Gertz, Morie A.

8031 Background: Our prior studies identified the prognostic significance of ≥400 cPCs/150,000 analyzed events quantified by MFC in NDMM. We evaluated if a similar quantification of cPCs using MFC can add prognostic value to the current R-ISS classification of NDMM pts. Methods: We evaluated all NDMM pts seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 2009-2017 who had their peripheral blood samples evaluated by 6-color MFC prior to therapy. The cPCs detected were reported as the number of clonal events/150,000 collected total events. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences assessed using the log rank test. Results: This cohort consisted of 566 consecutive pts with NDMM with a median age of 66 years (27-95). The distribution of the R-ISS classification of this cohort is as follows: Stage 1- 128 (23%) pts, Stage 2- 369 (65%) pts and Stage 3- 69 (12%) pts. The median number of cPCs was 59 (0-46,412) / 150,000 events. The median time-to-next-treatment (TTNT) and overall survival (OS) for pts with ≥400 cPCs (n = 140, 25%) was 19 months and 46 months compared with 34 months and 77 months for those with < 400 cPCs respectively (n = 426, 75%) (p < 0.001 for both). The median TTNT and OS for pts based on their R-ISS classification as well as with and without the presence of ≥400 cPCs by MFC was as follows in the following Table. Conclusions: Quantifying ≥400 cPCs/150,000 analyzed events by MFC can potentially upstage the R-ISS classification of a subset of NDMM pts with stage I and II disease and identify those pts with a worse than expected survival outcome.[Table: see text]

8020 Background: BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) is a TNF receptor family member found on normal and malignant B-cells, including multiple myeloma (MM). It plays a role in proliferation and antiapoptotic pathways. Levels of serum (s)BMCA are elevated in patients (pts) with plasma cell disorders (PCD) and increase with each stage of disease: healthy donor< MGUS<SMM< active untreated MM. The purpose of this study was to test whether sBCMA levels predict progression of MGUS or SMM to MM. Methods: There were 3 cohorts in this retrospective study: MGUS progressing to MM (n=42); MGUS not progressing to MM (n=49); SMM progressing to MM (n=32). sBCMA levels were measured using an ELISA-based assay with a polyclonal anti-BCMA antibody from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN). The Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used to assess differences. The relationships between sBCMA and both time to progression and overall survival were also assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The highest values of sBCMA were seen among pts with more advanced PCD (Table). The lowest baseline levels were seen in pts with MGUS who did not progress; the change of sBCMA over time was lowest in the MGUS non-progressors. ROC analysis identified a cutoff of 74.4 ng/mL to be predictive of progression at 5 years. This cut-point was associated with a risk ratio of progression of 5.8 (95%CI 3.2, 11.3) for all comers, a risk ratio of death for all comers of 2.5 (95%CI 1.5, 4.2), and a risk ratio of death for MGUS pts of 3.3 (95%CI 1.9, 5.7). Conclusions: Serum BCMA levels were predictive of diagnosis, progression and death among pts with MGUS or SMM. Limitations of the current study are that only a minority of pts had baseline bone marrow exams or serum FLCs to place sBCMA risk in the context of other previously described risk factors. Serum FLC is now being determined on all patients. [Table: see text]

8019 Background: POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by an underlying plasma cell disorder. Most of the information regarding treatment has been gleaned from retrospective data. The combination of a proteasome inhibitor, an IMiD and corticosteroid is known to be highly effective among patients with myeloma. Methods: We designed a pilot using a 28-day oral regimen of ixazomib (4 mg days 1, 8, 15), lenalidomide (25 mg days 1-21), and dexamethasone (20 mg days 1, 8, 15, 22). Aspirin and acyclovir were used for prophylaxis. Eligibility included a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, a plasma VEGF > 200 pg/ml, a PS < 3. There were two groups [gp] (intended enrollment 15 per gp): Gp A, 13 cycles for patients (pts) who had relapsed or refractory disease; Gp B, 3 cycles for pts destined for high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant. Primary endpoint was VEGF complete response (CR = normalization) after 3 cycles. Secondary endpoints included safety, hematologic response, and overall survival at 3 and 12 months. Other domains including PET response, clinical responses including neurologic response were also studied. To date, 13 pts enrolled since 10/31/2016—4 to Gp A and 9 to Gp B. 11 pts were analyzed (2 dropped out before receiving any therapy). Data were frozen as of 1/21/2019. Results: Median age was 55; 73% were male. So far, overall 64% met primary endpoint of VEGF CR (Table). The median follow-up of survivors is 12.4 mo (6, 24). 1 pt came off study for non-responsive disease and died thereafter. 38% of patients had grade 3+hematologic AE; 72% had grade 3-4 non-hematologic AE. These included: rash, respiratory infection and hypotension in 2 each; atrial fibrillation, diarrhea, edema, dyspnea, and thromboembolism in 1 each. 4 pts had non-objective worsening of their neuropathy. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that Ixa-Len-Dex is an effective and tolerable regimen for patients with POEMS syndrome. Clinical trial information: NCT02921893. [Table: see text]

8011 Background: Literature suggests that three or more organ involvement is a contraindication for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in light chain amyloidosis (AL). Most centers limit transplantation to patients who have no more than two organs significantly involved. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with AL Amyloidosis involving three or more organs and who had ASCT between 1996-2015 at Mayo clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Results: Seventy five patients underwent ASCT with three or more organs involved. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years and 67% were males. The heart was involved in 95%, followed by kidneys (84%). Thirty eight patients (51%) had no induction treatment prior to ASCT. Full dose melphalan (200mg/m2) was given in 45%, and the remaining received a reduced dose (140mg/m2). Overall response rate (hematological) was 75%. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 16.3 and 68.9 months, respectively. The 100-day mortality was 16% and overall forty four patients (59%) died during the follow up period. The most common causes of death were cardiovascular events (32%) and progressive amyloidosis (25%). On multivariable analysis, predictors for PFS were Mayo stage III/IV (RR 3.3, P = 0.0012) and hematological response (≥VGPR, RR 0.4, P = 0.012). An NT-ProBNP level of ≥2000 pg/ml was an independent predictor for shorter PFS (RR 2.6, P = 0.013). Predictors for OS included any hematological response (RR 0.1, P < 0.0001) and Mayo stage III/IV (RR 7, P < 0.0001). When looking at the NT-ProBNP, a level ≥2000 was prognostic (RR 5.5, P = 0.001). Number of organs involved (3 vs. 4-5) was not significant in either PFS or OS. Conclusions: We conclude that the high prevalence of cardiac involvement is the main driver for the poor outcome in patients who have three or more organs involved. Using selection criteria defined for safe transplantation in cardiac amyloidosis should result in low therapy-related mortality independent of the number of organs involved. The concept of considering patients with three organs involved ineligible for stem cell transplantation should be abandoned.

7559 Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare indolent lymphoma commonly treated with rituximab (R)-based therapy. The use of rituximab maintenance (mR) in WM is controversial. We present a case-control study of patients (pts) with WM treated with mR. Methods: Pts evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester with active WM that received mR between 1/2000 & 6/2018 were included. Cases comprised pts who received mR following R-based induction as primary therapy. Cases were matched based on the time of diagnosis in 1:2 ratio with a control group treated with R-based primary induction therapy without mR. Time to event analyses were performed from initiation of R-based induction. Results: Of 776 pts with active WM, 42 (5%) cases received mR and 84 pts were selected as controls. The median follow-up and the proportion of high risk pts were comparable between the two cohorts (Table). Pts in the mR cohort show a trend toward longer time to next therapy (TTNT) and a significantly longer overall survival (OS) compared to the control group (Table). The R-based induction therapies were comparable in the two cohorts (p = 0.6). Median duration of mR was 1.9 yrs (95% CI 1.6-2) and mR was used most frequently every (q) 2 (range 1-6) months. Of the 42 mR pts, 25 (60%) received an R-based combination for induction and 17 (40%) received R monotherapy as induction. Five (12%) pts discontinued mR due to toxicity, infections were reported in 13 pts (31%) during mR therapy and 3 pts (7%) received IVIg infusions for recurrent infections. Conclusions: R-based induction followed by mR demonstrates a longer OS in WM compared to R-treated control population not receiving mR, albeit at a high rate of infections. Despite limitations of a retrospective study, with a heterogeneously treated cohort, these data add to the body of literature supporting Rituximab maintenance. Results from an ongoing randomized controlled trial are awaited. [Table: see text]

7509 Background: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma for which scant comparative data exist to guide frontline therapy. Herein, we compare 3 commonly used regimens in WM: R-Benda, DRC, and BDR in frontline setting. Methods: Patients (Pts) with active WM seen at Mayo Clinic between 2000 & 2018 who received R-Benda, DRC or BDR as primary therapy were included in this retrospective study. Response rates were assessed by Consensus Criteria. All time to event analyses were performed from the frontline therapy, using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The study included 172 pts with active WM (R-Benda, n=67, DRC, n=75, BDR, n=30).The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 3.7 years (y) (95% CI 3.7-3.0). Baseline characteristics, including IPSS, and time to frontline therapy from WM diagnosis were similar across the 3 cohorts. Clinically relevant endpoints are shown in the Table. Hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities were similar across the 3 groups. Grade 3 neuropathy requiring treatment discontinuation was encountered in 13% pts treated with BDR. 56 pts received subsequent salvage therapy [(10% in R-Benda arm, 44% in DRC arm, & 53% in BDR arm]; 29% pts in the R-Benda arm and 30% pts in DRC arm received a PI-based regimen while 69% pts in the BDR arm received alkylator-rituximab based therapy. Conclusions: Outcomes (MRR, TTNT and EFS) with frontline R-Benda are superior in comparison to frontline DRC or BDR in patients with WM. Clinically relevant endpoints are not significantly different with DRC vs. BDR. The toxicity profile across the 3 groups was comparable. [Table: see text]

8606 Background: The rapidity of response to initial therapy in multiple myeloma (MM) depends on a variety of factors. There is limited data on its implications on long term outcomes in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed MM. Methods: We retrospectively examined the outcomes in a cohort of 454 pts with newly diagnosed MM between Jan 2000- Dec 2011 undergoing induction therapy. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 66 yrs (29-92). Pts had measurable serum M-spike (>= 1 g/dL), dFLC (>=10 mg/dl) or 24 hour urinary M protein excretion (UrM; >=200 mg) in 70, 63 and 39% respectively. We first examined the relationship between the response to first cycle of therapy and overall survival (OS). We divided pts into quartiles based on their % reduction in the serum M spike, dFLC or UrM. The median OS (Table) was poorest for pts with the least reduction of serum M protein (P<0.001) and of dFLC. The cutoffs for Q1 was 25, 40and 40% decrease for serum M spike, dFLC and 24 hr UrM respectively. Among various baseline characteristics only higher age was predictive of a poor (Q1) response. Given the trend toward worse OS among the Q 4 group (maximum decrease in serum M spike), we examined the relationship to cytogenetic risk. Among 232 pts with FISH data available, proportion of pts with high-risk disease was 27, 12, 22 and 31% respectively in quartiles 1 - 4). In a multivariate analysis, quartile 1 and 4 of serum M-protein response and the high-risk FISH were independent risk factors associated inferior OS. Conclusions: Both shallow and very deep response to therapy in cycle 1 is a strong indicator of eventual disease outcome and should be considered as marker of high-risk disease, likely through different mechanisms. For the shallow responders, prospective trials should assess if a change in therapeutic management will alter the outcome of these pts. The rapid deep responders also appear represent a different high-risk biology, emphasizing the fact that pts with high-risk disease often have excellent initial responses, but poor long term outcomes. [Table: see text]

8600 Background: The combination of bortezomib, dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide (VDTPACE) was developed as an intense regimen for disease control prior to tandem transplantation for multiple myeloma (MM) in total therapy protocols. The regimen is very effective in this setting, and since has also been used in the relapsed setting. We examined the outcomes of a set of patients undergoing VDTPACE therapy for relapsed MM at our institution. Methods: We identified 71 patients who received VDTPACE for relapsed MM, at Mayo Clinic from 7/2006 to 7/2012. Plasma cell leukemia was excluded. All data was extracted from clinical records. Results: The median age of patients was 59 years (range, 39-80); 48 (67.6%) were male. The median time from diagnosis to initiation of VDTPACE was 38.2 months (range, 2-125). The median number of cycles given was 1 (range, 1-9). The overall response rate after one cycle was 57.1% (14.3% VGPR, 22.2% PR and 20.6% MR) in the 63 patients in whom the response was evaluable. The median overall survival (OS) post-VDTPACE was 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.7-10.9). Eighteen (25.4%) patients went on to autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT), and 7 (9.9%) received matched allogeneic SCT following VDTPACE, and the median OS post-VDTPACE was significantly longer for these groups compared to those who were not transplanted (15.3 and 20.5 months, respectively vs 5 months, p-value <0.001). Thirty eight of 66 (57.6%) patients were rehospitalized after initial admission for infusion therapy for a median duration of 6 days (range, 1-26). The median platelet and red cell transfusions were 4 (range, 0-21) and 5 (range, 0-22) units, respectively. Renal toxicity was seen in 13/62 (21%) patients and 27/65 (41.5%) patients developed neutropenic fever. The median duration to absolute neutrophil and platelet count recovery was 18 (range 12-42) and 27 (range, 12-42) days, respectively. Three (4.2%) patients died within 30 days and 11 (15.5%) within 8 weeks of initiating VDTPACE. Conclusions: VDTPACE is an effective therapy in relapsed MM but is associated with significant morbidity and short-term mortality. It appears to be more effective when followed by an autologous or allogeneic SCT.

8592 Background: Accrual to NCI clinical trials(CT)is often slower than planned at times mandating premature closure resulting in loss of valuable resources and delay of scientific progress. Methods: The NCI-MYSC AWG identified 10 potential BtA. SWOG, ECOG and Alliance investigators were queried and agreed that these barriers impede accrual (results stratified for academic and community sites). The MYSC AWG developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Strategies listed for the 3 most often cited BtA: 1. Reimbursement for CT related expenses:increase awareness of improved reimbursement for phase II CT; tailor reimbursement according to CT complexity; request funds from industry and other sources ( http://biqsfp.cancer.gov ) for qualifying ancillary CT components. 2. Spectrum of available treatment options influences CT participation: educate patients and providers about the significance of a new CT using social media, presentations at national meetings and by adding educational material to CT protocol; encourage opinion leaders and advocacy groups not to promote a new therapy as “standard” in the absence of phase III data. 3. Requirement of CT specific therapy at NCI designated sites only: “MYSC AWG Drug Administration Table” describes NCI/FDA approved rules for CT specific drug administration; CT protocol will outline which standard treatment components of a CT can be administered at any site as long as protocol specific guidelines are followed and conduct is supervised by enrolling investigator. Examples of additional strategies to overcome identified BtA: determine feasibility, indication and insurance coverage of CT specific tests during protocol development; discourage narrow eligibility criteria; avoid competing CT; allow up to 1 cycle of commercially available therapy prior to enrollment; CIRB support for phase II CT. Conclusions: The MYSC Accrual Working Group developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome barriers to myeloma clinical trial accrual. These strategies may be applicable to NCI-sponsored clinical trials evaluating interventions in other diseases.

8587 Background: Patients (pts) undergoing an auto-transplant (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) have disease assessment approximately 100 days later. This result may direct decisions of further therapy versus observation. However, some pts continue to experience a decline in their serum or urine monoclonal (M) - protein after day 100 without more therapy. Little is known about the prevalence and significance of this phenomenon. Methods: We identified 903 MM pts who underwent ASCT within 12 months (mos) of diagnosis (Dx) at our institution. Their day 100 post-ASCT M-protein from serum and urine electrophoresis with immunofixation as well as serum free light chains were compared to subsequent values during follow-up. The IMWG criteria were used to evaluate response. Results: Of the pts included, 510 (56%) were male and median age at ASCT was 59 (range 28-76). Median follow up from Dx and ASCT was 82 mos (95% CI; 75 - 86) and 74 mos (95% CI; 70 - 79) respectively. There were 453 (50%) pts seen in follow-up who had not achieved a CR at Day 100 nor initiated on maintenance therapy. Of these pts, 167 (37%) had a further decrease in their M-protein after day 100 at a median of 9.4 mos (95% CI; 8 – 10) post-ASCT. Given the time taken for maximal response, we assessed patients’ clinical response at one year post-ASCT. Compared to patients who did not have further clinical response between day 100 and 1 year, pts experiencing further response had a longer time to next therapy (TTNT) (43 mos vs. 17 mos, P < 0.001) as well as overall survival (OS) (96 mos vs. 62 mos, P < 0.001). Positive predictors for continued response included having an IgG isotype, evolution from a pre-existing MGUS, smoldering myeloma or solitary plasmacytoma and a Day 100 bone marrow plasma cell < 3%. In a multivariate analysis, elevated creatinine at Dx and lack of continued response predicted for shorter TTNT and OS post-ASCT. Older age and high-risk MM by FISH also predicted a shorter OS. Conclusions: In MM pts undergoing ASCT, continued M - protein response was seen in a third of the pts lacking a CR at day 100. This phenomenon appears prognostic and must be considered when interpreting studies evaluating post-ASCT response and the need for further therapy.