Clinical Significance of Spatial Heterogeneity in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Introduction Malignant plasma cells (PC) in multiple myeloma (MM) are not homogeneously distributed in the bone marrow and spatial genomic heterogeneity is an evolving concept in MM. PC for histopathology, cytogenetic and molecular analyses and minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment are usually obtained from the iliac crest. This might introduce bias into diagnostic procedures since focal lesions (FL) occur in more than 80% of patients. Methods In April 2019, we initiated a prospective trial to compare findings from imaging-guided biopsies of FL detected by PET/CT and paired standard sampling from the posterior iliac crests (IC) in patients with newly diagnosed (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Bone marrow aspirates from FL and paired IC samples were analyzed with next-generation flow (NGF) for phenotypic and MRD assessment (sensitivity level 10 -5) post therapy where applicable. PC from both locations were isolated using anti-CD138 magnetic beads and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). Last year, we reported on longitudinal assessment of spatiotemporal immunogenomic heterogeneity in this cohort (https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2020-142622). With a longer follow-up, we report clinical significance of the respective findings. Results In total, 18 patients (10 NDMM, 8 RRMM) underwent bone marrow aspirates from the IC and imaging-guided biopsies of paired FL. Para-medullary disease (PMD) was observed in 4 patients (1 NDMM, 3 RRMM). Unshared mutations from WES between both locations were identified in every patient. In 12 out of 18 patients (8 NDMM and 4 RRMM), less than 20% of mutations were unshared between IC and FL. Patients with >20% unshared mutations had RRMM and/or a history of PMD. The prognostic significance of unshared mutations was emphasized by lesion-specific detection of high-risk mutations (e.g. TP53) and copy number variations (e.g. gains/losses of Chr 1 and del(17p)). To investigate whether unshared mutations might be accessible for therapeutic interventions, the Drug Gene Interaction Database was queried. More interactions were found in FL (n=886) compared to IC (n=505). Furthermore, we showed spatially divergent existence of PC that contribute to resistance, e.g. against proteasome inhibition through mutations in proteasome subunit PSMC3. Next, we investigated whether MRD assessment from IC and FL provides congruent results. In three patients with MRD-negative IC bone marrow aspirates, we obtained clinically relevant divergent results from FL biopsies. In a patient in complete response (CR) after 5 cycles RVD (Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, Dexamethasone), autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and 5 years of lenalidomide maintenance, follow-up PET/CT showed a single new FL in the caudal right ilium. While NGF showed persistent MRD-negativity in the ICt, NGF from the FL revealed monocloncal PC. Since there were no other signs of progressive disease, the patient was followed with close surveillance. Repeat PET/CT after 5 months showed progression of the FL. Serological evaluation confirmed relapse from CR and systemic treatment was initiated. In another patient with MRD-negative IC bone marrow aspirate after 4 cycles RVD, imaging-guided biopsy of a T10 residual FL showed monoclonal PC. Mass spectrometry of supernatants from IC aspirates showed persistence of monoclonal protein in each patient. Second primary malignancies (SPM) were detected by imaging-guided biopsies: Multiple PET-positive FL occurred in a MRD-negative patient after 4 cycles of RD, ASCT and 3 years lenalidomide maintenance. NGF confirmed MRD-negativity in IC and FL aspirates. NGF detected no malignant cells in the peripheral blood but B-lymphoblasts were detected in one of the PET-positive FL. Allogeneic stem cell transplant was performed after induction therapy and there is no detectable MM or B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Conclusions We demonstrate clinical significance of spatial heterogeneity in NDMM and RRMM through site-specific detection of mutations and chromosomal aberrations associated with adverse outcome and drug susceptibility. Our findings showing divergent results from MRD assessments in bone marrow and FL underline the critical role of whole-body imaging for follow-up of patients in remission. Sampling plasma cells solely from the IC limits the ability for complete clinical decision-making. Disclosures Merz: Sanofi: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Hexal: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria. Barnidge: The Binding Site: Current Employment. McCarthy: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bluebird: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Magenta Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hillengass: Beijing Life Oasis Public Service Center: Speakers Bureau; Beijing Medical Award Foundation: Speakers Bureau; Skyline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncotracker: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Curio Science: Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Axxess Network: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Advanced Multiple Myeloma: Experience from a Single Center

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5536.5536 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5536-5536

Author(s):

Yizel Elena Paz Nuñez ◽

Beatriz Aguado Bueno ◽

Isabel vicuña Andrés ◽

Ángela Figuera Álvarez ◽

Miriam González-Pardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Hematopoietic Stem

