Gertz, Morie A.

Abstract Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, typically fatal disease characterized by the accumulation of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains (LCs). Birtamimab is an investigational humanized monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize toxic LC aggregates and deplete insoluble organ-deposited amyloid via macrophage-induced phagocytosis. VITAL was a phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of birtamimab + standard of care (SOC) in 260 newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients with AL amyloidosis. Patients received 24 mg/kg IV birtamimab + SOC or placebo + SOC every 28 days. The primary composite end point was the time to all-cause mortality (ACM) or centrally adjudicated cardiac hospitalization ≥91 days after the first study drug infusion. The trial was terminated early after an interim futility analysis; there was no significant difference in the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.826; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.574-1.189; log-rank P = .303). A post hoc analysis of patients with Mayo stage IV AL amyloidosis, those at the highest risk of early mortality, showed significant improvement in the time to ACM with birtamimab at month 9 (HR, 0.413; 95% CI, 0.191-0.895; log-rank P = .021). At month 9, 74% of patients with Mayo stage IV AL amyloidosis treated with birtamimab and 49% of those given placebo survived. Overall, the rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious TEAEs were generally similar between treatment arms. A confirmatory phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of birtamimab in patients with Mayo stage IV AL amyloidosis (AFFIRM-AL; NCT04973137) is currently enrolling. The VITAL trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02312206.

AbstractIn this phase 1/2 study, carfilzomib was added to high‐dose melphalan conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma that had been treated with ≤2 prior lines of therapy. Carfilzomib was escalated at doses of 27, 36, 45, and 56 mg/m2 on days −6, −5, −2, and −1 before ASCT in the phase 1 component of the study. In addition, all the patients received melphalan 100 mg/m2 on days −4 and −3. The primary endpoint of the phase 1 component was to identify the maximum tolerated dose, and the primary endpoint of the phase 2 component was the rates of complete response (≥CR) at 1 year after ASCT. The phase 1 dose escalation cohort included 14 patients, and 35 patients were included in the phase 2 cohort. The maximum tested dose was 56 mg/m2 (MTD). The median time from diagnosis to study enrollment was 5.8 (range 3.4–88.4) months, and 16% of patients had obtained a ≥CR prior to ASCT. The best response within 1 year after ASCT was a ≥ CR rate in 22% for the entire cohort, and 22% for patients treated at the MTD. The ≥VGPR rates improved from 41% before ASCT to 77% by 1 year after ASCT. One patient had a grade 3 renal adverse event, and renal function returned to baseline with supportive care. The rate of grade 3–4 cardiovascular toxicity was 16%. The addition of carfilzomib to melphalan conditioning was safe and resulted in deep responses after ASCT.

Abstract Introduction: Cytokines are protein factors that regulate diverse cellular processes. The malignant progression of immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS) to Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is in part cytokine mediated, and we have previously shown IL-6 mediates IgM secretion in WM via the JAK/STAT pathway. Cytokine signaling can be epigenetically modulated by micro-RNAs (miRs). We aimed to identify the role of miRs in the regulation of inflammatory cytokine pathways between these diseases. Methods: Bone marrow samples of patients with IgM-MGUS (n=7) and WM (n=25) were prospectively collected and sorted for CD19+ and/or CD138+ malignant cells. Total RNA extraction and sequencing were performed, miR and mRNA profiling was conducted, and differential expression was calculated between WM and IgM-MGUS using a log2 fold change (FC)>0.5 and ←0.5, false discovery rate<0.05. Experimental differentially expressed miR-mRNA pairing was performed, and pairs were filtered for correlated expression (i.e., upregulated miR/downregulated mRNA, and vice-versa). Filtered pairs were analyzed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to identify pathways between WM and IgM-MGUS with absolute activation Z-score ≥1. Results: We identified 34 differentially expressed miRs experimentally targeting 1132 mRNAs. Pathway analysis showed overall miR-based inactivation of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways in WM compared to IgM-MGUS, especially of the interleukin (IL) family: IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-17. Underlying multiple pathways was upregulation of miRs-146a, 150, 194, all targets of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1), observed to be downregulated. Of relevance, miR-146a has been previously shown to be an inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6. Next, we observed upregulation of miR-142 which targets phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 6 (PIK3R6), observed to be downregulated. Both the STAT and PIK3 families are important cytokine signal transducers, and we have previously shown the PI3k-AKT-IkB-p65 pathway induces expression of IL-6 via a GLI2-mediated mechanism. We additionally observed granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling to be inactivated in WM. Here, miR-19b and miR-30e were upregulated, both target CSF 2 receptor subunit beta (CSF2RB), found to be downregulated. CSF2RB is the common receptor subunit of GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5. Conclusion: Our study identifies multiple cytokines pathways involved in inflammation and the tumor microenvironment to be potentially inactivated by differentially expressed miRs in WM compared to IgM-MGUS. Downregulation of these pathways and targeting of the STAT and PIK3 family indicates a possible miR-based negative feedback loop to down-modulate inflammatory cytokine signaling in WM. Citation Format: Karan Chohan, Jonas Paludo, Surendra Dasari, Jithma P. Abeykoon, Prashant Kapoor, Esteban Braggio, Michelle K. Manske, Aneel Paulus, Craig B. Reeder, Sikander Ailawadhi, Asher A. Chanan-Khan, Robert A. Kyle, Morie A. Gertz, Anne J. Novak, Stephen M. Ansell. Micro-RNA induced inactivation of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia compared to IgM-MGUS. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3811.

