Citations 383

Variability in Cytogenetic Testing for Multiple Myeloma: A Comprehensive Analysis From Across the United States

JCO Oncology Practice | May 29, 2020 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: e1169-e1180

10.1200/jop.19.00639 | PMID 32469686

Purpose: Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment has changed tremendously, with significant improvement in patient out-comes. One group with a suboptimal benefit is patients with high-risk cytogenetics, as tested by conventional karyotyping or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Methodology for these tests has been published, but not necessarily standardized. Methods: We address variability in the testing and reporting methodology for MM cytogenetics in the United States using the ongoing African American Multiple Myeloma Study (AAMMS). We evaluated clinical and cytogenetic data from 1,221 patients (1,161 with conventional karyotyping and 976 with FISH) tested between 1998 and 2016 across 58 laboratories nationwide. Results: Interlab and intralab variability was noted for the number of cells analyzed for karyotyping, with a significantly higher number of cells analyzed in patients in whom cytogenetics were normal (P 5.0025). For FISH testing, CD138-positive cell enrichment was used in 29.7% of patients and no enrichment in 50% of patients, whereas the remainder had unknown status. A significantly smaller number of cells was analyzed for patients in which CD138 cell enrichment was used compared with those without such enrichment (median, 50 v 200; P, .0001). A median of 7 loci probes (range, 1-16) were used for FISH testing across all laboratories, with variability in the loci probed even within a given laboratory. Chromosome 13–related abnormalities were the most frequently tested abnormality (n5956; 97.9%), and t(14;16) was the least frequently tested abnormality (n 5 119; 12.2%). Conclusions: We report significant variability in cytogenetic testing across the United States for MM, potentially leading to variability in risk stratification, with possible clinical implications and personalized treatment approaches.
Impact of lenalidomide-bortezomib-dexamethasone (RVd) induction on patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and renal impairment: Results from the Connect MM Registry.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8518-8518

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.8518

8518 Background: Patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) and renal impairment (RI) are often excluded from clinical trials. Data are limited on the effects of induction treatment in these pts, who may also be ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) due to severity of RI. This analysis investigated the impact of RVd induction on renal function in transplant eligible (TE) and noneligible (TNE) pts from the Connect MM Registry, a US, multicenter, prospective, observational study. Methods: Eligible pts were ≥ 18 y and had symptomatic MM diagnosed ≤ 2 mos prior to enrollment, as defined by the International Myeloma Working Group criteria. For this analysis, pts that received front-line RVd for ≥ 3 cycles were grouped per transplant eligibility and renal function at baseline (BL; creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 30, 30-50, > 50-80, and > 80). Pts with progressive disease at BL were excluded. Renal function at 3 mos was measured. Median unadjusted progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated from start of regimen in TE and TNE populations, with pts grouped by CrCl (≤ 60 or > 60) at BL. Results: As of 7/23/19, 421 TE and 212 TNE pts received RVd for ≥ 3 cycles. TE and TNE pts were grouped by BL CrCl of < 30 (20 and 16 pts), 30-50 (36 and 50 pts), > 50-80 (117 and 63 pts), and > 80 (248 and 83 pts). Renal function improvement was observed in all pts receiving RVd, including those with moderate (30-50 CrCl) and severe (< 30 CrCl) RI at BL (Table). In pts with > 60 CrCl and ≤ 60 CrCl at BL, median PFS in TE pts was 48.6 mos and 43.2 mos, respectively. In TNE pts, median PFS was 36.4 mos and 30.6 mos, respectively. Conclusions: The results from the Connect MM Registry indicate that pts with NDMM and RI (including moderate and severe) who receive front-line RVd for ≥ 3 cycles may see improvement in renal function at 3 mos, regardless of transplant eligibility. RVd therefore can potentially be used in pts with RI. This analysis provides real-world data that support further investigation of RVd treatment in pts with moderate or severe RI. Clinical trial information: NCT01081028 . [Table: see text]
Primary analysis of the randomized phase II trial of bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamthasone with/without elotuzumab for newly diagnosed, high-risk multiple myeloma (SWOG-1211).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8507-8507

