otsuka, Celgene, Genzyme, BMS, Lilly, Onyx, Binding Site, Millennium, AMGEN: Consultancy, patent for the prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of the disease. He also has sponsored research from Cylene and Onyx Other, Research Funding. Bergsagel:MundiPharma: Research Funding; OncoEthix: Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
N-Terminal Fragment of the Type-B Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Is a Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3292-3292

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3292.3292

Abstract Background: Both MM specific and patient specific parameters place patients at risk for death. Patient frailty has been delineated primarily by age and ECOG performance score (PS) and secondarily with creatinine, eGFR, and the International Staging System (ISS), which reflect both renal function and disease burden. In an attempt to improve upon these commonly used measures, a frailty score for elderly patients that combines functional status [Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activity of Daily living scores], comorbidities [Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)] and age has been developed by the IMWG. Incorporation of these tools into a busy clinical practice is challenging due to time constraints. Therefore, the identification of frail patients with an easily applicable, rapid and objective tool remains a challenge and an unmet need. A reliable, non-invasively assessable, biochemical marker of frailty would be an ideal tool to identify patients at higher risk of death. It was our goal to determine the role of NT-proBNP, a well-established cardiovascular risk biomarker, as a marker of frailty in patients with MM and in predicting overall survival (OS). Methods: Patients were elegible for this retrospective study if they were seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN within 30 days of their myeloma diagnosis during the interval between 1/1/2007 and 12/31/2011. As part of the Mayo Clinic registration, all patients complete forms containing their past medical history, symptoms, and ADLs. Data from that first visit was abstracted and used to calculate a CCI. We excluded all patients with a concomitant diagnosis of light-chain AL amyloidosis. NT-proBNP concentration was measured in frozen sera collected within 30 days of diagnosis. NT-proBNP assay was run on the E170 Modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany). We evaluated the prognostic role of NT-proBNP and these indices on OS using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among the 351 consecutive patients satisfying entry criteria, median age was 65 years (range 22-95), 33% were ≥70 years, and 56% were male. Twenty-eight percent were ISS stage III, 13% had a creatinine ≥2 mg/dL, 19% had PS ≥2, and 11% had ADL score ≥2, and 30% CCI ≥2. The median value of NT-proBNP was 109 ng/L (interquartile range: 30-375 ng/L). NT-proBNP concentrations differed in the three ISS stages (median: 122 ng/L stage I, 190 ng/L stage II and 1822 ng/L stage III, P<0.0001). Median OS was 5.6 years. The best cutoff of NT-proBNP predicting OS at one year was 301 ng/L (sensitivity: 57.88%, specificity: 74.29%; AUC=0.668) and distinguished two groups with different OS (median not reached vs. 35 months, P<0.0001). Variables predictive for OS are shown in the Table and included PS, age, CCI, ISS, NT-proBNP. On multivariate analysis, ISS and NT-proBNP were independent of each other as long as age, PS and/or CCI were excluded from the model. NT-proBNP withstood these clinical variables better than did ISS (data not shown). We built two different models (table). In model 1, NT-proBNP >301 ng/L was an independent predictor of survival while age ≥70 and PS ≥2 and CCI were not significant. However, if we considered ISS stage instead of NT-proBNP in the same model, ISS stage was not significant. Conclusions: In this unselected cohort of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, NT-proBNP was a useful predictor of survival independent of age and PS. The threshold of 301 ng/L is remarkably similar to the well-established cutoff for heart failure of 300 ng/L. NT-proBNP outperformed the CCI and the ISS as risk factors. NT-proBNP is a widely available biomarker that could be added to the panel of laboratory tests of newly diagnosed MM patients and serve as a simple means of determining patient frailty in a busy clinical practice. Table. Results of univariate and multivariate analysis of various prognostic factors (NS, not significant; NI, not included). Univariate Multivariate Multivariate RR (95% CI) P Model 1 P Model 2 P PS ≥2 3.4 (2.4-4.8) <0.0001 2.5 (1.7-3.6) <0.0001 2.8 (1.9-4.0) <0.0001 Age ≥70 2.7 (1.9-3.6) <0.0001 2.1 (1.5-2.9) <0.0001 1.9 (1.3-2.7) 0.0003 CCI >=2 1.9 (1.4-2.6) <0.0001 NS NS 1.5 (1.0-2.0) 0.03 ISS stage 1.1 (1.1-1.8) 0.0004 NI NI NS NS NT-proBNP >301 ng/L 2.3 (1.7-3.2) <0.0001 1.6 (1.1-2.2) 0.007 NI NI Disclosures Merlini: Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Millennium-Takeda: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Kumar:Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Millenium/Takeda: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene, Millenium, Sanofi, Skyline, BMS, Onyx, Noxxon,: Other: Consultant, no compensation,; Skyline, Noxxon: Honoraria.
Pomalidomide Plus Low-Dose Dexamethasone (Pom/Dex) in Relapsed Myeloma: Long Term Follow up and Factors Predicing Outcome in 345 Patients