Abstract Introduction The prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved in the last years due to the important advances in the knowledge of the biology of the disease, the implementation of new drugs and the incorporation of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (autoHSCT). The allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) continues to be controversial: it offers a curative potential but with the cost of high toxicity, limiting the procedure to those young patients with a high-risk disease. This procedure shall be performed in expert centers and, whenever possible, in the context of a clinical trial. In the following we describe the experience of our center with alloHSCT in advance multiple myeloma patients. Patients and methods A total of 18 patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma received an alloHSCT during a 13 year period (1996-2013), with a median age of 46 ± 5.9 years. All of our patients received an allogenic HLA matched sibling donor with reduced-intensity conditioning. The majority of patients were transplanted because of advanced disease, relapse after an autologous transplant or as part of a sequential transplant in patient with a high risk disease. One patient received, in two occasions, an alloHSCT. Around 70% of patients had received more than 3 previous lines of treatment including, in nearly 95%, an autoHSCT. Patient's characteristics can be found on table 1, characteristics of the procedure can be found in table 2.Table 1.Patient«s CharacteristicsN (%)GenderMale Female10 (55,5%) 9 (44,4%)Secreted ProteinIgGκ IgG λ IgA κ BJ Plasmocitoma8 (44,4%) 4 (22,2%) 2 (11,1%) 3 (16,7%) 1 (5,6%)Debut DS stageII-A II-B III-A III-B Plasmocitoma5 (27,8%) 1 (5,6%) 8 (44,4%) 3 (16,7%) 1 (5,6%)Cytogentics at diagnosisMissing Unfavorable Favorable10 (55,5%) 6 (33,3%) 2 (11,1%)Previous lines of treatment²2 3-4 ³56 (33,3%) 10 (55,5%) 2 (11,1%)Previous autoHSCTYes No17 (94,5%) 1 (5,6%)Previous radiotherapyYes No8 (44,4%) 10 (55,6%)Disease status at transplantComplete remission Partial remission Relapse9 (50,0%) 3 (16,7%) 6 (33,3%)Table 2.Treatment characteristicsN (%)Conditioning regimenMyeloablative Reduced-intensity6 (33,3%) 12 (66.7%)Stem cell sourceBone marrow Peripheral blood4 (22.2%) 14 (77.8%)GVHD prophylaxisCsA+MTXCsA+CSCsA+MMF10 (55.6%) 3 (16.7%) 5 (27.8%)InfectionsYes No16 (88.9%) 2 (11.1%)MucositisYes No12 (66.7%) 6 (33.3%)Acute GVHDYes II-IV III-IV No4 (22.3%) 3 (16.7%) 1 (5.6%) 14 (77.8%)Chronic GVHDNo Limited Extensive8 (44.3%) 5 (27.8%) 5 (27.8%) Results: Transplant related mortality (TRM) before day 100th was one case due to a thromboembolic event. Global TRM was 16.6% (3 cases). The incidence of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) was 22%, controlled on most cases when corticosteroids were initiated. More than half of the patients developed chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD), with an equal distribution on either presentation as limited or extensive. (Table 2) The total number of patients eligible for analysis was 17 (one patient was lost on follow-up). With a median follow up of 11 years, the overall survival (OS) was of 8.06 years [IC 95% 4,33-11,78] (figure 1.) and the estimated progression free survival (PFS) was of 25.83 months [IC 95% 8.87-42.79](figure 2). A total of 5 (29,4%) patients are still alive and 2 (11,7%) of them are in complete remission, of these 1 patient did not have a previous autoHSCT with a follow up of almost 15 years. Conclusions: Our results are similar to those reflected on the literature1-2. However we have to point out that our population is homogenous with advanced MM with more than 3 previous lines of treatment including in most cases auto-HSCT. In spite of this, morbility and mortality in our cohort was acceptable with the limitation of a high rate of cGVHD. There is a need of more studies including more patients to evaluate the role of alloHSCT in the era of new drugs for MM. References 1. Rosi-ol L et al. Allogeneic hematopoietic SCT in multiple myeloma: long-term results from a single institution. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2015. 2. Beaussant Y et al. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Study of the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC). Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2015 Disclosures Alegre: Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Risk-Adapted Melphalan and Stem Cell Transplant for Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis: A Single Institution Experience.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3109.3109 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 3109-3109 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Heather Landau ◽

Daniel E Fein ◽

Hani Hassoun ◽

Christina Bello ◽

Joanne F Chou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Research Funding ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Novel Agents ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Related Mortality

Abstract Abstract 3109 Background: High dose melphalan (MEL) is a standard treatment for eligible patients with AL, a disease in which hematologic response is a key determinant of survival. With the advent of novel agents the role of stem cell transplant (SCT) for patients with AL is being questioned, especially given safety concerns. Yet with appropriate patient selection and the use of risk-adapted SCT (RA-SCT), treatment-related mortality (TRM) improved.(Br J Haem 2007;139:224; Bone Marrow Transplantation 2011; 46:970) Moreover, beginning in 2002, we showed in 2 consecutive phase II trials that following RA-SCT patients can safely receive consolidation with thalidomide and dexamethasone (TD) or bortezomib and D (BD), with the goal of improving hematologic response thereby extending overall survival (OS).(Br J Haem 2007;139:224; Amyloid 2010;17:80a) Consolidation was administered for patients achieving less than a complete response (CR). We now describe the outcomes of all patients with AL who underwent RA-SCT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) since the year 2000. Methods: We performed a retrospective study to assess the OS of all patients who underwent SCT for a diagnosis of AL confirmed at MSKCC. Patients who had >2 major organs involved, NYHA class III or greater CHF, critical arrhythmias or cardiac syncope were ineligible for SCT. OS was calculated from transplant to date of death or last follow up. Median survival was estimated by Kaplan Meier methods. Log-rank test was used to determine whether survival functions differed by covariates of interest. Cumulative incidence function was used to estimate the incidence of cause-specific mortality. Results: A total of 151 patients underwent RA-SCT between February 2000 and June 2011; three lost to follow-up are excluded from this analysis. Of the remaining 148 patients 21%, 52% and 34% received RA-SCT at 100, 140 and 200mg/m2 of melphalan respectively based on age, renal function and cardiac involvement.(Blood 2002; 99: 4276) Five patients died within 100 days of SCT (TRM 3.4%). At a median follow up of 6.7 years, the median OS for all patients is 11.1 years (95% CI, 7.32 - not reached-NR) (Figure 1), and for patients who received MEL 100, 140 or 200 is 4.4 (95% CI, 2.7 – 6.3), NR and 11 years (95% CI, 8.2 – NR) respectively (P = <0.01). Cumulative incidence of disease related mortality at 2 years is 5.5%, and subsequently the rate of death from other causes exceeds that due to AL (Figure 2). Conclusions: RA-SCT for appropriately selected patients is safe and is associated with excellent long-term survival. Consolidation with novel agents may improve survival following RA-SCT and likely accounts for the similar OS seen in patients who received MEL 140 and 200. In the era of novel agents available for post-SCT consolidation, RA-SCT is an effective and important initial treatment for patients with AL. Disclosures: Landau: Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Hassoun:Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Giralt:Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Comenzo:Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) after Treatment with Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Inhibitors

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2018.2018 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 2018-2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Reid W. Merryman ◽

Haesook T. Kim ◽

Pier Luigi Zinzani ◽

Carmelo Carlo-Stella ◽

Stephen M Ansell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Febrile Syndrome

Abstract Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results in several hematologic malignancies. As a result, these agents are being tested in a growing number of clinical trials across multiple diseases and settings. Many participants in these trials will at some point become candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); however, the safety and efficacy of HSCT may differ in patients previously exposed to PD-1 inhibitors given their immunomodulatory mechanism and long tissue half-life. Specifically, residual PD-1 inhibition post-HSCT could enhance allogeneic T-cell responses, which could augment the graft-vs-tumor (GVT) effect but also increase the incidence, severity or manifestations of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and other immune complications of HSCT. To report our experience in this setting, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients who had received a PD-1 inhibitor prior to HSCT. Between 2013 and 2015, 19 patients who previously participated in clinical trials with either pembrolizumab or nivolumab (administered in combination with ipilimumab in 1 patient) were transplanted at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Median age at HSCT was 32 (range 22-67). Histologies included HL (n=11), DLBCL (n=2), FL (n=2), PMBCL (n=2), EATL (n=1), and MCL (n=1). Patients had received a median of 4 (2-8) lines of therapy prior to PD-1 blockade. 79% of patients had received a previous autologous stem cell transplant (21% as part of planned tandem procedure). Patients received a median of 8 (3-20) cycles of a PD-1 inhibitor; 74% had intervening salvage therapy between PD-1 blockade and HSCT, and transplant occurred a median of 130 (range 7-260) days after the last dose of PD-1 inhibitor. At HSCT, 63% of the patients were in CR and 16% had refractory disease. All patients received reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). 5 (26%) received marrow grafts from haploidentical sibling donors; the remaining 14 received peripheral blood stem cells, 5 from a matched sibling, 7 from a matched, 1 from a unidirectional host-versus-graft and 1 from a bidirectional mismatched unrelated donor. 3 cases of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) (16% of patients) were observed, one of them fatal. The 180-day cumulative incidences of grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 acute GVHD were 32% and 11%, respectively, and the 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 30%. There were 4 treatment-related deaths, (1 from VOD, 3 from severe acute GVHD occurring within 14 days of HSCT). In addition, 6 patients developed a febrile syndrome with elevated transaminases (n=3), rash (n= 4), and arthralgias (n=1) shortly after transplant, which required prolonged courses of steroids. Only 3 patients relapsed. After a median follow-up of 10 (3-23) months for survivors, the 1-year overall (OS) and progression-free survivals (PFS) were 78% (95CI, 52-91) and 67% (95CI, 41-84), respectively (Figure). The 1-year cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 11% (95CI, 2-30) and 22% (95CI, 6-43), respectively. In conclusion, HSCT is feasible in patients previously treated with PD-1 inhibitors, with acceptable PFS and OS. Despite the heterogeneous patient population, small sample size, and limited follow-up to date, our results raise the possibility of important differences in the post-HSCT course of those patients. First, the relapse rate compares favorably to that expected for this cohort (1-year expected relapse rate based on Disease Risk Index mix 28%). Although this finding is at best suggestive given the sample size and follow-up time, it could reflect accentuation of GVT by prior PD-1 blockade. We also observed a high rate of severe complications including fatal early acute GVHD and VOD, with a higher NRM than expected in a RIC HSCT population. Furthermore, we noted the frequent occurrence of a steroid-responsive febrile syndrome. These possible effects of prior PD-1 blockade (including GVHD, VOD, febrile syndrome) did not appear related to the time from PD-1 treatment to HSCT, and were not reduced by intervening treatment before HSCT. As we accumulate experience with HSCT after PD-1 blockade, our early results may be relevant when considering the decision to proceed to HSCT and for the choice of transplantation strategies. We are presently expanding this analysis through a multi-center international collaborative study. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Zinzani: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; J&J: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Perales:Takeda: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; NMDP: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Soiffer:Gentium SpA/Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Armand:Sequenta, Inc.: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding.

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Cardiac Arrhythmias and Mortality after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-152223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2918-2918

Author(s):

Saad Ullah Malik ◽

Zachary Braunstein ◽

Sumithira Vasu ◽

Sam Penza ◽

Ayman Saad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cardiac Arrhythmias ◽

Research Funding ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Hematopoietic Stem

Abstract Introduction Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is commonly performed for the treatment of advanced hematological malignancies. Emerging data suggest non-relapse related events, including cardiac arrhythmias, increasingly limit anticancer outcomes and non-relapse mortality after initially successful HSCT. Yet, the relationship between HSCT and increased risk of arrhythmias after transplant remains controversial and unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and effect on mortality risk of arrhythmia development after HSCT. Materials and methods Leveraging the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus and Clinicaltrials.gov databases, we identified all published studies evaluating the incidence and impacts of early arrhythmias after HSCT from January 1995 to July 2021 using PRISMA guidelines. We included all available observational studies (case-control, and cohort) and clinical trials without restriction of language or country of publication. The primary outcome was incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) at 1 year of follow-up after HSCT. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of any arrhythmia across follow-up, the incidence of left atrium (LA) dilation, and non-relapse mortality associated with HSCT induced AF. Subgroup analysis based on type of HSCT treatment employed, allogenic (Allo-HSCT) or autologous (Auto-HSCT), was also performed. Variance weighted random effects modeling (DerSimonian and Laird) was used to define the associations between HSCT and AF and mortality events. Outcomes were reported as event rates, and relative risks (RR). Medians were reported with corresponding standard errors (SE). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane Q-statistic which was quantified with I 2test (>75% was considered high heterogeneity). Publication bias was assessed using Eager's test where applicable. Further, the quality of included studies was assessed using the New-Castle Ottawa scale. Results Overall, from 769 articles, 12 cohort studies inclusive of 6,371 patients meeting study-criteria were identified. The mean incidence of AF was 8.8% (I 2:97%, P<0.001), including 5.2% (I 2:65%, P=0.05) within 1-year of any HSCT. The overall incidence of any type of arrhythmia was 11.2% (I 2 =95%, P≤0.001); Figure. Median time to AF onset was 10.3 days (SE= 1.2), but was longer in those treated with Allo-HSCT, at 71 days (SE=68.4); P<0.05. Among those treated with Allo-HSCT, 8.2% (I 2:73%, P<0.001) developed AF, including 6.5% (I 2:72%, P<0.01) at 1 year; the event rate for any type of arrhythmia was 8.3% (I 2:52%, P<0.001). In those treated with Auto-HSCT, the rate of AF was 8.7% (I 2=97%, P≤0.001) across follow-up. Among those with AF following HSCT therapy, LA dilatation was observed in 37.2% (I 2 =61.5%, P=0.1) among available studies. Similarly, mortality was higher among patients who developed AF vs. those without AF after HSCT (RR: 7.4, P=0.008, I 2 = 92.87). There was low risk of publication bias as assessed by visual inspection of funnel plot and Egger's regression test (P= 0.21); and low risk of bias within the included studies. Conclusion Atrial fibrillation is increasingly common after HSCT therapy, and associates with increased mortality. The presence of LA remodeling, reflected by atrial dilation, appears to portend AF risk. Further research into the mechanisms and predictors of AF after HSCT are needed. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Vasu: Kiadis, Inc.: Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Other: Travel support; Seattle Genetics: Other: travel support; Omeros, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Saad: Incyte Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; careDx: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; Kadmon: Research Funding; OrcaBio: Research Funding; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy. de Lima: Miltenyi Biotec: Research Funding; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Jaglowski: Juno: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; CRISPR Therapeutics: Consultancy.

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Efficacy and Tolerability of Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy in Relapsed/Refractory Lymphoma Patients Not Eligible for Stem Cell Transplant

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-149810 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 4566-4566

Author(s):