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.8507

8507 Background: The introduction of immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but those with high risk MM (HRMM) have a poor long-term prognosis. To date, no trials have addressed optimal treatment for these patients. Methods: S1211 is a randomized phase II trial (NCT01668719) comparing 8 cycles of lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) induction followed by dose-attenuated RVd maintenance until disease progression with or without elotuzumab. Stem cell collection was allowed, but ASCT was deferred until progression. HRMM was defined by one of the following: gene expression profiling high-risk (GEPhi), t(14; 16), t(14; 20), del(17p) or amplification 1q21, primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) and elevated serum LDH (> 2X ULN). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end-point, using a one-sided stratified log-rank test at a one-sided significance level of 0.1. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), adverse events (AE), serious adverse events (SAE) and OS. Response was assessed using the IMWG 2009 criteria. Results: S1211 enrolled 103 evaluable patients, RVd n = 54, RVd-Elo n = 49. 75% had ISS II/III, 47% amp1q21, 38% del17p, 12% t(14; 16), 9% GEPhi, 7% pPCL, 5% t(14; 20) and 4% elevated serum LDH (18.5% > 1 feature). With median follow-up of 53 months (mos.), no difference in median PFS was observed [RVd-Elo = 31 mos., RVd = 34 mos.,HR = 0.968 (80% CI = 0.697-1.344), p = 0.449]. No difference in OS was observed [RVd-Elo = 68 mos, RVd = not reached, HR = 1.279 (80% CI: 0.819, 2.000), p-value = 0.478]. 72% pts had > Grade 3 AEs, no differences in the safety profile were observed except >Grade 3 infections (RVd 8%, RVd-Elo 16%), >Grade 3 sensory neuropathy (RVd 8%, RVd-Elo 13%). Conclusions: In the first randomized HRMM study reported to date, the addition of elotuzumab to RVd induction and maintenance did not improve patient outcomes. However, the PFS and OS seen in both arms of the study exceeded the original statistical assumptions and support the role for PI/IMiD combination maintenance therapy for this patient population. The S1211 data will serve as an important benchmark for future HRMM clinical trials. Clinical trial information: NCT01668719 .
Targeting CD38 is lethal to Breg-like chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and Tregs, but restores CD8+ T-cell responses

Blood Advances | May 18, 2020 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 2143-2157

10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001091 | PMID 32421811

Abstract Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are characterized by monoclonal expansion of CD5+CD23+CD27+CD19+κ/λ+ B lymphocytes and are clinically noted to have profound immune suppression. In these patients, it has been recently shown that a subset of B cells possesses regulatory functions and secretes high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Our investigation identified that CLL cells with a CD19+CD24+CD38hi immunophenotype (B regulatory cell [Breg]–like CLL cells) produce high amounts of IL-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and are capable of transforming naive T helper cells into CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in an IL-10/TGF-β-dependent manner. A strong correlation between the percentage of CD38+ CLL cells and Tregs was observed. CD38hi Tregs comprised more than 50% of Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with CLL. Anti-CD38 targeting agents resulted in lethality of both Breg-like CLL and Treg cells via apoptosis. Ex vivo, use of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy was associated with a reduction in IL-10 and CLL patient-derived Tregs, but an increase in interferon-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with an activated phenotype, which showed an improved ability to lyse patient-autologous CLL cells. Finally, effects of anti-CD38 mAb therapy were validated in a CLL–patient-derived xenograft model in vivo, which showed decreased percentage of Bregs, Tregs, and PD1+CD38hiCD8+ T cells, but increased Th17 and CD8+ T cells (vs vehicle). Altogether, our results demonstrate that targeting CD38 in CLL can modulate the tumor microenvironment; skewing T-cell populations from an immunosuppressive to immune-reactive milieu, thus promoting immune reconstitution for enhanced anti-CLL response.
Low-dose versus High-dose Carfilzomib with Dexamethasone (S1304) in Patients with Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Clinical Cancer Research | April 16, 2020 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 15 | Pages: 3969-3978

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1997 | PMID 32299820

Abstract Purpose: Treatment of multiple myeloma has evolved tremendously and optimal utilization of available therapies will ensure maximal patient benefits. Patients and Methods: We report the Southwest Oncology Group randomized phase II trial (S1304) comparing twice weekly low-dose (27 mg/m2; arm 1) to high-dose carfilzomib (56 mg/m2; arm 2), both with dexamethasone, administered for 12 cycles (11 months) for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma with up to six prior lines of therapy (NCT01903811). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and patients on arm 1 could cross-over to arm 2 after progression on treatment. Results: Among 143 enrolled patients, of whom 121 were eligible and analyzable, the overall response rate was 42.8%, with no significant difference between the arms (P = 0.113). Also, neither the median PFS [5 months and 8 months, respectively; HR, 1.061; 80% Wald confidence interval (CI), 0.821–1.370; P = 0.384] nor the median overall survival were significantly different (26 and 22 months, respectively; HR, 1.149, 80% Wald CI, 0.841–.571; P = 0.284). Sixteen patients crossed over to arm 2 with a median PFS benefit of 3 months. Certain adverse events (AE) were more frequent in arm 2, including fatigue, thrombocytopenia, and peripheral neuropathy, but there was no significant difference in cardiopulmonary AEs. Conclusions: This randomized trial did not support a benefit of fixed duration, twice weekly 56 mg/m2 dosing of carfilzomib over the 27 mg/m2 dose for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. However, treatment to progression in earlier patient populations with high-dose carfilzomib using different schedules should still be considered as part of the standard of care.
Impact of time to treatment initiation (TTI) on survival of patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 12, 2020 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 9058-9058

