Jevremović, Dragan

Introduction Minimal residual disease (MRD) status at day 100 following autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients is an important determinant of prognosis. Bone marrow (BM) based assays, i.e. next-generation flow cytometry (NGF) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) that are currently used in determining MRD are vulnerable to sampling biases due to patchy marrow involvement and extramedullary disease. BM examination alone may lead to false-negative results. MRD assessment through newer, more sensitive peripheral blood based methodologies such as mass spectrometry (MS) can potentially overcome the limitations associated with BM based assays. At our institution, traditional immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) has been replaced by a MS method termed Mass-Fix which utilizes the unique light chain mass associated with each patient's monoclonal protein to monitor disease over time. In this study, we assessed the prognostic impact of serum Mass-Fix MRD status in MM patients who were MRD negative by NGF around day 100 post-ASCT. Methods Patients with MM who underwent ASCT between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2018 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester were included in this study provided they had attained post ASCT day 100 complete response (CR) by IMWG 2016 criteria and MRD- state as assessed by BM based NGF, utilizing 2 eight-color tubes (total 10 colors), with a minimum sensitivity 10-5. Presence of non-secretory MM and unavailability of pre-ASCT serum samples or serum IFE results were important exclusion criteria. Peripheral blood samples drawn concurrently with the BM assessment were evaluated by Mass-Fix as described previously (Mills et al., Clin. Chem, 2016). The isotype and mass of the M-protein light chain (LC) obtained by Mass-Fix were compared to the pre-ASCT M-protein LC and/or IFE isotype. Patients with the following genetic alterations: deletion 17p, translocation (4;14), (14;16), t(14;20) and1q gain/amplification and were considered high risk. All time-to event analyses were performed on JMP 14.1.0 from the time of ASCT using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Sixty-two patients with MM (57 newly diagnosed and 5 relapsed/refractory) who underwent ASCT and were MRD- by BM based NGF around day 100 (range: day 60-120) were included in the study. Median age at ASCT was 61 (range: 40-76) years and 61% were males. Thirty (48%) patients had IgG MM, 15 (25%) patients had IgA MM and 17 (27%) patients had light chain only disease. Forty-one (66%) patients received bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) as induction regimen. Median time from diagnosis to ASCT was 6 months (IQ range: 4.7-7.2). Pre-ASCT fluorescence in- situ hybridization data were available on 47 (76%) patients; 23 (49%) were high risk. Of 62 patients, all of whom were day 100 MRD- by NGF, 36 (58%) patients had Mass-Fix identified MRD (MRD+). MRD positivity by Mass-Fix around day 100 was observed in 70% of patients with high risk MM versus 71% of patients with standard risk MM, p=0.9. The median follow-up was 18 months (95%CI: 14-21); 19 months (95%CI: 15-21) for patients who were MRD+ by Mass-Fix versus 17 months (95%CI: 12-21) for those who were MRD- by Mass-Fix at day ~100, p=0.5. Of 57 (92%) patients who received post ASCT maintenance therapy, 32 (89%) were MRD+ and 25 (96%) were MRD- by Mass-Fix, p=0.5. Eighty-seven percent of patients with IgG MM had MRD+ status by Mass-Fix at day~100. By contrast, only 33% and 30% of patients with IgA MM and light chain MM, respectively, had MRD+ status at day 100; p<0.0001. This suggests that IgG half-life which is longer than that of IgA or free light chains may affect the day 100 MRD status. At 18 months, 76% and 93% of patients, who were MRD+ and MRD- , respectively by Mass-Fix were alive and free from disease progression, p=0.03 (Table 1, Figure 1a). At 18 months after ASCT, none of the patients who were MRD- by Mass-Fix required salvage treatment following ASCT while 25% of patients who were MRD+ by Mass-Fix required next line of therapy due to disease progression, p=0.05 (Table 1, Figure1b). Conclusion Our data suggest that outcomes [progression free survival (PFS) and time-to-next therapy (TTNT)] of patients with MM who are in CR, and have achieved MRD- state by BM NGF post ASCT, can be adversely impacted if there is concurrent evidence of serum monoclonal protein by Mass-Fix, thereby demonstrating incremental prognostic value of this sensitive assay in clinical practice. Disclosures Murray: The Binding Site: Patents & Royalties: US Patent Rights on Mass Spectroscopy Licensing agreement with The Binding Site, Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding. Dasari:The Binding Site: Patents & Royalties: US Patent Rights on Mass Spectroscopy Licensing agreement with The Binding Site, Research Funding. Gertz:Teva: Speakers Bureau; Alnylam: Consultancy; Prothena Biosciences Inc: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Annexon: Consultancy; Appellis: Consultancy; Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; DAVA oncology: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Abbvie: Other: personal fees for Data Safety Monitoring board; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Springer Publishing: Patents & Royalties; Amyloidosis Foundation: Research Funding; International Waldenstrom Foundation: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy; Ionis/Akcea: Consultancy; Proclara: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; i3Health: Other: Development of educational programs and materials. Dingli:Karyopharm: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; alexion: Consultancy. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Leung:Omeros: Research Funding; Aduro: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Cellectar: Consultancy.