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 201-201

10.1182/blood.v120.21.201.201

Abstract Abstract 201 Background: Pomalidomide at doses of 2 or 4 mg/d has demonstrated excellent activity in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Between November 2007 and March 2012, we opened 6 sequential phase 2 trials and treated 345 patients with relapsed MM with pomalidomide at differing doses with weekly dexamethasone (Pom/dex). Results of 164 of these patients have been previously published. Here we describe long term follow up of these patients as well as results of an additional 181 patients with relapsed MM treated with the Pom/dex regimen. Methods: The six cohorts consisted of: Cohort 1 (N=60): relapsed MM with 1–3 prior regimens, 2 mg dose; Cohort 2 (N=34): lenalidomide (LEN) refractory, 2 mg dose; Cohort 3 (N=35): BZ)/LEN refractory, 2 mg dose; Cohort 4 (N=35): BZ/LEN refractory, 4 mg dose; Cohort 5 (N=60) LEN refractory, 1–3 prior regimens, 4 mg dose; and Cohort 6 (N=120) LEN refractory, 4 mg dose. Pomalidomide was given orally 2 mg daily or 4mg daily on days 1–28(cohorts 1–5) or 1–21 (cohort 6) of a 28-day cycle with oral dexamethasone given 40 mg daily on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. Response was assessed by the International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response criteria. All patients received aspirin 325 mg daily for deep venous thrombosis (VTE) prophylaxis or full dose anticoagulation. Results: A total of 345 patients were enrolled across all 6 cohorts. One patient was ineligible and excluded from analysis. The median age was 64 years (32–88). The median time since diagnosis was 53 months. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (1–14). 147 (44%) had high-risk molecular markers by mSMART criteria. Prior therapies consisted of thalidomide 52%, lenalidomide 87%, bortezomib 75%, autologous stem cell transplant 70% and allogeneic transplant 3%. The median follow-up is 10.4 months (5.4–34 months). Sixty-seven percent are alive and 32% remain progression free. 46 patients are continuing to receive treatment. The most common toxicities (grade 3 or higher) were neutropenia (31%), anemia (16%), thrombocytopenia (12%), pneumonia (8%) and fatigue (8%). VTE was seen in 10 patients (3%). Outcomes are shown in Table 1. Across all 6 cohorts confirmed responses of partial response (PR) or better were seen in 34%. The response rate in all patients with mSMART high risk status was 30.6%. Responses and duration of response (DOR) in those with high risk molecular markers include: 17p– 19 of 56 (34%) DOR 8.2 months; t(4;14) 6 of 24 (25%) and DOR 4.8 months; t(14;16) 7 of 11(64%) and DOR 9.5 months; deletion 13 by cytogenetics 13 of 37 (35%) with DOR 8.2 months. In a multivariate analysis, only LDH > ULN, number of prior regimens, and prior BZ therapy were predictive of a shorter TTP and factors associated with a poor OS following initiation of pomalidomide therapy included B2M > 5.5, LDH > ULN,number of prior regimens, and prior BZ therapy. Conclusions: Pom/dex is active and well tolerated even in heavily pretreated patients and those with high risk molecular markers. Remissions are durable. Response rates and toxicity are similar between the 2 mg and 4 mg doses. Disclosures: Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Stewart:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Reeder:Celgene: Mayo Clinic receives funding from Celgene to support clinical trials Other, Research Funding.
Phase 1/2 Trial of a Novel CDK Inhibitor Dinaciclib (SCH727965) in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Demonstrates Encouraging Single Agent Activity