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.9058

9058 Background: Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the USA. NSCLC comprises about 85% of lung cancer cases. Although timeliness of care in patients with NSCLC is considered an important aspect of quality care, there are conflicting data about its impact on clinical outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to determine if there is an association between TTI and survival in patients with NSCLC. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed data from our multi-site Mayo Clinic Cancer Center registry and identified patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC from 2000 to 2016. TTI was calculated from time of diagnosis to time of first treatment (surgery, radiation therapy or systemic therapy). Analyses were performed by SAS software 9.4. Log-Rank test was used to compare survival. Cox regression multivariate model was used to evaluate the prognostic value of variables to survival. Results: 10010 patients (53% males and 47%) were reviewed. Median age at diagnosis was 70. Median TTI was 12 days for stage I, and 20 days for stage II, III and IV. We compared outcomes of patients with TTI > 20 days to TTI ≤20 days. Outcomes were stratified based on age, gender, grade, and stage. Median Overall Survival (OS) was significantly better for patients with TTI ≤20 days compared to TTI > 20 days (39.1 vs 28.6 months P-value < 0.0001). Further stratification, based on stage, showed significantly better OS for stage I and II patients with TTI ≤20 days compared to TTI > 20 days (103.4 vs. 63.9 months P-value < 0.0001 and 72.3 vs. 46.8 months P-value 0.0014 respectively). OS for stage III patients with TTI ≤20 days was not significantly different from patients with TTI > 20 days (30.6 vs. 28.5 months P-value 0.118). Interestingly, stage IV patients had worse OS if TTI ≤20 days compared to TTI > 20 days (8.3 vs. 12.8 months P-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our study showed an association between TTI and survival of patients with NSCLC. Shorter TTI was associated with better survival in stage I and II patients and worse survival in stage IV patients. Our study further highlights the controversy surrounding the topic of impact of timeliness of care on survival in patients with cancer, specifically NSCLC across different stages.
Effect of t(11;14) on outcomes of patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in the connect MM registry.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 12, 2020 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8032-8032

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.8032

8032 Background: The impact of t(11;14) (16%–24% of MM pts) on prognosis is not fully understood. Consensus is lacking on the effects of induction treatment (tx) on outcomes with t(11;14). The Connect MM Registry (NCT01081028) is a large, US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of pts with NDMM designed to examine real-world diagnostic patterns, treatment (tx) patterns, clinical outcomes, and HRQoL pt-reported outcomes in pts with NDMM. The impact of t(11;14) on tx outcomes are reported. Methods: Analysis included data from pts from 250 community, academic, and government sites in cohort (C) 1 (9/2009–12/2011) and C2 (12/2012–4/2016), who completed first-line (1L; induction) tx and were tested for t(11;14) by FISH or cytogenetics. Primary end points (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]) were measured from start of 1L tx to earliest event (PFS, death or progression; OS, death), loss to follow-up, or data cutoff, adjusted for baseline (BL) risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluding pts with concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities [del 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q+] was also performed. Results: By 1/2018, 3011 pts were enrolled; 2938 were treated. Of 1574 enrolled pts tested for t(11;14), 378 were t(11;14)+ and 1196 were t(11;14)−. More pts in C2 vs C1 were t(11;14)+ (60% vs 40%). BL characteristics were similar between groups. t(11;14) status did not affect PFS ( P= NS) or OS ( P= NS; Table). Pts in C1 and C2 received similar 1L txs (IMiD agent + proteasome inhibitor [PI], 30% vs 42%; PI only, 42% vs 43%; IMiD agent only, 17% vs 11%). Results were similar when pts with concomitant abnormalities were excluded. Conclusions: Results of this analysis suggest that t(11;14) does not affect PFS and OS outcomes in NDMM pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01081028. [Table: see text]
Real-world outcomes and factors impacting treatment choice in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): a comparison of VRd, KRd, and IRd

Expert Review of Hematology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 421-433

10.1080/17474086.2020.1729734 | PMID 32148109

Use of KRD-PACE as Salvage Therapy in Aggressive, Relapsed/Bortezomib-Refractory Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Case Reports in Hematology | February 18, 2020 | Volume: 2020 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: 1-6

