Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Ratio Is an Independent Risk Factor for Progression of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1487-1487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Robert A. Kyle ◽  
Jerry A. Katzmann ◽  
Dirk Larson ◽  
Joanne Benson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma cell proliferative disorder with a high risk of progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma. Identification of risk factors that predict progression of SMM to symptomatic MM could identify higher risk patients who might benefit from chemoprevention or more intensive surveillance. We hypothesized that increased monoclonal free kappa or lambda immunoglobulin light chains in smoldering myeloma (SMM), as detected by the serum free light chain (FLC) assay, indicates an increased the risk of progression to active myeloma. Methods: Of 276 pathologically confirmed SMM patients seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1970 to 1995, baseline serum samples obtained within 30 days of diagnosis were available in 273. Results: At a median follow-up of surviving patients of 12.4 years, transformation to active disease has occurred in 161 (59%) patients. An abnormal FLC ratio was present at baseline in 90% of patients. The best break-point for predicting risk of progression was a FLC ratio less than or equal to 0.125 or greater than or equal to 8 (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6–3.2) [Figure 1]. The extent of abnormality of FLC ratio was independent of SMM risk categories defined by number of plasma cells in the bone marrow and size of serum M-proteins (bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10% and serum M protein ≥ 3 g/dL; bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10% but serum M protein < 3 g/dL; and serum M protein ≥ 3 g/dL but bone marrow plasma cells < 10%). Incorporating the FLC ratio into the risk model, the division of patients into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups is 28, 42, and 30% with 5 year progression rates of 76, 51, and 25%, respectively [Figure 2]. Conclusions: The serum immunoglobulin FLC ratio is an important additional determinant of clinical outcome in patients with SMM. Figure Figure Figure Figure

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 785-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Robert A. Kyle ◽  
Jerry A. Katzmann ◽  
Terry M. Therneau ◽  
Dirk Larson ◽  
...  

We hypothesized that increased monoclonal free kappa or lambda immunoglobulin light chains in smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), as detected by the serum free light chain (FLC) assay, indicates an increased risk of progression to active myeloma. Baseline serum samples obtained within 30 days of diagnosis were available in 273 patients with SMM seen from 1970 to 1995. At a median follow-up of surviving patients of 12.4 years, transformation to active disease has occurred in 59%. The best breakpoint for predicting risk of progression was an FLC ratio of 0.125 or less, or 8 or more (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.2). The extent of abnormality of FLC ratio was independent of SMM risk categories defined by number of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) and size of serum M proteins (BMPC ≥ 10% and serum M protein ≥ 3 g/dL; BMPC ≥ 10% but serum M protein < 3 g/dL; and serum M protein≥ 3 g/dL but BMPC < 10%). Incorporating the FLC ratio into the risk model, the 5-year progression rates in high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups were 76%, 51%, and 25%, respectively. The serum immunoglobulin FLC ratio is an important additional determinant of clinical outcome in patients with SMM.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3369-3369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Gonzalez de la Calle ◽  
Ramon Garcia-Sanz ◽  
Eduardo Sobejano ◽  
Enrique M. Ocio ◽  
Noemi Puig ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a plasma cell proliferative disorder with no related organ or tissue impairment. It is associated with a risk of progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) of approximately 10% per year. Several prognostic factors for the progression to active disease have been identified, such as those defined by the Mayo Clinic including the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells, the serum monoclonal protein level at diagnosis and the serum immunoglobulin free light chain ratio (FLC); or those defined by the Spanish Group including the proportion of bone marrow aberrant plasma cells assessed by flow cytometry plus immunoparesis. The presence of Bence Jones (BJ) proteinuria is a myeloma feature associated with renal function and tumor burden as well. There is lack of evidence about the role of BJ proteinuria in SMM as predictor marker of progression to symptomatic disease. AIMS The goal of the present study was to investigate the role of the presence of Bence Jones proteinuria at diagnosis in SMM as predictor of progression to symptomatic disease. METHODS We reviewed 147 medical records of SMM patients from area of Castilla y León (Spain), diagnosed between 1983 and 2013, according to the criteria of the International Myeloma Working Group. The primary endpoint was time to progression to active multiple myeloma (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia or bone lesions). RESULTS 147 patients with SMM were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years-old (range: 34-90).The serum M-protein at diagnosis ranged from 1 to 26 g/l (median,25). 70% of SMM were Ig G subtype. The proportion of bone marrow plasma cells ranged from 1% to 55% (median, 14). In 64 % of SMM, the percentage of aberrant plasma cells assessed by flow cytometry was superior to 95% and 51% had immunoparesis. Bence Jones proteinuria was detected at diagnosis in 40 patients (27%) and the average amount of urinary monoclonal light chain was 236 mg per 24h. Of those patients, 58% had a monoclonal kappa light chain. The FLC ratio was assessed in 18 patients and it was abnormal (<0.26 or >1.65) in 83% of them. The median level of involved Immunoglobulin was 88.5 mg/l (range, 13-1200) and the median ratio of involved to uninvolved was 10.8 (range, 2.2-3360). In 4 patients, FLC ratio was greater than 100. At a median follow-up of 54 months, progression to active disease occurred in 49%. Anemia was the most common CRAB feature at the time of progression. Median time to progression (TTP) to symptomatic disease in the whole series was 63 months. SMM with BJ proteinuria had a significantly shorter median TTP to active disease as compared with patients without BJ proteinuria (21.7 months vs 82.9 months ;HR: 2.44, IC 95%: 1.48-4.02; p<0.001). The progression risk at 2 years in the BJ group of SMM was 53%. Multivariate analysis selected BJ proteinuria at diagnosis as an independent variable for progression to symptomatic MM (HR: 2.47, IC 95%: 1.32-4.63; P=0.005). Using this independent variable, we identified 4 risk categories according to amount of urinary monoclonal light chain: 0 mg per 24h; 1-250 mg/24h; 251-500 mg/24h ; or more than 500 mg/24h, with a median TTP of 83, 37, 16 and 7 months, respectively; p <0.001. CONCLUSIONS The presence of Bence Jones proteinuria at diagnosis in SMM patients is associated with significantly higher risk of progression to active MM (53% risk of progression at 2 years). Moreover, the presence of more than 500 mg of BJ proteinuria can be considered as a marker for the identification of ultra high risk SMM. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3396-3396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Kyle ◽  
Ellen Remstein ◽  
Terry Therneau ◽  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Paul Kurtin ◽  
...  

Abstract Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is characterized by a serum M protein ≥ 3g/dL and/or 10% or more of plasma cells in the bone marrow. However, the definition is not standardized, and it is not known whether both serum M protein levels and bone marrow plasma cell counts are necessary for diagnosis or if one parameter is sufficient. We reviewed the medical records and bone marrows of all patients from Mayo Clinic seen within 30 days of recognition of an IgG or IgA M protein ≥ 3g/dL or a bone marrow containing ≥ 10% plasma cells from 1970 to 1995. This allows for a minimum potential follow-up of 10 years. Patients with end-organ damage at baseline from plasma cell proliferation, including active multiple myeloma (MM) and primary amyloidosis (AL) and those who had received chemotherapy were excluded. A differential of the bone marrow aspirate coupled with the bone marrow biopsy morphology and immunohistochemistry using antibodies directed against CD138, MUM-1 and Cyclin D1 were evaluated in every case in order to estimate the plasma cell content. In all, 301 patients fulfilled either of the criteria for SMM. Their median age was 64 years and only 3% were less than 40 years of age; 60% were male. The median hemoglobin value was 12.9 g/dL; 7% were less than 10 g/dL, but the anemia was unrelated to plasma cell proliferation. IgG accounted for 75%, IgA 22%, and biclonal proteins were found in 3%. The serum light-chain was κ in 67% and λ in 33%. The median serum M spike was 2.9 g/dL; 11% were at least 4.0 g/dL. Uninvolved serum immunoglobulins were reduced in 81%; only 1 immunoglobulin was reduced in 31% and both were decreased in 50%. The urine contained a monoclonal κ protein in 36% and λ in 18% and 46% were negative. The median size of the urine M spike was 0.04 g/24h; only 5 (3%) were &gt; 1 g/24h. The median bone marrow plasma cell content was 15 – 19%; 10% had less than 10% plasma cells, while 10% had at least 50% plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cyclin D-1 was expressed in 17%. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: Group 1, serum M protein ≥ 3g/dL and bone marrow containing ≥ 10% plasma cells (n= 113, 38%); Group 2, bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10% but serum M protein &lt; 3g/dL (n= 158, 52%); Group 3, serum M protein ≥ 3g/dL but bone marrow plasma cells &lt; 10% (n= 30, 10%). During 2,204 cumulative years of follow-up 85% died (median follow-up of those still living 10.8 years), 155 (51%) developed MM, while 7 (2%) developed AL. The overall rate of progression at 10 years was 62%; median time to progression was 5.5 yrs. The median time to progression was 2.4, 9.2, and 19 years in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively; correspondingly at 10 years, progression occurred in 76%, 59%, and 32% respectively. Significant risk factors for progression with univariate analysis were serum M spike ≥ 4g/dL (p &lt; 0.001), presence of IgA (p = 0.003), presence of urine light chain (p = 0.006), presence of λ urinary light chain (p = 0.002), bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 20% (p &lt; 0.001) and reduction of uninvolved immunoglobulins (p &lt; 0.001). The hemoglobin value, gender, serum albumin, and expression of cyclin D-1 were not of prognostic importance. On multivariate analysis, the percentage of bone marrow plasma cells was the only significant factor predicting progression to MM or AL.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Minjie Gao ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Yuanyuan Kong ◽  
Xiaosong Wu ◽  
Jumei Shi

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor stage of multiple myeloma (MM) characterized by clonal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) ≥ 10% and/or M protein level ≥ 30 g/L in the absence of end organ damage. It represents an intermediate stage between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and symptomatic MM. The risk of progression to symptomatic MM is not uniform, and several parameters have been reported to predict the risk of progression. These include the level of M protein and the percentage of BMPC, the proportion of immunophenotypically aberrant plasma cells, and the presence of immunoparesis, free light-chain (FLC) ratio, peripheral blood plasma cells (PBPC), pattern of serum M protein evolution, abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cytogenetic abnormalities, IgA isotype, and Bence Jones proteinuria. So far treatment is still not recommended for SMM, because several trials suggested that patients with SMM do not benefit from early treatment. However, the Mateos et al. trial showed a survival benefit after early treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with high-risk SMM. This trial has prompted a reevaluation of early treatment in an asymptomatic patient population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Kriegsmann ◽  
Tobias Dittrich ◽  
Brigitte Neuber ◽  
Mohamed H. S. Awwad ◽  
Ute Hegenbart ◽  
...  