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 76-76

10.1182/blood.v120.21.76.76

Abstract Abstract 76 Background: We measured proliferation in MM cells transfected with 13,984 small interfering RNAs in the absence/presence of increasing concentrations of bortezomib (BTZ) and identified 37 non lethal genes as reproducible BTZ sensitizers. The strongest hit was CDK5 a gene expressed at high levels in MM and neural tissues with relatively low expression in other organs suggesting a large therapeutic window. The small molecule CDK5 inhibitor Dinaciclib is a novel, potent, small molecule inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK). It selectively inhibits CDK1, CDK 2, CDK 5 and CDK9 with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in the low nanomolar concentration. Based on these data, we undertook the current trial to evaluate the maximally tolerated dose of Dinaciclib in this patient population as well as assess the efficacy of single agent Dinaciclib in relapsed MM. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed MM and measurable disease were enrolled on this phase 1/2 trial provided they had not more than 4 prior lines of therapy for MM, had adequate performance status and organ and hematological function. Patients receiving strong inhibitors/inducers of CYP3A4 were not allowed unless the drugs could be discontinued. The primary objectives were to (i) to determine the MTD of dinaciclib in subjects with relapsed MM (phase 1) and (ii) to evaluate the confirmed response rate with dinaciclib in patients with relapsed MM (phase 2). Dinaciclib was administered on day 1 of a 21-day cycle at doses of 30–50 mg/m2. Dose escalation was done using a 3+3 design and MTD was defined as one dose level below that resulted in >=2 DLTs among 6 patients. Results: Overall, twenty-nine patients were accrued to this study (19 phase I, 10 phase II) from July 2009 to December 2011. Two patients were replaced for study violations and are not included in analysis. The Phase II analysis included the 6 patients treated at the Phase I dose level 50mg/m2 as well as the first 9 patients accrued to the Phase II portion (15 evaluable patients). The median age of the 27 evaluable patients was 66 (range, 49–81); 52% were male. The median duration from diagnosis was 42 months (range, 7–207 months); median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 1–5). Overall, 11 (41%) patients were considered high-risk by FISH and 56% were ISS stage III at study entry. Patients have received a median of 2 cycles (range: 1–12) and all patients have discontinued treatment for disease progression (18), alternative Treatment (2), adverse Event (4), or other reasons (3). One dose limiting toxicity was seen over all dose levels. One patient at 40 mg/m2 experienced grade 3 constipation possibly related to treatment. The dose level of 50 mg/m2 was determined to be the MTD for the Phase II portion. The overall confirmed response rate was 3 of 27 (11%); including two patients at 40 mg/m2 dose (1 VGPR, 1 PR) and one patient at 50 mg/m2 dose (1 VGPR) with a PR or better. In addition, two patients at 50 mg/mg2 dose have achieved an MR; translating to an overall response rate of 18.5% (5 of 27). Figure 1 shows a waterfall plot of the M protein responses among patients with a measurable M spike. Overall, 21 patients had disease progression and 14 patients have died. Median follow-up for patients still alive is 11.8 months (range: 6.5–19.3). Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common hematological AEs, and gastrointestinal symptoms, alopecia, and fatigue, were the most common non-hematological AEs seen in the study. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates potential single agent anti-myeloma activity of dinaciclib in a relapsed MM patient population with 2 patients achieving a deep response (VGPR) and many patients obtaining some degree of M protein stabilization or decrease. Ongoing studies are examining dinaciclib in combination with proteasome inhibitors, exploring both weekly and every three-week dosing schedules. Disclosures: Zonder: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
Patients with Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis (AL) Undergoing High Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) have Superior Outcomes As Compared to Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 600-600

