Abstract Background: It is well known that the staging stratification at diagnosis predicts survival in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, but there is a paucity of literature delineating the prognostic value of these systems at the time of 2nd-line therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the prognostic value of AL staging among 563 patients with staging data, who initiated a 2nd-line therapy between 2000 and 2015. Both the Revised Mayo 2012 staging system and the European revision of the Mayo 2004 staging system were used. Results: The median time from initial treatment to 2nd-line therapy was 11.6 months. Median follow-up from institution of 2nd-line therapy was 54.1 months. The 1st-line therapy for patients was autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in 216 (38%) patients; and 2) non-ASCT therapies in 347 patients. Both staging systems were prognostic with a risk ratio of 9.4 (95%CI: 6.0, 15.1; p<0.0001) between stage IIIb and I, and of 12.2(8.1, 18.5; p<0.0001) between IV and I. At the time of 2nd-line therapy the staging systems' predictive values were independent of what the patients' 1st-line therapies had been despite the fact that the median time from initial treatment to 2nd-line therapy was 19.4 months in ASCT group and 8.0 months in non-ASCT group. Among the patients receiving 2nd-line therapy after ASCT, the 5-year overall survival (OS) from 2nd-line therapy for those with ≤ stage II versus >stage II was 65% and 31% (Mayo 2004) and 70% and 23% (Mayo 2012). The respective numbers for patients relapsing from a non-ASCT therapy were 57% and 26% (Mayo 2004) and 60% and 23% (Mayo 2012). Conclusions: This study indicates that the Mayo staging systems work well at the time of instituting 2nd-line therapy and is independent of whether 1st-line therapy was ASCT based. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Gertz: annexon: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy; Apellis: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Ionis: Honoraria; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy; Alnylam: Honoraria. Kumar:KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Dingli:Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Russell:Vyriad: Equity Ownership. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding.
Soluble ST2 (sST2) Is a Novel Valuable Prognostic Marker Among Patients With Immunoglobulin Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis
Abstract The use of soluble cardiac biomarkers such as NT-proBNP and troponin has revolutionized prognostication for patients with AL amyloidosis and led to their use in the Mayo 2004 and 2012 staging systems. Novel soluble markers with different phenotypic targets may further improve this approach. Soluble ST2 (sST2), which is the circulating form of the IL-33 receptor, has been shown to be a marker of cardiac remodelling and fibrosis, is predictive of mortality in patients with congestive heart failure, and is predictive of risk of GVHD and GVHD mortality. Samples of blood of patients with AL amyloidosis collected and frozen at -20C under a biobank IRB protocol were retrieved and sST2 measured. Patients were eligible for present study if they had a research sample collected within 90 days of their AL amyloidosis diagnosis. We have validated that values do not change significantly with storage at -20C over a 90 day period. Concentrations of sST2 were determined using a novel high-sensitivity sandwich immunoassay (Presagew ST2; Critical Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA). The sST2 assay had within-run and total coefficients of variation of <7.5% and 13.0% across its measurement range. Samples from 273 consecutive patients meeting diagnostic criteria for AL amyloidosis seen at our institution from 1/9/2010 to 12/22/2011 were evaluated. Median age was 63. 58% were male. One hundred and thirty have died over 33.9 months. Correlation between sST2 and the other biomarkers was modest with correlation coefficients of 0.48 and 0.20 for NT-proBNP and Troponin T, respectively. Patients with sST2 above and below the median of 27.2 ng/mL (6.3-596) had significant differences in 2 year overall survival: 71.2% to 39% (figure). In multivariate modeling sST2’s prognostic value was independent of the Mayo 2004 and the Mayo 2012 cardiac biomarker staging systems, the latter of which also includes prognostic information relating to plasma cell burden. In these multivariate models, sST2 median had a RR of 2.4, (95%CI 1.6, 3.6 p<0.001) with the Mayo 2004 Staging system (RR of 2.9, 95%CI 2.1, 4.1p<0.001); and sST2 median had a RR of 2.2 (95%CI 1.5, 3.4, p<0.001) with the Mayo 2012 staging system (RR 1.9, 95%CI 1.6, 2.3, p<0.001). A larger cohort including patients with longer follow up will be presented at the meeting as will gender specific cut off values and a comparison of our values with those previously used to prognosticate in patients with heart failure. sST2 appears to be a novel powerful prognostic factor for patients with AL amyloidosis. Because sST2 functions as a decoy receptor, which neutralizes the benefits of IL-33, it may play a role in the deleterious phenotype seen in patients with AL, i.e. myocardial hypertrophy and reduction of contractility. Disclosures: Saenger: Critical Diagnostics : Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding. Jaffe:Critical Diagnostics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy.