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common, with 25-50% of the population having levels below the optimal range (<20 ng/mL). Aside from its role in maintaining serum calcium and skeletal homeostasis, vitamin D has been shown to play an important role in regulation of differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, metastatic potential and angiogenesis in a variety of malignancies. Low serum 25(OH)D levels have been associated with a worse prognosis in several malignancies, including colorectal and breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Almost no data have been reported on vitamin D levels in light chain (AL) amyloidosis. We therefore measured vitamin D levels among AL patients and correlated levels at presentation to explore if vitamin D deficiency has any effect or association in this disease. Methods: Stored serum samples from 90 patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were obtained for vitamin D studies, which included 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). All vitamin D measurements were made by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D was assessed as the additive sum of the 25(OH)D2/25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D2/1,25(OH)2D3 components, respectively. Clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical records. All calculations were made using JMP software (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: All patients were seen between June 2004 and September 2013. Median age was 63 [IQR 57-70]. Heart, kidney, nerve, liver and gastrointestinal amyloidosis was seen in 80%, 60%, 19%, 17% and 13% of patients, respectively. The median dFLC and bone marrow plasma cells were 28 (IQR 12-84) mg/dL and 10% (IQR 5-20%), respectively. The median serum 25(OH)D level was 20 ng/mL (IQR 10-29; normal >20 ng/mL), while the median serum level of 1,25(OH)2D was 23 pg/mL (IQR 14-37; normal 16-64 pg/mL for men; 16-78 pg/mL for women). 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL were strongly associated with renal involvement (84% renal involvement vs 42% of renal involvement for levels ≥20 ng/dL, P<0.001; Table). No other association with organ involvement was seen. Among all patients, heavy proteinuria (>5 gr/24-h) was strongly associated with low 25(OH)D, (P<0.001, Table). A weaker association was seen between 25(OH)D levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P=0.06). Seventy-eight percent of patients with 1,25(OH)2D levels below 20 pg/mL had renal involvement versus 48% in those with levels above 20 pg/mL (P=0.01). While heavy proteinuria was associated with 1,25(OH)2D (P=0.008), the association was stronger for eGFR, as no patient with an eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 had a 1,25(OH)2D level above 20 pg/mL (P<0.001). An association between vitamin D levels and low serum albumin was also seen, mainly in relation to 25(OH)D (Table). The median level of serum DBP was 58 μg/mL (IQR 36 - 120 μg/mL), significantly lower than the normal range (168-367 μg/mL). Low levels of 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH)2D were not associated with lower DBP levels. Surprisingly, patients with renal involvement had higher levels of DBP versus those without renal involvement (median 70.9 vs 48 μg/mL; P=0.03), although median levels were below normal in both groups. FISH data was available in 47 of patients (52%). Patients with 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/dL were less likely to harbor t(11;14) versus patients with 25(OH)D levels above this threshold (26% vs 64%, respectively; P=0.0095). A similar, but less significant association was seen between 1,25(OH)2D levels at a 20 pg/mL threshold and t(11;14) (35% vs 59%, P=0.09). Other associations between vitamin D and FISH abnormalities were not seen. Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis D is common among AL amyloidosis patients with renal involvement. In the general cohort, heavy proteinuria, reduced eGFR and low serum albumin were all associated with low circulating vitamin D levels. Although the majority of AL patients had low levels of DBP, urinary loss of DBP does not explain the low levels of vitamin D. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with non-t(11;14) disease, a finding which warrants further exploration. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Dingli:Rigel: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; alexion: Consultancy. Kapoor:Cellectar: Consultancy; Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding. Leung:Omeros: Research Funding; Aduro: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding. Russell:Imanis: Equity Ownership. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Gertz:Ionis/Akcea: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Annexon: Consultancy; Prothena Biosciences Inc: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Introduction: Whereas morphological assessment and cytogenetics have been the cornerstone for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), flow cytometry and mutational analyses are novel, evolving techniques. These diagnostic procedures play a role in identifying pre-MDS cases including idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS). Aim: To assess flow cytometric findings in ICUS and CCUS and their correlation with progression to MDS or myeloid neoplasm (MN), concurrent genetic aberrations, and underlying pathological evolution. Methods: Patients (Pts) who had undergone evaluation to rule out MDS and had retrospectively undergone flow cytometry, cytogenetic, mutational and morphological assessment were included. Flow cytometry results were classified as normal (no abnormality or 1 equivocal result), abnormal (2 abnormalities or at least 1 abnormality and 1 equivocal result), or atypical (1 abnormality or 2-3 equivocal results). Next generation sequencing included mutation analysis of: ASXL1, BCOR, BRAF, CALR, CBL, CEBPA, CSF3R, DNMT3A, ETV6, EZH2, FLT3, GATA1, GATA2, IDH1, IDH2, JAK2, KIT, KRAS, MPL, MYD88, NOTCH1, NPM1, NRAS, PHF6, PTPN11, RUNX1, SETBP1, SF3B1, TERT, TET2, TP53, U2AF1, WT1, ZRSR2. Results: A) Characteristics: 229 pts were assessed (median age 60 and 69% were males). Based on pathologist interpretation, 87 (38%) pts met diagnostic criteria of MDS, 106 (46%) pts had normal/reactive bone marrow (BM), and 36 (16%) pts had BM findings suspicious for MDS. Median time to follow-up was 24 months for MDS pts, and 32 months for pts with cytopenias. B) Morphology: Pts who had a BM biopsy that was suspicious for MDS by pathologist interpretation were more likely to develop MDS compared to pts with normal/reactive pathology report with an incidence rate (IR) of 16% versus 0.9% (p= .0005). Pts who were suspicious for MDS based on the BM biopsy were more likely to have underlying mutations compared to pts with normal/reactive BM (IR 83% versus 69%, p= .2). C) Flow cytometry: In the non-MDS cohort, 96 (67%) pts had normal flow results, 29 (20%) pts had atypical flow, and 17 (12%) pts had abnormal flow results compared to 16 (18%) pts, 18 (21%) pts, and 53 (61%) pts in the MDS cohort, respectively. Of the pts who had normal flow result (n=112), 16 were MDS, 16 were suspicious for MDS/MN, and 80 were normal/reactive. Pts who had biopsy interpretation suspicious for MDS/MN were more likely to have abnormal flow cytometry compared to normal/reactive BM biopsy (IR 55% versus 24%, p=.0003). IR of MDS was 4% in normal flow, 3% in atypical flow, and 12% in abnormal flow (p= .5). Likewise, IR of MN was 4% in normal flow, 20% in atypical flow, and 30% in abnormal flow (p= .1). D) Genetics (cytogenetics and mutation profiling): Cytogenetics was normal in 123 (86%) pts and abnormal in 19 (13%) pts. Pts who had abnormal cytogenetics were more likely to develop MN (IR 57% versus 5%, p= .002). Out of the 50 non-MDS pts tested for NGS, 38 (76%) were positive for mutations. 15 (39%) pts had 1 mutation, 8 (21%) pts had 2, 3 (8%) pts had 3, 6 (16%) pts had 4, 2 (5%) pts had 5, 1 (3%) pt had 7, and 1 (3%) pt had 8 mutations (61% had >1 mutation). Pts with positive mutations were more likely to develop MDS during follow-up compared to pts who did not have mutations (IR 16% versus 0%, p=.06). Additionally, flow cytometric aberrations significantly correlate with the number of mutations (p= .03). MN correlated significantly with BCOR mutation and RUNX1 (IR 60% (p= .008) and 50% (p=.02), respectively. E) Interaction between variables: In pts with positive mutations, flow cytometry did not correlate with progression to MDS with an IR of 17% of MDS in normal flow, 11% in atypical flow, and 17% in abnormal flow, (p= .9). There was no impact on overall survival neither in pts with abnormal flow results vs normal nor in pts with positive mutations vs wild type. Conclusion: Conventional diagnostic techniques remain the cornerstone of MDS diagnosis with flow cytometry and NGS arising as novel techniques that correlate significantly with progression of pre-MDS pts to MDS. Flow had an impact on pathology final interpretation but did not add value in pt with a positive mutation analysis. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. Disclosures Patnaik: Stem Line Pharmaceuticals.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Al-Kali:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding.

BACKGROUND: Sézary syndrome and mycosis fungoides are two clinically distinct neoplasias of CD4-positive skin-resident T-cells that share remarkable morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities, commonly referred together as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Prognostic clinical staging in CTCL requires flow cytometric quantitation of peripheral blood tumor cells (Sézary cells), based on aberrant loss of CD7 and/or CD26 within the CD4-positive T-cell compartment. Unfortunately, similar T-cell populations are frequently encountered in reactive conditions, creating uncertainty in the diagnostic interpretation. We recently reported a flow cytometric strategy to assess T-cell clonality using a single antibody (JOVI-1) against one of 2 mutually exclusive T-cell receptor beta constant (TRBC) regions randomly selected during T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. We hereby applied this strategy to a diagnostic Sézary cell flow cytometry panel, resulting in rapid, accurate and unequivocal identification and quantitation of clonal CD4-positive T-cells. METHODS: We studied 33 peripheral blood specimens from 24 patients with CTCL, and 28 specimens from patients with no clinical or laboratory evidence of T-cell malignancy. A routine Sézary cell flow cytometry panel (CD2/CD3/CD4/CD5/CD7/CD8/CD26/CD45) was modified to include a fluorescent labeled antibody against TRBC1. Gated CD4 T-cells were studied to identify discrete subsets lacking CD7, CD26 or both, in addition to other immunophenotypic abnormalities. Within each subset, clonality was defined as a dominant TRBC1-positive or TRBC1-negative population greater than 85%, or a dominant abnormal TRBC1-dim population, as previously described. RESULTS: Peripheral blood specimens from patients with CTCL showed subsets of CD4-positive T-cells lacking CD7 (median=35%; range 1.6% to 96%) or CD26 expression (median=54%; range 6.6% to 98%). Fifteen (45%) of these specimens had other identifiable phenotypic abnormalities, including decreased CD2, CD3, CD4 or CD5. Patients without a T-cell malignancy also had CD4-positive T-cells lacking CD7 (median=13%; range 0.5% to 38%) or CD26 expression (median=9.4%; range 0.7% to 30%), albeit to a lesser extent compared to CTCL patients (p<0.01 and p<0.0001 for CD7 and CD26, respectively). One febrile infant showed loss of CD2 on a small T-cell subset. Discrete CD4-positive T-cell subsets with monotypic TRBC expression were identified in 24 specimens (73%) from patients with CTCL (Figure A), ranging from 30 to12,000 cells/µL (median=632). Importantly, no TRBC-restricted CD4-positive T-cells were detected in any of the 28 patients without a T-cell malignancy. Nine specimens from CTCL