Abstract Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who do not respond to initial therapy have worse outcomes than primary responders, and effective treatments are lacking in this population. However, the outcomes of primary refractory disease in the modern treatment era have not yet been studied. We reviewed patients with MM treated with triplet/quadruplet therapy at our institution to assess the incidence of primary refractory disease and the impact of salvage therapies in this population. We identified 1127 patients, of whom 1086 were evaluated for hematologic responses after 4 to 6 cycles. Of these, 93.3% (1013) had evidence of response, whereas 6.7% (73) had primary refractory disease. With a median overall survival (OS) of 51.3 months, patients with primary refractory disease had an increased risk of shorter survival in univariable and multivariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 3.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.5-4.9]; HR, 4.3 [95% CI, 2.6-6.9], respectively). In the subgroup analysis of patients with primary refractory disease, those who received second-line autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had increased second progression-free survival (20.9 vs 8.1 months; P < .01) and second OS (74.7 vs 31.3 months; P = .02) compared with patients who did not. We conclude that early progression remains a significant factor for shorter OS in the current era, and salvage ASCT could be the most beneficial option for this population.

e20032 Background: The introduction of anti-CD38 antibodies (daratumumab) in the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma (MM) has increased the progression-free survival (PFS) in recent years. Still, the ideal combination (Dara-IMiD vs. Dara-PI) of these drugs in patients with relapsed MM is unclear. Methods: We reviewed MM patients treated with daratumumab as second-line therapy at our institution from 2016 to 2022 to assess the outcomes with the different combination therapies. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate PFS from the first relapse. Results: We identified 329 patients with a median age of 63.6 years (range: 27.1 – 90.4). Most of the patients received triplet induction therapy (95%) and upfront transplant (67%) as primary therapy. At the time of Dara initiation, 41% were refractory to IMiDs, 22% to PIs, 18% to both, and 18% to neither drug. Patients treated with Dara-IMiD had significantly better PFS than Dara-PI (28.7 months vs. 18.5 months, p < 0.01, respectively). In a subgroup analysis based on the FISH results, high-risk patients had similar PFS outcomes (24.3 vs. 10.2 months, p = NS, respectively), while standard-risk patients benefited significantly from the Dara-IMiD regimen (48.3 vs. 19.2 months, p < 0.01, respectively). Among patients treated with Dara-IMiD, those already refractory to IMiDs from the first line had significantly shorter PFS than those without IMiD resistance (14.9 vs. 43.3 months, p < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the lenalidomide-based combination resulted in significantly better PFS compared to pomalidomide in our cohort (40.5 vs. 19.2 months, p < 0.01, respectively). However, no difference was found in the IMiD refractory population (12.3 vs. 15.1 months, respectively). Finally, no significant differences were seen between Dara-IMiD and Dara-PI in patients only refractory to IMiDs (16.1 vs. 12.8 months, p = NS, respectively). Conclusions: While further studies are required to adjudicate the best combination, we conclude that Dara-IMiD might be more effective in patients with relapsed MM, especially for patients not refractory to IMiD at first line. [Table: see text]

e20011 Background: Drug refractoriness is an important factor determining choice of next therapy and prognosis in multiple myeloma (MM). It is debatable whether refractoriness to a drug varies among patients (pts) with MM progressing on different administration schedules of the drug. Outcomes of MM pts refractory to different doses of lenalidomide have been previously described, but similar data about proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are limited. In this study, we assessed the impact of refractoriness to different schedules of bortezomib (V) on outcomes with subsequent therapies in MM pts. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MM pts at our center diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2018, who progressed on/ after receiving first line therapy with V containing regimens. At first relapse, we divided pts into 3 groups- MM progressing on or within 60 days of receiving (1) 1-1.3 mg/m2 V once weekly or more frequently (Standard Dose Refractory), (2) 1-1.3 mg/m2 V once every 2 weeks or less frequently (Low Dose Refractory), and (3) MM progressing at least 60 days after stopping V (Not Refractory). In addition to V, we classified pts as being refractory to cyclophosphamide and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) at first relapse. We classified salvage regimens into daratumumab (Dara), PI, IMiD, PI+IMiD, and VDTPACE like regimens. We then assessed progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for next line therapy, and for next V containing therapy using Kaplan Meier and Cox models. Results: A total of 302 pts were included. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years and 60% pts were male. Overall, 23%, 31%, and 27% were International Staging System (ISS) stage I, II, and III respectively; 40% had high risk FISH as per mSMART. Of the 302 pts, 134 (44%) pts received another V containing regimen after the first line therapy at any time during the disease course. Using a multivariable Cox model to adjust for ISS, high risk FISH, refractoriness to other drugs, duration of first line therapy, and treatment received at relapse, the Not Refractory Group had a better PFS for both 2nd line therapy and the next V containing line of therapy, while no significant differences were seen between the Standard Dose Refractory and Low Dose Refractory groups. OS differences followed the same trend but were not statistically significant (Table). Conclusions: On multivariable analysis, the PFS did not differ among standard dose vs low dose refractory pts, and both were significantly inferior to pts not refractory to V. These data suggest that refractoriness to V might not be a dose dependent phenomenon. [Table: see text]

8051 Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that do not respond to initial therapy have worse outcomes compared to primary responders, and effective treatments are lacking in this population. However, the outcomes of primary refractory disease in the modern treatment era have not been studied. Methods: From 2007-2019, we reviewed MM patients treated with triplet/quadruplet therapy in our institution to assess the incidence of primary refractory disease and the impact of salvage therapies in this population. Primary refractory disease was defined as either progressive disease or stable disease at 4-6 cycles. The Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for survival probabilities. PFS and OS were calculated from MM diagnosis to progression, escalation/change of treatment, or death, respectively. For the primary refractory group, the second PFS and second OS were measured from the start of second-line therapy. The Cox regression model was used for multivariable analysis with the following variables (age, ISS, induction therapy, FISH, and bone marrow plasma cells at diagnosis). Results: We identified 1127 patients, of which 1086 were evaluated for hematologic response after 4-6 cycles. Of these, 93.3% (1013) had evidence of response, while 6.7% (73) had primary refractory disease. With a median OS of 50.7 months, patients with primary refractory disease had an increased risk for shorter survival in univariable and multivariable analysis (HR: 3.6, 95% CI = 2.61 – 4.96, HR = 3.89, 95% CI = 2.68 – 5.65, respectively). In subgroup analysis of primary refractory patients, the median second PFS and second OS from the first relapse were 11.9 months (95% CI: 8.7 – 17.3 months) and 43.4 (95% CI: 31.4– 75.9 months), respectively. Patients that received 2nd line ASCT had increased second PFS (20.9 vs. 8.1 months, respectively, p < 0.01) and second OS (74.7 vs. 31.3 months, respectively, p = 0.02) compared to patients that did not. Patients that took daratumumab as the second line did not have any significant survival differences compared to those who did not, p = NS. Conclusions: We conclude that early progression remains a significant factor for shorter OS in the current era, and salvage ASCT could be the most beneficial option for this population. [Table: see text]

8043 Background: Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma (EMM) has an aggressive clinical course and can present at diagnosis [primary EMM, (pEMM)] or relapse [secondary EMM, (sEMM)]. Here, we report clinical characteristics and outcomes of EMM, and predictive factors for the development of sEMM. Methods: We identified 299 patients with biopsy-proven EMM between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2021. Patients with solitary plasmacytomas, paraskeletal MM and primary plasma cell leukemia were excluded. A 1:1 matched pair analysis (matched for year of diagnosis of MM for comparable follow-up and treatment eras) was performed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with and without sEMM. Results: The median follow-up from the diagnosis of MM was 11.5 years (95%CI: 9.3-14.8). Of 299 patients, 204 (68%) patients had sEMM and 95 (32%) had pEMM, with largely comparable baseline characteristics (Table). The median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of sEMM was 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.9) years compared to 3.6 (95%CI: 2.4-5.6) years for pEMM (p<0.0001). For sEMM, mutlvariable analysis (MVA) for OS identified visceral organ involvement (eg. liver, lung/pleura, brain, pancreas, etc.) to be associated with inferior OS [HR 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.4), p=0.01]; high-risk cytogenetics (HR-CTG), ISS-3 stage, and age did not impact OS from sEMM. For pEMM, HR-CTG [HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.1 -4.8), p=0.03] and ISS-3 stage [HR 3.1 (95% CI 1.5-6.7), p=0.003] were associated with inferior OS on MVA whereas visceral EMM or age did not impact OS from pEMM. On univariate analysis, patients with sEMM were younger (median age 58.7 vs 61 years, p=0.006), had a higher proportion of 1q duplication (32% vs 17%, p=0.001), t(4;14) [16% vs 9%, p=0.047] and elevated LDH (30% vs 19%, p=0.04), compared to the matched cohort of patients without sEMM. On MVA, younger age at diagnosis, t(4;14) and 1q duplication at diagnosis of MM were independent predictors of development of sEMM. The median OS from diagnosis of MM was 5.4 years (95%CI: 4.1-6.2) for patients with sEMM versus 7.5 years (95% CI: 6.4-10.1; p <0.001) for the matched cohort. Secondary EMM was an independent poor prognostic marker for OS from the diagnosis of MM [HR 1.6 (95%CI: 1.2-2.1); p=0.004] in addition to age, ISS3 disease and HR-CTG. Conclusions: Outcomes of patients with EMM, especially sEMM, remain dismal. Patients with sEMM have higher rates of 1q duplication and t(4;14) at diagnosis of MM and carried an independent adverse prognosis in a matched cohort. [Table: see text]

8024 Background: Minimal residual disease (MRD) is prognostic for survival in multiple myeloma (MM). MRD is usually assessed in the bone marrow (BM) by flow cytometry or NGS. MRD by FDG PET/CT provides a global representation of the tumor burden, including response assessment of extramedullary disease. We examined MRD status in MM pts using both BM and PET/CT at Mayo Clinic. Methods: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for MM pts who received CAR-T between 4/2018 and 12/2022. All PET/CT scans were assessed by radiologists. BM MRD was assessed by flow cytometry with a sensitivity of 10-5. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among the 157 CAR-T pts, including 89 pts who received FDA-approved CAR-T, median age was 63 years, 59% (92/157) were males, 42% (66/157) had high risk cytogenetics with median of 5 prior lines of therapy, 36% (57/157) had plasmacytoma. Incidence of CRS was 83%, 5% grade ≥ 3 CRS. Incidence of ICANS was 19%, 4% grade ≥ 3 ICANS. CR/sCR rate was 37%. One hundred and thirty-seven pts (87%) had evaluable BM at month (mo) 1, 85% (117/137) were BM MRDneg at mo 1. Baseline demographics were comparable between the two groups except age, % BM plasma cells and use of bridging therapy. Among the MRDneg pts, CR/sCR rate was 44% (51/117) and 95% (111/117) had sFLC below normal. At median follow-up of 13.8 months, median PFS among pts with BM MRDneg at 1 mo was 12 mo (95% CI: 11, 30) vs 3 mo (95%CI: 2, 7) for BM MRDpos (p<0.001). Median OS among pts with BM MRDneg at 1 mo was 34 mo (95% CI: 24, NR) vs 22 mo (95%CI: 7, NA) for BM MRDpos (p<0.01). At month 1, 112 pts had both BM and PET/CT assessments available, 64/112(57%) were both BM MRDneg/PET MRDneg, 38/112 (34%) were MRDneg for either BM or PET and 10/112 (9%) were positive for both BM and PET (MRDpos/PET MRDpos). Baseline demographics except age were comparable between the 2 groups (Table). Rate of conversion from MRDpos to MRDneg was low. Rate of sustained BM and PET MRDneg at mo 12 was 44% (8/18). The median PFS and OS for BM MRDneg/PET MRDneg was significantly longer as compared to others (Table). Conclusions: Achieving FLC below normal, BM MRDneg and PET MRDneg at 1 month, regardless of IMWG response at that time, is prognostic for both PFS and OS in MM pts receiving CAR-T. Failure to achieve any of these confers poor prognosis. [Table: see text]