Therapy Related MDS/AML In Multiple Myeloma Patients In The Era Of Novel Agents
Introduction With the introduction of novel agents, survival in multiple myeloma has successively increased in the past decade. This improved survival increases the risk for late complications. Patients continue to receive melphalan therapy as a standard induction for those over the age of 65. Lenalidomide is considered a standard component of induction therapy in the United States for patients who are transplant candidates. Stem cell transplantation remains the standard of care for patients eligible to receive it. As a consequence of exposure to lenalidomide, stem cell transplant, and melphalan, the risk of late myelodysplasia and acute leukemia remains significant. We reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience with therapy-induced myelodysplasia beginning with the advent of novel agents. Patients and Methods All patients that carry the diagnosis of multiple myeloma between January 1, 2000, and September 1, 2011, were included. Patients with a synchronous diagnosis of a myeloproliferative or a myelodysplastic disorder or those who developed the myelodysplastic disorder within 15 months of first chemotherapy exposure were excluded. The date of diagnosis for the purpose of this abstract was based on first exposure to chemotherapy and not first detection of a monoclonal protein or smoldering multiple myeloma. All patients had to have morphologic verification in the bone marrow of dysplastic change consistent with therapy-related myelodysplasia. Results Of 3111 patients who had a myeloma diagnosis and first treatment after January 1, 2000, through September 1, 2011, 22 patients were identified to fulfill the criteria of myelodysplasia. There were 13 men and 9 women with a median age of 67 (46 to 82). At the time of this report, 17 have died. Prior to the development of myelodysplasia, exposure to an alkylating agent, lenalidomide, or an auto stem cell transplant was seen in 13, 15, and 10, respectively. Only one patient had been exposed to lenalidomide alone. Eighteen patients were classified as myelodysplasia. Four had acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. Metaphase cytogenetics was available in 19 and only one was normal. Twelve were hypodiploid. Trisomy 8 or abnormalities of chromosome 5 and 7 were present in 13. Seven patients received a hypomethylating agent with no clear evidence of response in any. Four patients had an allotransplant to manage the MDS/AML and only one survives 487 days after a matched-related donor allogeneic transplant. The median time from initial therapy of multiple myeloma to recognition of MDS or AML was 50.9 months (range: 15.2-146.5 months) fig 1. The median overall survival of the 22 patients is 6.5 months. Fig 2 Six of the 22 had active myeloma at the diagnosis of MDS/AML. Conclusion Myelodysplasia during the era of novel agents is a devastating complication of therapy with a very short survival and low response rate. As a time-dependent complication, the overall risk cannot be accurately estimated but has occurred in <1% of our patient population to date. Hypomethylating agents were ineffective in the seven that received it. One of four allotransplant patients remains alive. Ongoing surveillance for MDS/AML in this population is warranted and more effective therapies are needed. Disclosures: Kumar: Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.