May Chiu ◽

Samuel Hague ◽

Henry Chan

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees

Abstract Introduction: Gemcitabine, Dexamethasone, and Cisplatin or Carboplatin (GDP/GDCarboP) regimen has comparable efficacy to other salvage therapy in relapsed/refractory (R/R) aggressive lymphoma with successful stem cell mobilisation and bridge to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)(Crump et al. 2004). However, half of the patients will not be eligible for ASCT due to inadequate treatment response or co-morbidities. To date, there is little data on the efficacy of Gemcitabine-based salvage regimen in transplant-ineligible patients. Here, we present the real-life data on the outcome of transplant-ineligible patients with R/R NHL and HL treated with salvage GDP/GDCarboP in our centre. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients ≥ 18 years old who had received at least 1 cycle of GDP/GDcarboP with or without Rituximab as second-line or more salvage therapy for R/R non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated between January 2016 to December 2020, with follow-up until 30 June 2021. The median follow-up is 25 months. Patients who subsequently underwent autologous or allogeneic SCT were excluded. Event-free survival (EFS) is defined as time from first dose of GDP/GDCarboP treatment to change of therapy, disease progression or death. Overall survival (OS) is defined as time of first dose of treatment to death from any cause. Duration of response (DoR) is time from the achievement of partial response (PR) or better to disease progression (DP) or death. Rituximab was given for CD20-positive B cell lymphoma patients who had Rituximab treatment-free interval of 12-months or more. Pegfilgrastim was given routinely to all patients on Day 4. Results: We identified 33 patients: 61% (n=20) high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), 15% (n=5) follicular lymphoma (FL), 18% (n=6) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and 6% (n=2) HL. Majority (64%) of the patients were male. At the start of this treatment, the median age was 71 years (y) (range, 32-84 y), with 64% above 70 y. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 5, with 82% having a score of ≥5. The median prior line of treatment was 2. Eighty-five percent had stage III/IV disease at the time of disease relapse. The overall response rate was 33% (n=11), comprising PR rate of 18% (n=6) and CR rate of 15% (n=5). The response rates amongst the different lymphoma subtypes were 35% (7/20) HGBCL, 20% (1/5) FL, 17% (1/6) PTCL and 100% (2/2) HL. The median DoR was 27 months (Figure 1). Of those who responded, 3 had disease progression within the year, and 1 died of non-lymphoma cause 27 months after treatment completion. There were 7 deaths (21%) during treatment - 4 from DP, 2 from treatment complications (TC) and 1 from an uncertain cause. Of the remainder, 2 patients (6%) achieved stable disease while 7 (21%) had DP. Seven patients (21%) had subsequent change of therapy due to inadequate response. The overall median EFS was 4.0 months (Figure 2), and the median OS was 18 months (Figure 3). Disease-associated mortality was 42%, whereas treatment-associated mortality was 9%. Dose reduction, dose omission and treatment delay occurred in 55% of patients. During treatment, 73% of patients required red cells or platelets transfusion, while 70% had at least one hospital admission for TC or DP. Conclusion: Our real-world data showed that GDP/GDCarboP provides meaningful efficacy and response durability in a third of these difficult-to-treat patients with median 2 prior lines of treatment and who were ineligible for SCT. More than half of these patients had required dose modification, blood transfusion, and hospital admission, indicating the need for good supportive care and close follow-up during treatment, even though this is an outpatient regimen. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Chan: AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Eusa: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Celgene: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Roche: Speakers Bureau.

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Quantitative, Dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT in Monitoring of Smoldering Myeloma: A Case Report

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11040649 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 649

Author(s):

Christos Sachpekidis ◽

Matthias Türk ◽

Antonia Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Autologous Transplantation ◽

Standardized Uptake Value ◽

Focal Lesions ◽

Fdg Uptake ◽

Pet Ct ◽

18F Fdg ◽

Smoldering Myeloma

We report on a 52-year-old patient with an initial diagnosis of smoldering myeloma (SMM), who was monitored by means of dynamic and static positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with the radiotracer 1⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Baseline PET/CT revealed no pathological signs. Six months later, a transition to symptomatic, multiple myeloma (MM) was diagnosed. The transition was not accompanied by focal, hypermetabolic lesions on PET/CT. However, a diffusely increased 18F-FDG uptake in the bone marrow, accompanied by a marked increase of semi-quantitative (standardized uptake value, SUV) and quantitative, pharmacokinetic 18F-FDG parameters, was demonstrated. After successful treatment, including tandem autologous transplantation, the diffuse uptake in the bone marrow as well as the semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters showed a marked remission. This response was also confirmed by the clinical follow-up of the patient. These findings suggest that in MM a diffuse 18F-FDG uptake in the bone marrow may indeed reflect an actual bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells. Moreover, SUV values and kinetic parameters, not only from myeloma lesions but also from random bone marrow samples, may be used for MM monitoring. This could be particularly helpful in the follow-up of myeloma patients negative for 18F-FDG-avid focal lesions.

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Increased Early Mortality after Fludarabine and Melphalan Conditioning with Peripheral Blood Grafts in Haploidentical SCT with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-129872 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 4496-4496 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Luke Eastburg ◽

David A. Russler-Germain ◽

Ramzi Abboud ◽

Peter Westervelt ◽

John F. DiPersio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Early Mortality ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Equity Ownership

The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in the context of haploidentical stem cell transplant (haplo-SCT) has led to drastically reduced rates of Graft-vs-Host (GvH) disease through selective depletion of highly allo-reactive donor T-cells. Early trials utilized a reduced-intensity Flu/Cy/TBI preparative regimen and bone marrow grafts; however, relapse rates remained relatively high (Luznik et al. BBMT. 2008). This led to the increased use of myeloablative (MA) regimens for haplo-SCT, which have been associated with decreased relapse rates (Bashey et al. J Clin Oncol. 2013). Most studies have used a MA total body irradiation (TBI) based regimen for haplo-SCT. Preparative regimens using fludarabine and melphalan (FluMel), with or without thiotepa, ATG, and/or low dose TBI have also been reported using bone marrow grafts. Reports on the safety and toxicity of FluMel in the haplo-SCT setting with PTCy and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts are lacking. In this two-center retrospective analysis, the safety/toxicity of FluMel as conditioning for haplo-SCT was evaluated. We report increased early mortality and toxicity using standard FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts for patients undergoing haplo-SCT with PTCy. 38 patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Washington University School of Medicine underwent haplo-SCT with FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts between 2015-2019. Outcomes were measured by retrospective chart review through July 2019. 34 patients (89.5%) received FluMel(140 mg/m2). Two patients received FluMel(100 mg/m2) and two patients received FluMel(140 mg/m2) + ATG. The median age at time of haplo-SCT was 60 years (range 21-73). 20 patients were transplanted for AML, eight for MDS, two for PMF, two for NHL, and five for other malignancies. The median Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score was 4 (≥3 indicates high risk). 11 patients had a history of prior stem cell transplant, and 16 patients had active disease prior to their haplo-SCT. Seven patients had sex mismatch with their stem cell donor. Median donor age was 42 (range 21-71). 20 patient deaths occurred by July 2019 with a median follow up of 244 days for surviving patients. Nine patients died before day +100 (D100, "early mortality"), with a D100 non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate of 24%. Median overall and relapse free survival (OS and RFS, respectively) were 197 days (95% CI 142-not reached) and 180 days (95% CI 141-not reached), respectively, for the entire cohort. The 1 year OS and NRM were 29% and 50%. The incidence of grades 2-4cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 66%, and 52% of these patients were treated with tocilizumab. CRS was strongly associated with early mortality, with D100 NRM of 36% in patients with grade 2-4 CRS compared to 0% in those with grade 0-1. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 64% in patients with grade 2-4 CRS, and 8% in those without (p < 0.001). 28% of patients with AKI required dialysis. Grade 2-4 CRS was seen in 54% of patients in remission prior to haplo-SCT and in 92% of those with active disease (p = 0.02). Of the 9 patients with early mortality, 89% had AKI, 44% needed dialysis, and 100% had grade 2-4 CRS, compared to 31%, 10%, and 55% in those without early mortality (p = 0.002, p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Early mortality was not significantly associated with age, HCT-CI score, second transplant, disease status at transplant, total dose of melphalan, volume overload/diuretic use, or post-transplant infection. In conclusion, we observed a very high rate of NRM with FluMel conditioning and PBSC grafts for haplo-SCT with PTCy. The pattern of toxicity was strongly associated with grade 2-4 CRS, AKI, and need for dialysis. These complications may be mediated by excessive inflammation in the context of allo-reactive donor T-cell over-activation. Consistent with this, multiple groups have shown that FluMel conditioning in haplo-SCT is safe when using bone marrow or T-cell depleted grafts. Based on our institutional experiences, we would discourage the use of FluMel as conditioning for haplo-SCT with PTCy with T-cell replete PBSC grafts. Alternative regimens or variations on melphalan-based regimens, such as fractionated melphalan dosing or inclusion of TBI may improve outcomes but further study and randomized controlled trials are needed. This study is limited in its retrospective design and sample size. Figure Disclosures DiPersio: WUGEN: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy; Magenta Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Celgene: Consultancy; Cellworks Group, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NeoImmune Tech: Research Funding; Amphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bioline Rx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Macrogenics: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; RiverVest Venture Partners Arch Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Liesveld:Onconova: Other: Data safety monitoring board; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Improving the Definition of Response Assessment: Prognostic Value of Minimal Residual Disease Combined with PET/CT at Day 100 Post Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-142845 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 33-34

Author(s):

Miguel Gonzalez-Velez ◽

Mariano Arribas ◽

Heidi E. Kosiorek ◽

Richard Butterfield ◽

Carlo Guerrero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Prognostic Value ◽

Residual Disease ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Response Assessment ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Pet Ct ◽

Definition Of ◽

Minimal Residual

Introduction: Response assessment at day 100 post Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) is associated with long-term relapsed free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in multiple myeloma (MM). The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) are the preferred criteria to define best response to treatment and define relapse. In the last years, response assessment has incorporated minimal residual disease (MRD) status -associated with improved RFS and OS (Munshi et al); and PET/CT combined with clinical characteristics -also associated with favorable outcomes (Zamagni et al. NCT01910987; MMY3033). The 2016 IMWG MRD criteria, combined imaging (PET/CT) plus next-generation sequencing (NGS) MRD-negative to define complete response (CR). To our knowledge, there is limited data examining the correlation and prognostic value of MRD and FDG-PET/CT at day 100 post ASCT in MM. IN this study, we aimed to determine the prognostic valued of MRD by NGS combined with PET/CT in RFS and OS status after high dose chemotherapy and ASCT in MM. Methods: Patients who underwent ASCT for MM at Mayo Clinic Arizona and had MRD and PET/CT data were included in the study. Clinical data was obtained via retrospective chart review. Cytogenetic risk (CyR) was classified using the mSMART criteria . Disease and ASCT related characteristics were compared by MRD status. MRD was measured by NGS on bone marrow aspirates using the previosly validated clonoSEQ ® Assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation, Seattle, USA) tracking the IgH, IgK and IgL rearrangements at a minimum sensitivity level of 10-5. MRD was defined by residual clonal cells per million nucleated cells as: negative= 0, borderline= 1-5, positive >5. PET/CT scans were performed locally at baseline and at day 100. Comparisons were performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables, Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuos variables, McNemar's test and Cohens's Kappa for agreement measures. Results: A total of 103 patients had matched MRD and PET/CT assessment around day 100 (+/-9 days) and were included in the analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range, 54-66 years), 71 patients (68.9%) were men. CyR was standard risk in 49 (47.6%), high-risk in 39 (37.9%) and unknown in 15 (14.6%) patients. Most 75 (72.8%) patients were MRD positive, 16 (15.5%) were MRD negative, and 12 (11.7%) borderline. The median main MRD clone detected was 64 (range 0-91,874). 70 patients (68%) and 33 (32%) had a negative and positive PET/CT respectively. The median follow-up time was 18 months (range, 13-31 months). At the time of data analysis, 10 patients (9.7%) had relapsed and only 4 (3.9%) had died. There was a high-correlation between MRD status and PET/CT, 31 patients (93.9%) with positive PET/CT were also MRD positive (p=0.0027). There were no statistical differences between PET/CT and CyR (p=0.95). We analyzed the correlation using the FREQ procedure (McNemars's test); there was a strong association between positive PET/CT and positive MRD in 31/33 patients (93.9%, high sensitivity), and low association for negative PET/CT the negative/borderline MRD in 26/70 (37.1%, low specificity; p<0.001). The agreement measure between the PET/CT and MRD using negative/borderline combined had a kappa of 0.23 (95% CI 0.11, 0.35) indicating a fair agreement beyond chance (Figure 1). PET/CT-CT was a statistically significant predictor of worse RFS (HR 3.53, 95%CI: 1.02-12.24, p<0.0337) and OS (HR 11.38, 95%CI: 1.18-109.56, p<0.0078) (Figure 2-3, respectively). MRD was not predictive of neither RFS (HR 1.72, 95%CI: 0.36-8.14, p<0.49) or OS (p<0.16). Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that the combination of MRD by NGS (clonoSEQ ®) and PET/CT at day 100 are complementary and have a high sensitivity (true positive rate) and fair correlation of agreement but low specificity (true negative rate). PET/CT was the best most sensitive technique to prognosticate RFS and OS. We did not find prognostic correlation of MRD with RFS and OS. However, our findings might be confounded by the low risk of relapse and death, a longer follow-up may demonstrate clinically important differences. Our results add evidence that MRD plus PET/CT improve the definition of CR in MM patients post ASCT. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the optimal timing and role of combined MRD, PET/CT with other prognostic markers of clinical outcomes. Disclosures Larsen: Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Oncology: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Fonseca:Juno: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Aduro: Consultancy; OncoTracker: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.

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Dual Targeting of -TORC1 and -TORC2 as a New Strategy In the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.133.133 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 133-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patricia Maiso ◽

AbdelKareem Azab ◽

Yang Liu ◽

Yong Zhang ◽

Feda Azab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Mechanism Of Action ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Bone Marrow Microenvironment ◽

Advisory Committees

Abstract Abstract 133 Introduction: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a downstream serine/threonine kinase of the PI3K/Akt pathway that integrates signals from the tumor microenvironment such as cytokines and growth factors, nutrients and stresses to regulate multiple cellular processes, including translation, autophagy, metabolism, growth, motility and survival. Mechanistically, mTOR operates in two distinct multi-protein complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. Activation of TORC1 leads to the phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase and 4E-BP1, while activation of TORC2 regulates phosphorylation of Akt and other AGC kinases. In multiple myeloma (MM), PI3K/Akt plays an essential role enhancing cell growth and survival and is activated by the loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN and by the bone marrow microenvironment. Rapamycin analogues such as RAD001 and CCI-779 have been tested in clinical trials in MM. Their efficacy as single agents is modest, but when used in combination, they show higher responses. However, total inhibition of Akt and 4E-BP1 signaling requires inactivation of both complexes TORC1 and TORC2. Consequently, there is a need for novel inhibitors that can target mTOR in both signaling complexes. In this study we have evaluated the role of TORC1 and TORC2 in MM and the activity and mechanism of action of INK128, a novel, potent, selective and orally active small molecule TORC1/2 kinase inhibitor. Methods: Nine different MM cell lines and BM samples from MM patients were used in the study. The mechanism of action was investigated by MTT, Annexin V, cell cycle analysis, Western-blotting and siRNA assays. For the in vivo analyses, Luc+/GFP+ MM.1S cells (2 × 106/mouse) were injected into the tail vein of 30 SCID mice and tumor progression was detected by bioluminescence imaging. Nanofluidic proteomic immunoassays were performed in selected tumors. Results: To examine activation of the mTOR pathway in MM, we performed kinase activity assays and protein analyses of mTOR complexes and its downstream targets in nine MM cell lines. We found mTOR, Akt, pS6R and 4E-BP1 are constitutively activated in all cell lines tested independently of the status of Deptor, PTEN, and PI3K. All cell lines expressed either Raptor, Rictor or both; excepting H929 and U266LR7 which were negative for both of them. Moreover, primary plasma cells from several MM patients highly expressed pS6R while normal cells were negative for this protein. We found that INK128 and rapamycin effectively suppressed phosphorylation of p6SR, but only INK128 was able to decrease phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. We observed that INK128 fully suppressed cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner, but rapamycin reached a plateau in efficacy at ± 60%. The IC50 of INK128 was in the range of 7.5–30 nM in the eight cell lines tested. Similar results were observed in freshly isolated plasma cells from MM patients. Besides the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, INK128 was more potent than rapamycin to induce autophagy, and only INK128 was able to induce PARP and Caspases 3, 8 and 9 cleavage. In the bone marrow microenvironment context, INK128 inhibited the proliferation of MM cells and decreased the p4E-BP1 induction. Importantly, treatment with rapamycin under such conditions did not affect cell proliferation. INK128 also showed a significantly greater effect inhibiting cell adhesion to fibronectin OPM2 MM1S, BMSCs and HUVECs compared to rapamycin. These results were confirmed in vivo. Oral daily treatment of NK128 (1.0 mg/kg) decreased tumor growth and improved survival of mice implanted with MM1S. Conclusion: Dual inhibition of TORC1 and TORC2 represent a new and promising approach in the treatment of MM and its microenvironment. The ability of INK128 to inhibit both TORC1 and TORC2 strongly supports the potential use of this compound in MM patients. Disclosures: Anderson: Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Ghobrial:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Deregulation of TNFRSF18 (GITR) Through Promoter CpG Island Methylation Induces Tumor Proliferation in Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2424.2424 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 2424-2424