patients without a TRBC-restricted subset were reviewed based on morphologic, immunophenotypic and clinical features, yielding no definitive evidence of Sézary cells. Absolute numbers of TRBC-restricted T-cells correlated with numbers of Sézary cells estimated based on lack of CD7 or CD26 expression (R=0.99), or absence of both antigens (R=0.7) (Figure B). However, all cases with no detectable clonal TRBC-restricted T-cells showed significant absolute numbers of CD4-positive T-cells lacking CD7 or CD26 (mean=208 cells/µL, range=22 to 1,078 cells/µL), resulting in common diagnostic uncertainties based on quantitation of these subsets. A narrower gating strategy on these same patients based on the combined loss of CD7 and CD26 yielded lower numbers of abnormal cells (mean=51 cells/µL, range=2 to 556 cells/µL), but grossly underestimated the number of TRBC-restricted CD4-positive T-cells by more than 500 cells/µL in 6 patients with CTCL (Figure B). CONCLUSIONS: A single anti-TRBC1 antibody added to a routine Sézary cell flow cytometry assay provides a rapid, simple and low-cost approach to query for clonality within immunophenotypically distinct CD4 T-cell subsets, eliminating the need for a separate T-cell clonality assay. Diagnostic uncertainties and quantitative biases resulting from immunophenotypic overlaps between Sézary cells and reactive T-cells are virtually resolved. Direct quantitation of clonal CD4 T-cells based on TRBC1 restriction is a biologically sound strategy for blood staging in CTCL, effectively overcoming the limitations and uncertainties of staging by immunophenotypic analysis based on current guidelines. Figure Disclosures Horna: MorphoSys AG: Research Funding.

INTRODUCTION: Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is the most aggressive form of multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, pPCL has been defined by as few as >5% circulating plasma cells (cPCs) detected morphologically on a peripheral blood smear. However, this technique may not be sufficiently sensitive and is dependent on inter-observer bias to properly identify and quantify cPCs. Multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) provides a readily available and highly sensitive method to identify and quantify cPCs. However, an optimal quantitative cutoff for cPCs by MFC to define the presence of pPCL has not been established to date. Thus, this is the first study to date that determines an optimal cutoff of cPCs/ microliter that could identity patients with pPCL at diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all newly diagnosed MM patients seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 2007 to December 2017 who had their peripheral blood samples evaluated morphologically by peripheral blood smear and immunophenotypically by MFC prior to beginning therapy. Patients with a peripheral blood smear detecting >5% cPCs were classified as having pPCL. Six-color MFC was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by isolated by Ficoll gradient, and stained with antibodies to CD45, CD19, CD38, CD138 and cytoplasmic Kappa and Lambda immunoglobulin light chains. The data was collected using Becton Dickinson FacsCanto II instruments collecting 150,000 events and analyzed using the BDFacs DIVA Software. The gating strategy employed first used the expression of CD38, CD138, and cytoplasmic immunoglobulin light chains to identify all plasma cells in the specimen. The cPCs were then discriminated from polyclonal/normal plasma cells based on differential CD19 and CD45 expression. The cPCs detected were reported as the number of clonal events/150,000 collected total events and converted to the absolute number of cPCs/microliter using their absolute lymphocyte count and monocyte count determined at the time of the blood draw for cPC MFC assessment. A receiver operator curve (ROC) was performed to determine the absolute cPCs/microliter by MFC that best identified those patients with >5% cPC on their peripheral blood smear. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences assessed using the log rank test. RESULTS: A total of 591 patients were included in this analysis of which 59% were male and the median age was 66 years (range: 27 - 95) with 22% being 75 years of age or older. From this cohort, 133 (24%) patients had high risk FISH cytogenetics, 172 (30%) were classified as ISS 3 at diagnosis, 83 (15%) had an elevated LDH level and 61 (17%) had a plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) of 2% or greater. There were 65 (11%) patients with any amount of cPCs detectable by peripheral blood smear of which only 22 (4% of the total population) met criteria for pPCL with >5% cPCs. With MFC, 403 (68%) patients had detectable cPCs. The median number of cPCs per microliter was 0.81 (0 - 10,455) with 273 (46%) having >1 cPC/microliter. A ROC analysis determined that the presence of >50 cPCs/microliter by MFC was the optimal cutoff to identify patients with >5% cPCs by blood smear with approximately a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 86%. The presence of >50 cPCs/microliter by MFC was associated with higher presence of high risk FISH cytogenetics, ISS 3 classification, elevated LDH and PCLI > 2%. The median time to next treatment (TTNT) for patients with and without >5% cPCs by peripheral blood smear was 18 months vs. 30 months (P < 0.001). The median TTNT for patients with and without >50 cPCs/microliter by MFC was 19 months vs. 30 months (P < 0.01). The median overall survival (OS) for patients with and without >5% cPCs by peripheral blood smear was 25 months vs. 71 months (P < 0.001; Fig 1A). The median OS for patients with and without >50 cPCs/microliter by MFC was 38 months vs. 71 months (P < 0.01; Fig 1B). CONCLUSION: This is the largest study that attempts to identify an optimal cutoff of cPCs/microliter by MFC for diagnosing pPCL patients. The presence of >50 cPCs/microliter is an optimal cutoff by MFC that best predicts for the presence of >5% cPCs by peripheral blood smear. However, there remains discordance in the OS outcomes between the two cutoffs by different methodologies for pPCL. This could signify the presence of biological processes associated with the presence of >5% cPCs when detected by peripheral blood smear that are not captured by MFC. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Pfizer: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Akcea: Consultancy; Alnylam: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Dingli:Karyopharm: Research Funding; Rigel: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; alexion: Consultancy. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Kapoor:Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cellectar: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria. Leung:Aduro: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Omeros: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding. Russell:Imanis: Equity Ownership. Gertz:DAVA oncology: Speakers Bureau; Ionis/Akcea: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy; Prothena Biosciences Inc: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Annexon: Consultancy; Appellis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; Abbvie: Other: personal fees for Data Safety Monitoring board; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Teva: Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Proclara: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; i3Health: Other: Development of educational programs and materials; Springer Publishing: Patents & Royalties; Amyloidosis Foundation: Research Funding; International Waldenstrom Foundation: Research Funding. Kumar:Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Background: The treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) has evolved significantly in the past decade with the introduction of novel agents and drug combinations, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and allowing more patients to achieve complete response (CR). This has created a need to identify surrogates for depth of treatment response. Serum free light chain (sFLC) ratio normalization has been shown to be prognostic for progression free survival as well as overall survival in patients achieving a complete response to therapy. Consequently, it has been incorporated as a defining feature for stringent CR, along with lack of clonal plasma cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or low sensitivity flow cytometry. The routine use of multiparametric flow cytometry with higher sensitivity to detect residual disease than IHC or the older 4-color flow cytometry, has raised the question as to whether sFLC ratio is still a valid indicator of response depth. Moreover, in nearly half of the patients with an abnormal sFLC ratio after treatment, the abnormality is secondary to suppression of one or both serum light chains. Therefore, we designed a retrospective study to address these issues. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study using the Multiple Myeloma Database at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We included patients who, after any line of therapy, had negative serum and urine immunofixation and absence of clonal bone marrow plasma cells by flow cytometry (PC-PRO), which has a sensitivity of >10-4. Simultaneous sFLC data was also extracted. Patients were grouped into three categories based on their sFLC ratios: 1) normal ratio (normal), 2) abnormal ratio due to suppression of the uninvolved light chain (LC), involved LC, or both (Abn-suppressed) and 3) abnormal ratio due to elevation of the involved LC (Abn-inv elevated). The primary endpoint was the median time to next treatment (TTNT), defined as the time from sample collection to the time of initiation of the subsequent therapy or time of last follow up if a subsequent line of treatment was not initiated. Results: The cohort consisted of 510 patients. 285 (56%) were males and 225 (44%) females. Median age was 61 years (IQR: 55-67). Median Follow-up was 41 months. The last treatments administered prior to data collection included stem cell transplant (SCT) (with or without maintenance) in 290 (57%) patients, and non-SCT regimens in the others. The sFLC ratio was normal in 337 (66%) and abnormal in 173 (34%) patients. Among the patients with abnormal sFLC ratios, 81 had elevated involved LC, 25 had suppression of the involved LC, 45 had suppression of the uninvolved LC and 22 had suppression of both LCs. We first examined the TTNT for the three groups and found that the TTNT was identical for those with a normal ratio and those with an abnormal ratio due to suppression of one or both light chains (Figure 1). So, we combined these two groups (Normal-Abn suppressed) and compared their outcomes to the patients with abnormal sFLC ratio due to elevated involved LC. The Abn-inv elevated group had a shorter TTNT as shown in Figure 2 (log-rank 0.06, Wilcoxon <0.01). The Abn-inv elevated group also had decreased overall survival compared to the other group (log-rank: 0.05, Wilcoxon: 0.01) (Figure 3). Conclusion: This study provides 2 important observations. First, patients with an abnormal ratio due to suppression of one or both LCs have outcomes similar to those with a normal ratio, suggesting a need to clarify the current definition of stringent CR. Second, the study suggests an important prognostic value for an abnormal sFLC ratio due to elevated involved LC, suggesting this as an important surrogate for depth of response. Disclosures Kapoor: Janssen: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Cellectar: Consultancy; Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding. Gertz:Ionis: Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Spectrum: Honoraria, Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Dingli:Karyopharm: Research Funding; Rigel: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; alexion: Consultancy. Leung:Takeda: Research Funding; Aduro: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Omeros: Research Funding. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.

Abstract The plasma cell proliferative index (PCPI) provides an insight into plasma cell biology in plasma cell disorders. It recognizes cells that are actively synthesizing DNA and gives an indication of the proliferative rate of the malignant plasma cells.The PCPI has been shown to be a prognostic tool in patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. We conducted a retrospective review analyzing the prognostic impact of PCPI in 306 patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). The median age was 66 (56-73) years and 61% (n=186) were males. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 10.2 years (95% confidence interval: 9.0-10.9). One-hundred sixty-nine (55%) patients were alive at the time of study analysis while 118 (39%) had progressive disease. The median time to progression was 5.9 years (95% confidence interval: 4.8-8.2). Symptomatic events at the time of progression included anemia in 41% (n=48), bone complications in 37% (n=44), renal complications in 9% (n=11), hypercalcemia in 2% (n=2) and development of amyloidosis in 2% (n=2). Seventeen patients (14%) were categorized as having progression due to rapid progressive elevation in the serum free light chains (sFLC) and/or progressive increase in the size of their M-spike. The median time between the diagnosis and PCPI date was 0 months (interquartile range 0-1). An elevated PCPI was defined as a level >0.5%. Seventy-nine (26%) patients had an elevated PCPI. Patients with an elevated PCPI were significantly older (median age: 69 years for elevated PCPI vs 64 years for low PCPI (p= 0.008) and predictably had more proliferative disease with a higher rate of patients with bone marrow plasma cells >20% (48% for elevated PCPI vs 34% for low PCPI, p=0.03). An elevated PCPI predicted a shorter time to progression (TTP); median 3.0 years versus 7.1 years for those with a low PCPI (p= 0.0004). Within 24 months, the progression rate was significantly higher for patients with an elevated PCPI; 49% versus 20% (p<0.0001). We constructed two multivariable models using the conventional and recently proposed Mayo risk stratification tools. In both models, an elevated PCPI was an independent predictor of to multiple myeloma. PCPI is a valuable tool in risk stratifying patients with SMM and identifies patients with earlier progression who may benefit from closer follow up and consideration of early intervention trials. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding. Gertz:Research to Practice: Consultancy; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy; Alnylam: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Medscape: Consultancy; Apellis: Consultancy; Ionis: Honoraria. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Dingli:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Kumar:Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: 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; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: 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; Roche: Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Abstract Background: The presence of circulating plasma cells (CPCs) is associated with an adverse prognosis in multiple myeloma along the entire spectrum of disease. However, the impact of CPCs prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has not been defined in the era of novel agents. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the presence and number of CPCs before transplant using 6-color multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC). We also explored the additional prognostic implications of CPCs over the current paradigm for risk stratification at transplant, including high-risk (HR) cytogenetics and disease status at transplant by the IMWG criteria. Methods: A total of 1113 consecutive patients transplanted between 2007 and 2015 in Mayo Clinic were included in the study. Flow-cytometry of peripheral blood to identify clonal CPCs is routinely performed in all patients before ASCT in Mayo Clinic, Rochester. The mononuclear cells from peripheral blood samples are isolated by Ficoll gradient and subsequently stained with antibodies to CD19, CD38, CD45, CD138 and cytoplasmic kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) immunoglobulin light chains. Clonality is assessed by light chain restriction (κ:λ expression ratio of 4:1 [κ restricted] or <1:2 [λ restricted]). The target for collection is >150,000 cellular events. For samples where less than 150,000 clonal events are examined, the number of final clonal events is adjusted to 150,000 events. HR cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on bone marrow (BM) plasma cells was defined by one of the following abnormalities: t(4;14), del(17p), t(14;16), t(14;20) or +1q, detected at any time point from diagnosis to transplant. Patients who had insufficient plasma cells for FISH analysis in BM specimens were not included in the denominator to calculate the percentage of patients with HR cytogenetics. The primary end-points of this study were post-transplant response, PFS and OS. Result: CPCs were detected in 238 out of 1113 (21.4%) patients, with the median number of CPCs being 82 (range, 1-102381) per 150,000 events. The median age of patients at transplant was 62 years. A total of 1097 (99%) patients had received novel agent based induction therapy with PIs and IMiDs, including 458 (41%) patients who had received both PIs and IMiDs. 401 (36%) patients had received post-transplant maintenance or consolidation therapy. The frequency of t(4;14) in BMPCs was significantly higher in patients with CPCs compared to those without [15.2 vs 7.0% for t(4;14); P<0.001]. The median follow-up from transplant for survivors was 45 months. The 5-year OS rate in patients with and without CPCs was 34% (95% CI, 27-42) and 70% (95% CI, 66-74) respectively (P<0.001). After exploring several cut-offs for the number of CPCs per 150,000 events, we chose a simple pre-transplant risk stratification model: No CPCs (n=874; 78.5%), 0<CPCs≤400 (n=188; 16.9%) and CPCs>400 (n=51; 4.6%). The number of patients achieving stringent complete response post-transplant in groups with no CPCs, 0<CPCs≤400 and CPCs>400 was 310 (36%), 31 (16%) and 3 (6%) respectively (P<0.001). The median PFS in the 3 groups was 27 months (95% CI, 25-30), 15 months (95% CI, 13-18) and 6 months (95% CI, 4-10) respectively (P<0.001) and 5-year OS rates were 70% (95% CI, 66-74), 42% (95% CI, 34-51) and 12% (95% CI, 5-26) respectively (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS and OS are depicted in Figure I (A and B). In a multivariate model (Table I), the groups with 0<CPCs≤400 and CPCs>400 had an increased risk of death, independent of the presence of HR cytogenetics and disease status at transplant. Conclusion: Our study shows the strong negative prognostic impact of CPCs prior to transplant on post-transplant response and survival in MM in the era of novel agents. The proposed risk stratification model can be easily employed with simple equipment and should be routinely incorporated in the pre-transplant workup. Detailed epigenomic, genomic and transcriptomic analysis of CPCs is urgently needed to uncover the biological basis of resistance to both high-dose cytotoxic therapy and novel agents and identify potential avenues of targeted therapy against CPCs. Disclosures Kumar: Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; pfizer: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Jannsen: Research Funding. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Gertz:Sandoz Inc: Honoraria; NCI Frederick: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding; Research to Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Med Learning Group: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ionis: Research Funding; Prothena Therapeutics: Research Funding; Annexon Biosciences: Research Funding.

Abstract Background: Prior studies suggest that the presence of >5% polyclonal plasma cells (pPCs) among total plasma cells (PCs) within the bone marrow (BM) is associated with a longer progression-free survival, higher response rates, and lower frequency of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). However, the incidence and prognostic utility of this factor in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM has not been previously evaluated. Thus, we evaluated the prognostic value of quantifying the percentage of pPCs among the total PCs in the BM of patients with actively relapsing MM. Methods: We evaluated all MM patients with actively relapsing disease (biochemical and/or symptomatic) seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from 2012 to 2013, who had BM samples evaluated by seven-color multiparametric flow cytometry. All patients had at least 24 months of follow-up from the date of flow evaluation. Cell surface antigens were assessed by direct immunofluorescence antibodies for CD45, CD19, CD38, CD138, cytoplasmic Kappa and Lambda Ig light chains, and DAPI nuclear stain. The flow cytometry data was collected using the Becton Dickinson FACSCanto II instruments that analyzed 150,000 events (cells); this data was then analyzed by multi-parameter analysis using the BD FACS DIVA Software. PCs were selectively analyzed through combinatorial gating using light scatter properties and CD38, CD138, CD19, and CD45. Clonal PCs were separated from pPCs based on the differential expression of CD45, CD19, DAPI (in non-diploid cases), and immunoglobulin light chains. The percentage of pPCs was calculated in total PCs detected. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were assessed using the log rank test. Results: There were 180 consecutive patients with actively relapsing MM who had BM biopsies analyzed via flow cytometry as part of their routine clinical evaluation. The median age of this group was 65 years (range: 40 - 87); 52% were male. At the time of this analysis, 104 patients had died, and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate for the cohort was 58%. The median number of therapies received was 4 (range: 1 - 15). Of these patients, 61% received a prior ASCT, and almost all (99%) received prior regimens containing either immunomodulators or proteasome inhibitors. There were 55 (30%) patients with >5% pPCs among the total PCs in their BM. The median percentage of pPCs among total PCs in these 55 patients was 33% (range: 5 - 99). The median OS for those with >5% pPCs was not reached compared with 22 months for those with <5% pPCs (P = 0.028; Figure 1). Patients with <5% pPCs PCs had a higher likelihood of high-risk FISH cytogenetics compared with the rest of the patients. In a univariate analysis, increasing number of pPCs was associated with an improved OS, while higher labeling index, number of prior therapies, and the presence of high-risk FISH cytogenetics were associated with a worse OS. In a multivariate analysis, only the increasing number of pPCs (P = 0.006), higher labeling index (P = 0.0002) and number of prior therapies (P = 0.003) retained statistical significance. Conclusion: Quantitative estimation of the percentage of pPCs among the total PCs in the BM of patients with actively relapsing MM was determined to be a predictor of worse OS. As such, this parameter is able to identify a group of patients with MM with actively relapsing disease who have a particularly poor outcome. Further studies evaluating its biological significance are warranted. Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curve comparing OS between patients with ≥5% pPCs and <5% pPCs among the total PCs in their BM. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve comparing OS between patients with ≥5% pPCs and <5% pPCs among the total PCs in their BM. Disclosures Kapoor: Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Gertz:Prothena Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Research to Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Med Learning Group: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria; NCI Frederick: Honoraria; Sandoz Inc: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Ionis: Research Funding; Annexon Biosciences: Research Funding. Kumar:AbbVie: Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy.

Abstract Background: Large deletions involving the beta globin complex are relatively rare. They can be categorized generally into five groups by deletion size and/or location: 1) beta zero thalassemia (BZT); 2) delta beta thalassemia (DBT); 3) hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH); 4) gamma delta beta thalassemia (GDBT); and 5) epsilon gamma delta beta thalassemia (EGDBT). These deletions are not well understood but often have significant clinical impact, either when present alone or in combination with other hemoglobin mutations. In this study, we analyze phenotypic and molecular data on a large number of cases with deletions in the beta globin gene complex to better classify these five groups of deletions as they occur in isolation. Methods: A query of the routine clinical testing patient files from the Mayo Clinic Metabolic Hematology and Molecular Genetics Laboratories from 2010 to 2015 identified 179 patients with a deletion confirmed by a Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) assay. Twenty-four probes sets were placed from the 5' locus control region (LCR) to the 3' hypersensitivity region, spanning the beta globin gene complex. Using a Luminex LX200 flow cytometer, a gene dosage ratio was calculated for each probe set using the median fluorescent intensity value collected. The size and location of the deletion and patient phenotype were compared. Results: Of the 179 total cases, the following large deletions were identified: beta gene (HBB) (n = 47), delta (HBD) through HBB (n = 105), A-gamma (HBG2) through HBB (n = 20), and locus control region (LCR) through HBB (n = 7). One case had a deletion involving the LCR epsilon with the rest of the complex left intact. A subset (n = 60) of cases had compound hemoglobin mutations that altered the phenotype. The BZT cases had relatively high Hb A2 levels and variable Hb F levels consistent with promotor region loss. The main differences between DBT and HPFH included Hb F and Hb A2 levels. GDBT cases presented with median Hb F levels higher than that observed in DBTs, normal Hb A2, and microcytic anemia. EGDBT cases had variable features according to age of the patient and Hb F level; severe microcytic anemia was observed in neonates, milder microcytic anemia in young children, and microcytosis without anemia in an adult case. The phenotypic features of 119 patients with isolated large deletions are compiled in table 1. Conclusion: In general, all five categories of large deletions in an isolated heterozygous state can present with microcytic anemia and are typically benign with the exception of transient severe microcytic anemia in neonatal EGDBT cases. Although phenotypes associated with large deletions involving the beta globin gene complex are frequently distinctive, significant phenotypic overlap can be seen in a subset of cases. These cases require molecular analysis due to their clinical importance when in combination with another beta globin gene complex mutation for an adequate diagnosis and treatment approach. Table 1. Deletion type Age n HbF (%) HbA2 (%) Hb (g/dL) MCV (fL) RBC (10^12/L) RDW (%) MCH (pg/cell) BZT 20 6.3 (0.6-94.4) 6.8 (3.4-11.6) 11.1 (8.3-14.5) 65.4 (60.8-77.2) 5.4 (4.2-6.2) 19.2 (16.6-21.2) 20.9 (18.3-25.7) DBT 56 10.6 (2.7-22.4) 2.7 (2.5-3.1) 11.7 (8.6-14.4) 68.9 (61.3-83.5) 5.3 (4.1-7.3) 21.4 (18.2-26.8) 21.6 (19.9-39.2) HPFH 23 25.9 (17.6-39.7) 2.0 (1.5-2.4) 11.6 (8.1-16.7) 78.4 (60.2-101.9) 4.4 (3.0-6.3) 17.5 (14.1-22.3) 25.4 (17.6-29.7) GDBT 14 13.3 (8.2-19.0) 2.6 (1.8-2.7) 11.0 (8.6-14.1) 72.5 (57.9-82.1) 5.1 (3.5-6.2) 20.6 (17.4-23.5) 22 (17.9-25.1) EGDBT* 28 Y 1 0.3 3 13.3 59.4 6.9 15.4 19.2 1-4 Y 3 0.9 (0-1.6) 3.2 (2.9-3.5) 9.5 (8.8-13.3) 57.8 (57.6-59.4) 5.2 (4.9-6.9) 16.6 (15.4-17.4) 18.5 (18.1-19.2) <6 month 2 21.4 (14.8-27.9) 2.6 (2.2-2.9) 6.3 (6.0-6.6) 61.3 (59.9-62.6) 3.4 (3.3-3.3) 21.5 (21.2-21.7) 18.4 (18.1-18.7) medians, (min, max); *stratified by age Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.