The Utility of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Among Patients with Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis
Abstract Abstract 2887 Introduction: Cardiac involvement is the major cause of death in patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL). Detection of cardiac involvement and risk stratification has been facilitated by cardiac biomarkers like troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). A novel high sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) assay has been developed, and we evaluated its diagnostic use with three questions in mind: 1) How do the cTnT and hs-cTnT perform in the AL amyloid staging system? 2) Does higher sensitivity add significant additional value in terms of prognosticating outcomes for patients with AL amyloidosis? 3) Can the current AL amyloidosis staging system be further improved upon? Methods: Stored serum samples (-20°C) from 224 pts with AL were analyzed for concentrations of hsTnT, TnT, and NT-proBNP on the E170 Modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany). 99th percentile reference limits were <0.014 and <0.010 mcg/L for hsTnT and TnT, respectively. Results: Median values for hsTnT, TnT, and NT-proBNP were 38 ng/L (range 0–075.4), 0.017 mcg/L (<0.0–0.904), and 1230 ng/L (0–32, 226), respectively. The correlation coefficient between hsTnT and TnT was 0.972. Those classified by echocardiographic parameters as having (n=143) or not having (n=81) cardiac involvement had TnT concentrations of 0.04 and 0.01 mcg/L and hsTnT levels of 52.2 and 15.6 ng/L, respectively. The direct numeric result from the hs-cTnT result CANNOT merely be substituted for a cTnT result in the Mayo AL staging system since 14% of patients would be misclassified. The performance of the receiver operation curve derived hs-cTnT cut-point of 54 ng/L is a slight improvement over the direct substitution of 35 ng/L if replacement of one assay for another is required. An alternate staging option using hs-cTnT alone—using the two thresholds14 ng/L and 54 ng/L (figure)—performs as well as either the original Mayo AL staging system or a derivative system incorporating hs-cTnT with respective relative risks of death (95%CI) of 3.6 (2.3, 5.7), 3.8 (2.5, 5.9), and 3.3 (2.2, .50). On multivariate analysis, our newly described alternate 3 level, hs-cTnT alone staging system is independent of other factors including period of diagnosis, type of therapy, and NT-proBNP value, the last of which dropped out of the model. Alternate models using NT-proBNP and cTnT were explored, but none performed better than the original staging system or the new hs-cTnT system. Conclusion: The direct numeric result from the hs-cTnT result cannot merely be substituted for a cTnT result in the Mayo amyloid staging system. Consideration could be made for AL staging systems using hs-cTnT alone and relegating the NT-proBNP for measuring cardiac response. Disclosures: Jaffe: Roche: Consultancy.
Abstract 5079 Introduction: IgD monoclonal proteins are rare. They are not seen as a MGUS and are present in 1% to 2% of patients with myeloma. In light chain amyloidosis (AL), IgD monoclonal proteins are rare. When an IgD protein is found, amyloidosis is often omitted from the differential diagnosis. An IgD protein in amyloidosis has been reported in single cases but never as a patient series. We report IgD AL in 53. Patients & Methods: Clinical and demographic data for patients were retrieved from the patient records. Factors of interest were compared between patients who did and did not have an IgD protein. Results: Among 3,955 patients with AL amyloidosis seen, 53 patients (1.3%) had a serum IgD monoclonal protein. (Table 1) A serum monoclonal protein peak was visible on SPE in only 14, and only 5 had an M spike greater than 1 g/dL. On immunofixation of the serum, the IgD light chain was k in 11, λ in 35, and uncertain in 6; 1 patient had a biclonal D λ and G k protein. A urine monoclonal protein was detected in 43 of 51 patients; urinary immunofixation detected a λ light chain in 33 and a k light chain in 10. Biopsy of tissues showed amyloid deposits in the bone marrow in 47% and in the fat aspirate in 73%. Six patients (age 47–63 years) underwent autologous SCT. Four had renal & two had cardiac AL. All 6 had hematologic PR, 4 CR, and 4 had organ response. One patient had relapse of disease and is now on dialysis, and another had relapse and is alive with salvage chemotherapy. One patient had disease relapse and died of progressive GI amyloidosis at 22 months. The other 5 are alive at a median of 68 months (range, 7.5–83.5 months). We compared the 53 patients with IgD amyloidosis with 144 patients with non-IgD amyloidosis. (Table 2) Findings that were significantly different between groups included a lower frequency of renal amyloidosis (P=.005) and a lower prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis (P=.047). There was a higher serum albumin level (P=.04) related to the lower level of proteinuria. No difference in survival was seen between the groups. (Figure). Variables that might affect survival—liver size, performance status, septal thickness, serum creatinine level, and β2-microglobulin level—were not different between groups. Conclusions: IgD AL patients have a lower frequency of renal involvement and possibly also of cardiac involvement. The overall survival of these patients does not appear to be different from that of patients who have AL associated with another monoclonal protein. IgD monoclonal proteins are so closely linked to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma in the mind of a clinician that the possibility of amyloidosis may be overlooked. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Depth of Renal Response Strongly Predicts Overall Surival in Patients with AL Amyloidosis