Author(s):

Yang Liu ◽

Yong Zhang ◽

Phong Quang ◽

Hai T Ngo ◽

Feda Azab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Cpg Island ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Brdu Assay

Abstract Abstract 2424 Introduction Tumor necrosis factor receptor super families (TNFRSFs) play an important role in activation of lymphocyte and cell apoptosis. However the function of TNFRSFs in multiple myeloma (MM) remains unknown. Loss of function mutation of Fas antigen (TNFRSF6) was identified in MM cells, thus suggesting the possible role of TNFRSFs in regulating MM pathogenesis. We therefore investigated the epigenetic mechanisms that may mediate inactivation of TNFRSFs and its functional role in MM. Methods Dchip software was utilized for analyzing gene expression dataset. DNA was extracted from both primary CD138+ MM plasma cells and MM cell lines using blood & tissue DNA isolation kit (Qiagen, Inc.). Expression of GITR in primary CD138+ plasma cells was detected by Imunohistochemistry (IHC) DNA methylation was analyzed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (Medip) assay and bisulfate sequencing. 5'azacytidine was used to demethylate genomic DNA. Gene expression was detected by qRT-PCR and confirmed at the protein level by flow cytometry and western-blot. Over-expression of GITR was obtained in MM1.S cells by using GITR recombinant plasmid and electroporation. Apoptosis was determined using Annexin/PI staining and flow cytometry analysis. Activation of apoptotic signaling was studied by western blot. Cell survival and proliferation were analyzed by MTT and BrdU assay, respectively. Recombinant GITR-lentivirus was obtained from the supernatant of culture medium after 72 hours transfection in 293 cells. GFP positive MM cells were sorted and analyzed by flow cytometry. In vivo effect of GITR on MM tumor growth was determined by injection of GITR over-expressing MM cells in null mice. Mice skull, femur and vertebrae were isolated after 4 weeks injection. Anti-human CD138+ mAb microbead was used to detect MM cells extracted from mice tissue by flow cytometry. Results Gene-expression profiling showed down-regulation of TNFRSFs, including TNFRSF11A, TNFRSF11B, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF10C, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF21, TNFRSF1B, TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF18, compared to normal plasma cells. Moreover, Our IHC results also showed that GITR expression was positive in primary CD138+ plasma cells from 9 normal bone marrow, but negative in 9 MM samples. Importantly, we found that low GITR expression significantly correlated with MM progression. Indeed, GITR gene levels were lower in smoldering and active MM patients compared to MGUS patients and normal donors. Promoter CpG island (CGI) methylation of GITR was indentified in 5 out of 7 MM primary bone marrow (BM)-derived CD138+ cells but not in normal BM-derived plasma cells. Bisulfate sequencing and Medip assay showed that methylation of GITR was significantly associated with GITR expression in 5 MM cell lines, including MM1.S, OPM1, U266, RPMI and INA6. Promoter CGI of GITR was highly methylated leading to complete silencing of GITR in MM1.S cell line. GITR expression was significantly up-regulated in MM cells upon treatment with the 5'azacytidine. MTT and BrdU assay revealed that the proliferation and survival of MM1.S cells was disrupted in the GITR over-expressing MM1.S cells, notably with inhibition of cell proliferation compared to control vector infected cells. Moreover induction of cytotoxicity in GITR over-expressing cells was confirmed by using GFP competition assay. GITR-induced apoptosis was supported by induction of caspase 8 and 3 cleavage. The inhibition of human CD138+ plasma cell growth in the bone marrow of SCID mice using a disseminated MM xenograft model was observed in the experimental group injected with GITR expressing cells compared to the control group after 4 weeks injection. Conclusion Our findings uncovered a novel epigenetic mechanism contributing to MM pathogenesis, showing the role of GITR methylation as a key regulator of MM cell survival. Disclosures: Roccaro: Roche:. Ghobrial:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Noxxon: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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