10.1182/blood.v120.21.600.600

Abstract Abstract 600 Background: Both MM and AL are plasma cell neoplasms. The underlying clone in both diseases appears to be different not only in terms of “tumor burden” but also in terms of their underlying biology. The overall “fitness” of patients with these two diseases is also different, with AL patients having more major organ dysfunction. Therapy for both diseases is directed at killing the underlying clone. ASCT is one method of reducing the clone size and thereby improving overall survival. Post-ASCT outcomes between the two diseases have never been formally compared. Methods: We compiled all patients with a diagnosis of AL or MM who received ASCT at the Mayo Clinic Rochester between June 1996 and January 2011 to compare outcomes. Patients were retrieved from two prospectively maintained clinical transplant data bases (M.A.G.). Differences between groups were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon tests. Survival was calculated using the method of Kaplan-Meier, and differences between survival outcomes were calculated by log rank. Cox regression modeling was done to determine how non-disease specific variables—i.e. age, time period of ASCT, number of prior regimens, time to ASCT from diagnosis and acquisition of complete response (CR)—affected outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using JMP (SAS, NC) software. This study was approved by the Mayo IRB. Results: The data set was comprised of 454 patients with AL and 1116 patients with MM. There were significant differences between the two respective groups of patients in terms of number of prior regimens (0 vs 1, p<0.0001), time to ASCT (3.95 months vs 7.20 months, p<0.0001), intensity of conditioning regimen (non-attenuated in 69.4% vs 89.1%, p<0.0001), serum creatinine (1.1mg/dl vs 1mg/dl p<0.0001), creatinine clearance (72.5 ml/minute vs 80 ml/minute p<0.0001), albumin (2.61g/dl vs 3.50g/dl, p<0.0001) CRP (0.40mg/dl vs 0.63mg/dl p<0.0001), LDH (196 U/l vs 182U/l, p<0.0001), and bone marrow plasmacytosis at transplant (6% vs 9%, p<0.0001). Hematologic response rates were also significantly different between the groups, with higher overall hematologic response in the MM group (90.9% vs 79.5%, p<0.0001) and higher complete response (CR) rates (40.1% vs 29.4%, p<0.0001) in the AL group. With a median follow-up of surviving patients of 68 months, the respective median overall survival (OS) for the AL and MM patients was 113 and 59.5 months, p<0.0001. Notably, the 5-year OS of AL and MM patients achieving CR were 91.4% and 57.7%, respectively, p<0.0001. If only those patients who were transplanted within 1 year of their diagnosis are included in the analysis, the respective 5-year OS of AL and MM patients achieving CR were 90.4% and 61.3%, p<0.0001 (Figure 1). To correct for imbalances in non-disease specific parameters, 3 multivariate analyses were performed using: 1) all patients; 2) only those achieving CR; and 3) only those who achieved a CR and were transplanted within 12 months of their diagnosis (Table 1). Among those patients achieving CR, MM patients had nearly a 4-fold risk of death as compared to patients with AL. Conclusion: Although ASCT is not available to all patients with either AL or MM, there is a significant difference in outcomes based on the diagnosis. Patients with AL who undergo ASCT enjoy a superior survival as compared MM patients undergoing the same procedure. This difference is most notable among those patients who achieve CR suggesting very different plasma cell biology between the two diseases. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.