Abstract Abstract 2868 Introduction: Improvement in renal parameters is fundamental for the assessment of organ response to treatment in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL). Renal response, defined as a >50% reduction in proteinuria with <25% decrease in renal function, is associated with superior overall survival (OS); however, a systematic study of the interplay of proteinuria, creatinine, and free light chain has not been performed. The intent of this study is to better understand the components of the renal response criteria. Methods: Patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation from 1995 to 2010 were eligible for this retrospective analysis if they had > 1 year of follow-up and a baseline 24 hour urine protein > 1 g/d. Those who were dialysis dependent or died before 1 year were excluded as not evaluable for renal response. Results: Of the 435 patients screened, 152 met criteria. On univariate analysis, >50% proteinuria reduction (p < 0.001), serum free light chain (sFLC) reduction by >50% (p = 0.002), <25% increase in serum creatinine (Scr) (p = 0.0003), and a 50% proteinuria reduction within 15 months of treatment (p = 0.04) were associated with better OS. Multivariate analysis using a proportional hazard model showed that sFLC reduction by >50% (0.006), <25% increase in serum creatinine (Scr) (p = 0.0005) and >50% proteinuria reduction (p = 0.0006) were independently associated with OS. In addition, OS was significantly better among patients achieving >85% reduction in proteinuria than those with < 85% but >50%, p = 0.03 (Figure 1). Patients with >75% reduction in sFLC were more likely to achieve >50% proteinuria reduction (p = 0.009). Most importantly, among those with > 25% increase in Scr, only those patients who had <85% proteinuria reduction had a worse OS (Figure 2a, p = 0.006). There was no difference in OS among those with >85% proteinuria reduction and a rise in Scr of > 25% (Figure 2b, p = 0.77). Conclusion: Renal response is an excellent prognostic marker in patients with AL. This is the first study to show the depth of renal response correlates with OS. Patients who had the highest levels of proteinuria reduction (> 85%) had a significantly better OS than those with >50% but <85%. We also found that the negative impact of >25% decrease in renal function was only pertinent in those who did not have >85% reduction in proteinuria. These findings should help better refine the definition of renal response criteria in AL patients. Disclosures: Leung: Binding Site: Honoraria.
Effect Of Immediate Prior-Line Lenalidomide Or Thalidomide Therapy On Response To Pomalidomide In Multiple Myeloma
Abstract Background Pomalidomide (POM) is the newest Immunomodulatory agent (IMiDs) that has shown clinical efficacy in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) refractory to lenalidomide (LEN) and thalidomide (THAL). Studies of MM cell microenvironment suggest that tumor subclones compete for dominance during changes in drug therapy. It was previously observed that a minor clonal population increased in prominence of MM cells after 1 year of treatment with LEN. We examined whether the patients having THAL or LEN as the most recent prior-line therapy affects response to POM. Methods We studied 208 patients enrolled in a phase II trial of POM / dexamethasone between November 2007 and March 2012 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We reviewed the immediate prior-line therapy before enrollment in our trial. Comparison of treatment duration of POM and response rates were conducted between patients who had either THAL or LEN as latest prior-line therapy, and patients who were treated with non-IMiDs immediate before enrollment in POM trial. Treatment duration of POM was estimated using Kaplan Meier method and the survival curves were compared using log-rank test. We used univariate Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the prognostic impact of different variables. Results The median age of patients was 63 (range from 32 to 88). 68 % were males. 80 patients (38.5%) had THAL or LEN immediate prior to POM. Median prior-line therapies were 3. Patients who received THAL or LEN immediately prior to POM had a lower response rate than those who had non-IMiDs as latest therapy (29% vs 44%, p 0.04) and shorter median duration of POM treatment (5.7 months vs 7.3 months, p 0.02). In 190 (91%) patients who were previously treated with LEN and THAL at any time, median time between the end of LEN or THAL treatment and the initiation of POM was higher for POM responders than non-responders (10 months vs 3 months, p 0.0008). Patients responded to POM had a shorter duration of prior LEN or THAL treatment compared to non-responders (9 months vs 15 months, p 0.001). Conclusion THAL or LEN as an immediate prior-line therapy to POM is associated with a lower response rate and shorter effective treatment duration. Longer interval between prior immunomodulatory compounds and POM, and shorter exposure to previous immunomodulatory compounds are associated with better POM treatment response. Disclosures: Gertz: Celgene: Honoraria. Kumar:Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene Corporation: Research Funding.
The Timing of Acute Renal Failure Strongly Affects Survival of Immunoglobulin Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation,
Abstract Abstract 4120 Introduction: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an effective treatment for immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis but its high treatment related mortality is a concern. The development of acute renal failure can strongly affect the survival of these patients. This study looks at the impact of the timing of dialysis initiation on the overall survival (OS). Methods: AL patients who underwent ASCT from 3/96 to 1/10 were selected. Patients were placed into 4 groups: I - never dialyzed, II - initiated dialysis prior to ASCT, III - dialysis began within 30 days of ASCT and IV - dialysis was started after 30 days of ASCT. Results: Four hundred and ten patients were selected for study and 75 (18.3%) received dialysis. Baseline characteristics are listed in Table 1. In univariate analysis, serum creatinine (Scr) and b-2 microglobulin (b2m) were associated with dialysis post-ASCT. Both became non-significant in the multivariate model suggesting they are co-dependent. Dialysis had a strong influence on survival, p < 0.001 (Fig 1). This was most evident when dialysis was started after ASCT (group III (p = 0.003) and IV (p = 0.004)), but not before (II, p = 0.19).To explore the interactions of dialysis with cardiac biomarkers in their relationship with OS, cardiac troponins T (cTnT) and N terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were analyzed with timing of dialysis in a proportional hazard model. Timing of dialysis (p < 0.001), cTnT (p = 0.03) and NT-pro-BNP (p = 0.03) all were associated with OS. Using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves, best cut points were chosen for cTnT (0.01 ng/ml) and NT-pro-BNP (1350 pg/ml) for survival. When treated as categorical variables, the proportional hazard model found that only NT-pro-BNP (p = 0.002) and timing of dialysis (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of OS but cTnT had loss its significance (p = 0.07). Using Kaplan Meier method, dialysis was a significant risk factor in patients with low cTnT and both high and low NT-pro-BNP (p < 0.001) but not in patients with elevated cTnT (p = 0.25). Discussion: The timing of acute renal failure strongly affects the OS of AL patients undergoing ASCT. In our study, patients who started dialysis prior to ASCT did not have an inferior OS compared to patients who never needed dialysis. On the other hand, starting dialysis after ASCT significantly shortened OS. The timing of dialysis was an independent predictor of OS even when combined with cardiac biomarkers. NT-pro-BNP appears to be the stronger marker when timing of dialysis is considered in the multivariate analysis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Excessive Weight Gain during Mobilization Increases First Year Mortality Following High Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Primary Amyloidosis.
Abstract Introduction: High dose melphalan followed by stem cell transplantation (HDM-SCT) is currently the most effective therapy for primary systemic (AL) amyloidosis. Recent data showed a 40% complete hematologic response rate and median survival of 4.6 years with HDM-SCT can be obtained. Despite its advantages, treatment mortality can be excessive in high-risk patients. Previously, extensive cardiac, hepatic or renal involvement had been identified as risk factors for poor outcome. We observed that patients who had more than 2% weight gain during mobilization also had a poorer survival after HDM-SCT. This study was undertaken to further examine the outcome of these patients. Patients: Consecutive patients who underwent HDM-SCT for AL between 7/97 and 6/04 were retrospectively studied. Weight (kg) was measured just prior to mobilization, at its peak during mobilization and collection, and just prior to conditioning. Baseline characteristics were extracted from medical records along with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), septal thickness, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, alkaline phosphatase, and the number of visceral organ involved with AL. Mobilization was achieved by cyclophosphamide (C) with granulocyte colony growth factor (GCSF), C with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF), GCSF alone and GMCSF alone or in combination with GCSF. Patients were conditioned with melphalan in doses of 100mg, 140mg or 200mg per m2 or 140 mg/m2 in combination with total body irradiation. Hematologic response was determined by A 50% reduction in measurable monoclonal protein levels or complete eradication by immunofixation if too small to quantify. Results: During the time period, 128 patients underwent HDM-SCT for AL. One patient was excluded because no weight was recorded during mobilization and 1 refused consent. Weight gain of 2% or greater was noted in 51.6% (65) of the patients. Mortality at 1 year was significantly higher in patients with > 2% weight gain (32.3%) compared to those without (9.8%) (OR = 4.37, 95% CI 1.71 to 12.77, p = 0.004). Univariate analysis identified septal thickness, GFR, alkaline phosphatase, organ involvement and weight gain as risk factors of mortality at 1 year. Using the logistic model, only septal thickness (p =0.04), GFR (p = 0.009) and weight gain (p = 0.009) remained independent predictors of first year mortality in the multivariate analysis. No association was found between weight gain and mobilization regimen. Analysis of patient who survived the first 100 days posttransplant showed no correlation between weight gain and hematologic response. Finally, weight reduction to baseline prior to conditioning did not improve first year survival for those who gained > 2% during conditioning. Conclusion: Our study found weight gain of 2% or more was associated with significantly higher first year mortality after HDM-SCT. The effect of weight gain was independent of both cardiac and renal involvement with AL. Fluid retention was not directly responsible for the higher mortality, as weight reduction to baseline failed to improve the outcome of these patients. Weight gain during mobilization appears to be a novel pretransplant risk factor that predicts the outcome of HDM-SCT based on response to mobilization.
Detection of High Molecular Weight Light Chain Oligomers in Urinary Exosomes of Patients with AL Amyloidosis.
Abstract Abstract 4886 Detection of high molecular weight light chain oligomers in urinary exosomes of patients with AL amyloidosis. Background Exosomes are microvesicles that are part of the multivesicular body (MVB) pathway. They are created by the inward budding of the cell surface membrane and contain both surface bound membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins which can be used to identify the cell of origin. Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) occurs as the result of amyloid formation by the misfolding of monoclonal light chains (LC) and deposition of these amyloid fibrils in various soft tissues. This reaction requires the organization of the monoclonal LC's into protofibrils which are then weave into amyloid fibrils. This study was undertaken to determine whether urinary exosomes of glomerular origin contain intermediate species of amyloid formation. Method Urine samples from patients with AL, light chain deposition disease (LCDD), multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal clonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) were collected. Urinary exosomes were isolated and separated into fractions by gradient centrifugation. Western blots were performed on the urinary exosome fractions using anti-kappa or anti-lambda antibodies. Glomerular fractions were identified using antibodies directed toward podocin. Results Urine samples were collected from 5 patients with AL, 2 from LCDD, 1 from MM and 1 MGUS. On the Western blot, immunoglobulin LC were seen in all exosomal fractions in patients with AL amyloidosis, LCDD, MM but not MGUS which is similar to normal controls (not shown). In patients with AL, oligomeric species were found in the highest concentrations in fraction 4 and 5 (Figure 1). Fraction 4 and 5 were also stained for podocin, a glomerular protein (not shown). The highest molecular weight species was ∼250 kd which corresponds to a LC decamer. High molecular weight species were also identified in 1 of 2 LCDD patients corresponding to a tetramer. The band was identified in fraction 10 which had polycystin-1 expression suggesting a tubular origin. No high molecular weight LC species was found in patients with MM or MGUS. Conclusion Our study found high molecular weight LC species corresponding to the intermediates involved in protofibril formation in urinary exosomes of patients with AL. Smaller (tetramer) high molecular weight LC species were also found in a patient with LCDD but not in patients with MM and MGUS. Not only were the high molecular weight LC species found exclusively in the diseases characterized by deposition of LC aggregates, they were also found in the segments of the nephron where the deposits were expected: glomerulus for AL and tubular epithelium for LCDD. This is consistent with our current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases. We believe urinary exosomes are a powerful tool in the study of diseases involving self-aggregation of monoclonal proteins. It has tremendous potential in both diagnostic and scientific research in this area. Disclosures Gertz: celgene: Honoraria; millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.