10.1155/2020/4360926 | PMID 32148978

Extramedullary multiple myeloma is defined by the presence of plasma cell infiltration outside of the bone marrow. It is associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to therapy and is often associated with high-risk cytogenetics. Aggressive relapsed and refractory extramedullary multiple myeloma is often treated with salvage infusional chemotherapy to achieve rapid disease control. Commonly used regimens include DCEP, CVAD, and VTD-PACE. While VTD-PACE contains bortezomib and thalidomide which have potent antimyeloma activity, the advent of novel agent therapy with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents being used in the first-line setting has resulted in many patients being refractory to bortezomib by the time they are treated with VTD-PACE. Herein, we discuss two cases of aggressive relapsed, high-risk, bortezomib-refractory extramedullary multiple myeloma treated with KRD-PACE and review the available clinical data on salvage chemotherapy regimens used in relapsed refractory myeloma.
Disparities and Their Impact on the Adoption of Health Information Technology (HIT) in Minority Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Blood | February 14, 2020 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 411-411

10.1182/blood-2019-125722

Background: HIT has the potential to improve the health of individuals and the performance of providers, yielding improved quality, cost savings, and greater engagement by patients. Minorities face a variety of financial and nonfinancial barriers to obtaining appropriate and timely health care. Studying the behavior of minority patients will help understand the specific challenges to HIT adoption and engagement in patients and their caregivers. We undertook a patient-reported survey to explore these factors and understand any underlying disparities. Methods: A 21-question paper-based anonymous questionnaire addressing the responder's attitudes, understanding and needs of the electronic medical record (EMR) was used. This was administered to adult patients with lymphoid malignancies and their caregivers at two campuses of Mayo Clinic in Florida (San Pablo and inner-city; Riverside). Categorical and continuous variables between white and minority responders as well as minority responders from the two campuses were compared using the Chi-square test and U Mann Whitney with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The survey was completed by 1004 patients and caregivers. Average time taken to complete the survey was approximately 11 minutes. Of the responders, 716 (71%) were whites and 271 (27%) were minorities, with race-ethnicity not reported by 17 (2%). Among minorities, 30% (n=80) were seen at San Pablo and 64% (n=173) at the Riverside campus, with 6% at a multiple myeloma patient-caregiver symposium. Whites were older (median age 66 vs. 62 years, p&lt;0.001) and had higher education (undergraduate or higher 60% vs. 52%, p=0.023) as compared to minorities. Minority survey responders had lesser access to a computer (84% vs. 92%, p&lt;0.001) or a smartphone (85% vs. 89%, p=0.08). (Figure 1a) Exploring HIT awareness showed that only 51% of minorities were registered to use the EMR as compared to 72% whites (p&lt;0.001) and a lesser number of minorities even knew that they could access their medical records electronically (81% vs. 92%, p&lt;0.001). even among those registered to use the EMR, 13% minorities reported never using the EMR as compared to 4% whites (p&lt;0.001). Encouragingly, a higher willingness to learn about and use the EMR was noted among minorities who were more interested in knowing how to access the EMR (43% vs. 36%, p=0.04), would increase the use of EMR if someone explained how to use it (17% vs. 10%, p=0.002), and if someone explained about test results (14% vs. 6%, p&lt;0.001). (Figure 1b) Comparing minorities among the two campuses, those from the San Pablo campus were older (67.5 yrs. vs. 57 yrs., P&lt;0.001), had higher level of education (undergraduate or higher in 66% vs. 47%, p=0.005) and a higher number had access to a computer (94% vs. 78%, P=0.001) as compared to those from the inner-city Riverside. (Figure 2a) Minorities from the Riverside campus were less likely to be aware of the current HIT EMR (75% vs. 93%, p&lt;0.001), were significantly less likely to have registered for the patient EMR portal (38% vs. 76%, p&lt;0.001) and never used the EMR even if registered for it (22% vs. 7%, p=0.01) as against those from the San Pablo campus. Minorities at the Riverside campus had a higher interest in knowing how to access the EMR (47% vs. 33%, p=0.03). Linguistic barriers were more striking in the inner-city Riverside campus where a higher proportion of minority survey responders noted that it would help if the EMR was in their primary language (66% vs. 48%, p=0.006). (Figure 2b) Conclusions: Minorities continue to struggle with suboptimal utilization of healthcare system including that of HIT. There are barriers related to access, awareness, language and understanding of HIT that prevent the integration and participation of racial-ethnic minorities in the healthcare system to a full extent. It is important to qualify the minorities better, since there exist HIT utilization disparities even within the minorities from different areas representing socioeconomic and demographic differences. Efforts need to be made at several levels to help the minorities overcome educational, access and linguistic barriers so that they can benefit from advancements in the healthcare system. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Cellectar: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy. Manochakian:Novocure: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Guardant Health: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Chanan-Khan:AbbVie: Research Funding; Xencor: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Jansen: Research Funding; Mayo Clinic: Employment; Ascentage: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding.