scholarly journals Early Serum Free Light Chain Response after High-Dose Melphalan and Stem Cell Transplantation Predicts Hematologic Response in AL Amyloidosis

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Vanessa Fiorini Furtado ◽  
Dina Brauneis ◽  
Shayna Sarosiek ◽  
Karen Quillen ◽  
Vaishali Sanchorawala

Introduction Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia producing monoclonal light chains that misfold and form amyloid fibrils which can deposit in a variety of tissues and organs. This deposition of amyloid fibrils can lead to progressive organ impairment, multi-organ failure, and death if left untreated. High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) is known to improve patient outcomes with hematologic complete responses (CR) rates of 25-67%. Hematologic CR is currently defined as the absence of monoclonal protein in serum and urine by immunofixation electrophoreses and normal serum free light chain ratio (FLCR). Studies have shown that even among patients achieving a normal FLCR after initial therapy with HDM, persistent elevation of the involved FLC (hiFLC) predicts poor prognosis. Serum half-life of FLCs is approximately 2-6 hours, even with diminished glomerular filtration rates, and could be a tool for early treatment response evaluation. We sought to determine the extent to which early FLC responses after HDM/SCT predict hematologic complete response (CR) at 6 months. Methods We analyzed patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent HDM/SCT from 2012-2019 at Boston Medical Center. Exclusion criteria included death within 100 days, lack of FLC data at any time point, pre-SCT normal FLC concentrations and ratio, and chronic renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >1.3 mg/dL) with a normal FLC ratio. All subjects received a total of 140-200 mg/m2 melphalan IV in equally divided doses on days -3 and -2. Stem cells were infused on day 0. FLC measurements were obtained early in the peri-SCT period (< 1 month), at 6 months, and at 12 months after HDM/SCT. The patients were evaluated for response according to the consensus response criteria at 6 months. Statistical analysis to compare CR at 6 months and early post-SCT free light chain levels was performed by Chi-square with significance considered at p<0.05. Results Of the 113 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT during the specified time period, 32 were excluded (4 died within 100 days of SCT, 15 had normal FLCs pre-SCT, 5 lacked data, and 8 had chronic renal insufficiency (Cr >1.3 mg/dL) with normal FLCR. A total of 81 subjects (females=30) were analyzed. Median follow-up from SCT was 27.6 months (range, 6-145). Median time of early post-SCT FLC measurement was 8 days (range, 7-30). Median age at diagnosis was 58 years (range 30-79) and the iFLC was lambda in 81.5% (n = 66) of patients. Median number of bone marrow plasma cells was 10% (range, 1-50). The mean absolute involved FLC was 196 mg/L ±221 prior to SCT, 60 mg/L ± 77 in the early post-SCT period, 92 mg/L ± 152 at 6 months post-SCT. In early post-SCT period, 39.5% (n=32) had iFLC <20 mg/L, 28% (n=16/57) had dFLC<10 mg/L, and 84% (n=48/57) had normal FLCR. Early post-SCT dFLC <10 mg/dL and early post-SCT iFLC <20 mg/L were statistically associated with prediction of hematologic CR at 6 months (p=0.025 and p=0.001, respectively). However, early post-SCT normal FLCR was not associated with predicting hematologic CR at 6 months. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of early post-SCT iFLC <20 mg/L, dFLC <10 mg/L and normal FLCR to predict hematologic CR at 6 months are presented in table 1. Conclusion This study concludes that achievement of dFLC <10 mg/L and iFLC <20 mg/L in the early post-SCT period is associated with prediction of hematologic CR at 6 months. Early post-SCT dFLC <10 mg/L could be considered a tool for early evaluation of treatment response following HDM/SCT in AL amyloidosis. Key words: immunoglobulin light chains; AL amyloidosis, HDM/SCT Disclosures Sarosiek: Spectrum: Research Funding. Sanchorawala:Caelum: Research Funding; Prothena: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Proclara: Other: advisory board; Abbvie: Other: advisory board; UpToDate: Patents & Royalties; Oncopeptide: Research Funding; Regeneron: Other: advisory board; Caleum: Other: advisory board; Janssen: Research Funding.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1160-1160
Author(s):  
Vaishali Sanchorawala ◽  
Daniel G. Wright ◽  
Karen Quillen ◽  
Catherine Fisher ◽  
Martha Skinner ◽  
...  

Abstract AL amyloidosis is caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and characterized by widespread, progressive deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from monoclonal Ig light chains, leading to multisystem organ failure and death. Aggressive treatment of AL amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) can induce hematologic and clinical remissions and extend survival. Several approaches have been used to define hematologic responses following HDM/SCT and other forms of treatment. The standard definition of a hematologic complete response (CR) that we have used requires that there be no evidence of a persistent monoclonal gammopathy by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) of serum and urine proteins, or of a persistent plasmacytosis or plasma cell clonality in a bone marrow biopsy by immunohistochemistry. Others have defined hematologic responses according to reductions in free light chain (FLC) measurements. Treatment responses as defined by both criteria correlate with survival and clinical improvement following HDM/SCT. We have carried out a prospective analysis of HDM/SCT treatment outcomes for patients with AL amyloidosis to determine the extent to which early FLC responses within weeks of treatment predict hematologic CR, as defined by our standard criteria. Serum free light chain concentrations (FLC) were measured by a sensitive nephelometric immunoassay in 31 patients with AL amyloidosis, between 2003–2005, 1–3 weeks after treatment with HDM/SCT. Hematologic responses, as defined by standard criteria, as well as FLC responses were subsequently determined at 3, 6 and 12 months. Serum FLC levels or κ/λ FLC ratios were abnormal and informative in 28 patients (90%) prior to HDM/SCT, and these patients were included in subsequent analyses. Twenty patients (71%) achieved normalization of abnormal serum FLC levels or ratios within 1–3 weeks of undergoing HDM/SCT. Of these 20 patients, 13 patients (65%) subsequently achieved a hematologic CR as defined by standard criteria, while 7 (35%) did not, within 3 months following HDM/SCT. In contrast, none of the 8 patients with no demonstrable FLC response within 1–3 weeks of HDM/SCT, were found to have achieved a hematologic CR subsequently. In conclusion, meaningful quantitative FLC responses (or lack of response) can be detected within weeks following HDM/SCT treatment that predict hematologic responses, as defined subsequently by standard criteria based on IFE and marrow studies (p=0.0018 by chi square analysis). Moreover, a lack of an early FLC response predicts for hematologic non-CR. We anticipate that prospective studies of FLC responses in HDM/SCT and other clinical trials for AL amyloidosis will eventually lead to more rapid assessment of treatment responses that will guide therapeutic decisions.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 376-376
Author(s):  
Thomas Dejoie ◽  
Michel Attal ◽  
Philippe Moreau ◽  
Herve Avet-Loiseau

Abstract Introduction Guidelines for monitoring light chain multiple myeloma (LCMM) patients currently rely on measurements of the monoclonal protein in urine (Bence Jones proteinuria). However, the presence of light chains in the urine is highly influenced by the individual free light chain, production rate and renal function, which may make accurate monitoring challenging. Serum free light chain measurements are recommended as diagnostic aid for identifying patients with monoclonal gammopathies and as tools to monitor patients with AL amyloidosis and oligo-secretory MM. The correlation between 24hr urine and serum free light chain (sFLC) measurements is insufficient to consider the tests interchangeable, which has prevented recommendations for replacing urine with serum assessment. Here we compare the performance of serum and urine measurements for monitoring 113 newly diagnosed LCMM patients enrolled onto the IFM-2009 trial; and assess the impact of monitoring by either method with clinical outcome. Methods The IFM-2009 trial randomised patients into either arm A (8xRVD) or arm B (3xRVD followed by high-dose Melphalan with autologous stem cell rescue, and 2 further RVD treatments). All patients received one year of Lenalidomide maintenance therapy. Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) and immunofixation electrophoresis (uIFE) were performed prospectively using standard laboratory procedures. sFLC concentrations were measured nephellometrically using κ sFLC and λ sFLC Freelite®assays (The Binding Site Group Ltd, UK). Minimal residual disease (MRD) was assessed by 7-color flow cytometry at the end of consolidation therapy. Results At diagnosis, clonal disease was identified in 100% of patients either by an abnormal κ/λ sFLC ratio or by uIFE. However, whilst all patients had measurable disease by the sFLC assay only 64% had measurable disease using UPEP. The discordance in sensitivity was replicated throughout monitoring and monoclonal light chains were quantifiable after cycle 1 and cycle 3 in 71% vs. 37% patients, and 46% vs. 18%, using sFLC vs. 24hr urine measurements, respectively; in keeping with previous reports. To understand the clinical significance of these discordant findings we compared the depth of response determined by sFLC measurement to those determined by urine electrophoresis after 3 cycles of therapy. Patients with quantifiable disease by sFLC or an abnormal κ/λ sFLC ratio had dismal PFS (median PFS: 36 months vs. not reached, p=0.006; 33 months vs. not reached, p<0.0001, respectively). Whereas quantifiable disease by UPEP was uninformative for PFS (36 vs. 47 months, p=0.260), and abnormal vs. normal uIFE only tended towards significance (36 vs. 47 months, p=0.072); suggesting that monitoring with the sFLC assay is more clinically relevant than with 24hr urine after 3 cycles of therapy. Separating the population into patients with negative UPEP at cycle 3 (n=82), patients with a normal sFLC levels had longer PFS than those with abnormal concentrations (not reached vs. 34 months, p=0.015). Concordant with these results, in 78 patients with negative uIFE, an abnormal κ/λ sFLC ratio still heralded a poorer PFS (34 months vs. not reached, p<0.0001) and importantly overall survival (75% OS: 44 months vs. not reached, p=0.016). In contrast, separating the patients into those with identifiable disease by sFLC or an abnormal κ/λ sFLC ratio, the addition of the urine assessment provided no further discriminatory value. The absence of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow has been proposed as an important end-point for clinical studies, and therefore we assessed the relationship between early monoclonal light chain removal, as determined by serum and urine assessment, and subsequent elimination of malignant plasma cells. Normalisation of κ/λ sFLC ratio after both 1 and 3 treatment cycles had 100% positive predictive value (PPV) for the prediction of MRD negativity post-consolidation, i.e. all patients whose serum FLC ratio normalised during induction went on to achieve MRD negative status post-consolidation; by contrast patients becoming urine IFE negative at cycles 1 and 3 had PPVs of 81% and 78%, respectively. Conclusions Serum FLC measurements offer improved sensitivity and better correlation with clinical outcome than urine assessments, hence providing a strong basis for recommending the former for monitoring LCMM patients. Disclosures Attal: amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; sanofi: Consultancy. Moreau:Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Avet-Loiseau:amgen: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; sanofi: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 942-942
Author(s):  
Vaishali Sanchorawala ◽  
Daniel G. Wright ◽  
Barbarajean Magnani ◽  
Martha Skinner ◽  
David C. Seldin

Abstract AL amyloidosis is caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and characterized by widespread, progressive deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from monoclonal Ig light chains, leading to multisystem organ failure and death. Aggressive treatment of AL amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) can induce hematologic and clinical remissions and extend survival. Several approaches have been used to define hematologic responses of plasma cell dyscrasias underlying AL amyloidosis following HDM/SCT and other forms of treatment. The definition of a hematologic complete response (CR) that we have used requires that there be no evidence of a persistent monoclonal gammopathy by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) of serum and urine proteins, or of persistent plasmacytosis or plasma cell clonality in a bone marrow biopsy by immunohistochemistry. Others have defined hematologic response as a ≥ 50% reduction in free light chain (FLC) measurements. Hematologic responses by both criteria correlate with survival and clinical improvement following HDM/SCT. We have carried out a retrospective analysis of HDM/SCT treatment outcomes for patients with AL amyloidosis to determine the extent to which hematologic CR, by our standard criteria, correlates with FLC response. Serum free light chain concentrations (FLC) were measured by a sensitive nephelometric immunoassay in 67 patients with AL amyloidosis before and after treatment with HDM/SCT. After treatment with HDM/SCT, 27 patients (40%) achieved a CR by standard criteria. Of these 27 patients, 63% (n=17) demonstrated normalization of FLC levels and an improvement of ≥50% in FLC occurred in 100%. Of the 40 patients who did not achieve a CR, 25% (n=10) experienced normalization of FLC levels, and an improvement of ≥50% occurred in 78% (n=31), while only 5 patients (13%) experienced no significant change in FLC. The average improvement in FLC was 94% for patients who achieved a CR by standard criteria and 72% for those who did not (p=0.0001, t-test). Thus, HDM/SCT was found to induce improvements in FLC levels of ≥50% in the vast majority of AL amyloidosis patients treated with HDM/SCT (87%, or 58/67). These data indicate that a decrease in FLC of ≥50% is a substantially less stringent indicator of hematologic response than is CR, as defined by standard criteria. Nonetheless, these measures of hematologic response are complementary, since decreases in FLC can be detected earlier following treatment than changes in IFE and marrow studies required to determine CR.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4352-4352
Author(s):  
Saulius Girnius ◽  
Frank Tsai ◽  
David C. Seldin ◽  
Karen Quillen ◽  
Lisa Yanarella ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4352 AL amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia which produces insoluble amyloid fibrils from Ig light chains, leading to multiorgan failure. High dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) can induce remission and extend survival, but response is assessed at 6 and 12 months. Serum free light chain (FLC) assays can improve detection of AL amyloidosis, have prognostic significance, and are routinely used to assess response to treatment. Serum half life of FLCs is only 2-6 hours, even with diminished glomerular filtration rates. In a small prospective series, we previously reported that FLC levels 1-3 weeks after HDM/SCT correlate with hematologic response at 1 year. This study was performed to confirm these results on a larger scale. A prospective analysis of patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT was performed to determine the extent to which early FLC responses predict hematologic complete response (CR). Exclusion criteria included initial normal FLC concentrations and ratios and chronic renal insufficiency (Cr>1.2 mg/dL) with a normal FLC ratio. Hematologic responses, as defined by standard traditional criteria, were determined at 6 and 12 months. Traditional criteria define hematologic CR as by normalization of bone marrow exam and absence of monoclonal gammopathy in urine and serum by immunofixation electrophoreses. Serum FLC concentrations were measured by a sensitive nephelometric analysis within 10 days and within 3 weeks of HDM/SCT. Complete response for serum FLC was defined as normalization of FLC concentration and ratio or normalization of the ratio in renal failure (Cr>1.2 mg/dL). Serum FLC levels or k/l FLC ratios were abnormal and informative in 124 patients (87%) prior to HDM/SCT, and these patients were included in subsequent analyses. One week after transplant, sensitivity of FLC to predict hematologic CR was 0.64, specificity was 0.67, positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.49, negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.79, positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 1.92, and negative LR was 0.54. For a >90% reduction in FLC, sensitivity to predict hematologic CR was 0.36, specificity was 0.86, PPV was 0.54, NPV was 0.75, positive LR was 2.59, and negative LR was 0.74. Two to three weeks after transplant, sensitivity of FLC CR to predict hematologic CR was 0.72, specificity was 0.74, PPV was 0.57, NPV was 0.85, positive LR was 2.78, and negative LR was 0.38. For a >90% reduction in FLC, sensitivity to predict hematologic CR was 0.34, specificity was 0.86, PPV was 0.52, NPV was 0.74, positive LR was 2.40, and negative LR was 0.77. Serum FLC concentrations within 3 weeks of HDM/SCT have poor predictive values and should not be used to predict hematologic CR. However, failure to reduce FLC concentrations by 90% has a somewhat higher negative predictive value and could be used to guide additional post-transplant management. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4353-4353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaishali Sanchorawala ◽  
Lisa Yanarella ◽  
Karen Quillen ◽  
John Mark Sloan ◽  
Nancy T. Andrea ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4353 AL amyloidosis is caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and is characterized by widespread, progressive amyloid deposition leading to multisystem organ failure and death. In this disease, amyloid protein deposits are derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Aggressive treatment of AL amyloidosis with high dose intravenous melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) is effective in inducing hematologic remission and clinical improvement. Furthermore, we have observed in ∼ 500 patients treated with HDM/SCT that achievement of a hematologic complete response (CR), i.e. disappearance of monoclonal gammopathy, normalization of serum free light chain ratio and clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, is a critical determinant of clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Bortezomib (Bor) has been reported to have activity in patients with AL amyloidosis. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between bortezomib and melphalan has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the combination of bortezomib and HDM is a logical approach to study. Because of the importance of hematologic CR in treatment outcome, we conducted a feasibility study to determine whether addition of bort to HDM/SCT would be tolerable and would increase hematologic CR rates. Additional objectives of the study were to determine overall survival. Eligibility for entry into the trial required diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, age > 18 years, and adequate performance status (SWOG ≤ 2) and cardiopulmonary function (LVEF > 45%, DLCO > 50%). Peripheral blood stem cells were collected by leukapheresis following G-CSF mobilization, with minimum yields of 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg required for participation in the trial. Bortezomib was administered at 1 mg/m2 on D -6, D -3, D +1, and D +4 and HDM at 140-200 mg/ m2 in two divided doses on D -2 and D -1. From 10/2008 to 7/2009, 8 patients were enrolled (median age 57, range 46-68; median number of involved organs 2, range 1-4). Of the 8 patients enrolled, 1 patient was removed from the protocol because of cardiac arrhythmia during stem cell mobilization and collection phase that precluded treatment with HDM/SCT. Of the 7 patients who received BorHDM/SCT, there was no treatment-related mortality within 100 days of SCT and there were no unexpected hematologic or non-hematologic toxicities associated with addition of bortezomib to HDM/SCT. The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was D +10 and D +14 after SCT, respectively. Of 6 patients evaluable for early responses, normalization of serum free light chain levels and ratio occurred in 5 of 6 (83%) by D +14 and one patient achieved a 45% reduction in serum free light chain concentration at D +14. Of the initial 2 patients with longer follow-up, both have achieved a hematologic CR at 6 months following BorHDM/SCT. Follow-up is ongoing and hematologic responses appear to be well-maintained. Thus, this pilot study demonstrates that bortHDM/SCT is tolerable for selected patients with AL amyloidosis and leads to a high rate of hematologic responses. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Bortezomib in the treatment of AL amyloidosis.


Amyloid ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vina P. Nguyen ◽  
Allison Rosenberg ◽  
Lisa M. Mendelson ◽  
Raymond L. Comenzo ◽  
Cindy Varga ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S13-S14
Author(s):  
Rebecca Treger ◽  
Kathleen Hutchinson ◽  
Andrew Bryan ◽  
Chihiro Morishima

Abstract Protein and immunofixation (IFIX) electrophoresis are used to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies. While IFIX detects clonal production of intact immunoglobulins and free light chains (FLC), the latter can also be quantified using a serum free light chain (SFLC) assay, in which polyclonal antisera detects epitopes specific for free kappa (KFLC) or lambda light chains (LFLC). An abnormal KFLC: LFLC ratio (KLR) serves as a surrogate for clonality. While the SFLC assay is highly sensitive, normal LFLC (&lt;2.63mg/dL) and KLR results (&gt;0.26 & &lt;1.65) were found in samples with distinct lambda monoclonal free light chains visualized by IFIX (X-LMFLC). To investigate this discordance, contemporaneous SFLC or KLR values were evaluated for their ability to accurately classify monoclonal FLCs identified by IFIX. We performed a retrospective analysis of serum and urine IFIX (Sebia Hydrasys) and SFLC (Freelite®, Binding Site) results from our institution between July 2010 through December 2020, using R 4.0.2 and Tidyverse packages. From among 9,594 encounters in which a single monoclonal component was initially identified by IFIX, 157 X-LMFLC and 131 X-KMFLC samples were analyzed. Elevated LFLC with normal KFLC was identified in 105/157 X-LMFLC samples (67%), while both LFLC and KFLC were elevated in 42/157 samples (27%). Concordance between X-KMFLC and KFLC was markedly higher, where 122/131 samples (93%) displayed elevated kappa FLC (&gt;1.94mg/dL) with normal LFLC, and only 7/131 X-KMFLC samples (5%) possessed both elevated KFLC and LFLC. The use of KLR to identify pathogenic monoclonal free light chains improved lambda concordance to 85%; however, 19/157 (12%) of X-LMFLC samples still exhibited normal KLR. High concordance of 98% was again observed for X-KMFLC with abnormal KLR. When samples were segregated according to normal or impaired renal function (eGFR &gt; or ≤60mL/min/1.73m², respectively), this disparate identification of X-LMFLC and X-KMFLC by the SFLC assay persisted, suggesting that renal dysfunction (as measured by eGFR) does not underlie this phenomenon. Lastly, we corroborated the above findings in a larger sample population by examining patients with urine Bence Jones FLC identified by IFIX who had free or intact monoclonal components in serum (N=724), grouped by lambda or kappa light chain involvement. The cause(s) of the discrepant performance by the Freelite® SFLC assay, relative to the Sebia Hydrasys IFIX assay, for identifying lambda FLC components is currently unclear. Possible contributory factors include assay reference range cutoffs, other patient disease parameters, and differences in assay-specific polyclonal antisera. Future analyses of these factors will help to further characterize SFLC assay performance and elucidate how interpretation of composite serum FLC test results can be improved to better guide patient management.


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