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2728-2728
Author(s):  
Vrushali s Dabak ◽  
Esther Urbaez Duran ◽  
Muath Dawod ◽  
Amr Hanbali

Abstract Introduction: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is defined as the presence of a serum monoclonal protein &lt;3g/dl, with fewer than 10% plasma cells in bone marrow and absence of lytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia and renal insufficiency. Incidence increases with age, especially over 70 and its progression to malignant disease occurs at 1% per year. However, so far there are no studies which can reliably distinguish patients who would progress from those who would remain stable. Based on available literature, it is concluded that MGUS has low risk of progression when M-protein is less than 1.5 g/dl, with no reduction in polyclonal immunoglobulins and bone marrow plasma cells less than 5%. The recommended testing with suspected MGUS is hemoglobin concentration, protein studies, serum calcium, and creatinine. Metastatic bone survey (MBS) and bone marrow aspiration are felt unnecessary if M-protein is less than 1.5 g/dl. However literature to support the use of MBS at diagnosis based on the level of M-protein is limited. Also our observation has been that due to lack of clear guidelines, most physicians obtain a baseline MBS and some follow patients with yearly or every other year MBS irrespective of the level of M-protein. Hence, we decided to review patients diagnosed with MGUS at our institution to determine the importance of MBS and if possible identify risk factors like age, race, M-protein level, hemoglobin concentration, serum calcium or creatinine level, which would identify a subgroup of patients needing a MBS. In doing so we were hoping to separate out those patients in whom we could recommend against unnecessary use of the skeletal survey below a certain defined M protein level. Study: We reviewed charts on 1906 patients at Henry Ford hospital diagnosed with MGUS between 1990 and 2007. All patients with at least one M-protein and one MBS done were included in the analysis. We excluded patients with a level of M-protein &gt;3.0 g/dl, who never had a skeletal survey in our system, had a light chain myeloma, plasmacytoma, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma(CLL), amyloidosis or protein evaluation done for diagnosis other than MGUS. We had 620 such patients. We collected data regarding their age, sex, ethnicity, date of diagnosis, type and level of the M-protein, hemoglobin level, serum calcium and creatinine at baseline, result of the MBS, date of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) if any and the date of last follow up if they did not progress to MM. Positive MBS is defined as x ray findings consistent with myelomatous changes with bone marrow aspiration confirming diagnosis of MM. Results: Of 620 patients, 36 had a positive MBS and applying non parametric Mann Whitney test and a chi-squared test, positive results seemed to correlate with higher level of M-protein, IgG subtype, lower hemoglobin and higher creatinine. Male sex and older age were other risk factors. Using the LOES curve to graph the risk of a positive skeletal event with the level of M-protein, risk was noted to increase significantly with M-protein in the range of 1.8– 3.0 (odds ratio 8.84 compared with 1.31 if level was less than 1.8), which was highly statistically significant as shown in figure 1. Further for 97/620 who progressed to multiple myeloma, the risk of progression was significantly higher for males, younger age at diagnosis of MGUS, lower hemoglobin, higher level of M-protein, IgG subtype and a positive skeletal event. Discussion: Our study is a retrospective chart review with its own limitations. However to our knowledge this is the first study to define the level of M-protein in patients with MGUS above which obtaining a MBS may be of value. Our study identifies 1.8 as a cut off value of M-protein below which doing routine MBS without symptoms of bone pains or other laboratory features suggesting progression to multiple myeloma might be unnecessary. Other risk factors for a positive event and progression to MM like lower hemoglobin, higher creatinine, older age, male sex and IgG subtype in our study are in keeping with what has been described in the literature. Conclusion: Based on our study, obtaining baseline MBS in all patients with suspected MGUS was not beneficial. Hence, we would not recommend obtaining MBS in patients with M-protein &lt;1.8 g/dl in absence of other risk factors for progression to multiple myeloma. Figure 1: LOES curve showing increased likelihood of positive MBS for increasing MPEV level. Figure 1:. LOES curve showing increased likelihood of positive MBS for increasing MPEV level.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3926-3926
Author(s):  
Efstathios Kastritis ◽  
Lia A Moulopoulos ◽  
Maria Gkotzamanidou ◽  
Dimitra Gika ◽  
Maria Roussou ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3926 Asymptomatic/smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a proliferative plasma cell disorder characterized by a substantial risk of progression to symptomatic myeloma. According to current recommendations, patients with SMM should be followed without treatment until they develop symptomatic disease. However, the risk of progression to symptomatic myeloma varies between different series and for individual patients; thus, significant effort is needed in order to identify factors that could discriminate those who are at high risk for progression. Such patients should be followed closer and should be considered candidates for clinical trials. In order to evaluate previously recognized risk factors and study patterns of progression we analyzed our series of patients with SMM, who have been diagnosed and followed in the Department of Clinical Therapeutics in Athens, Greece. SMM was defined as serum monoclonal (M) protein (IgG or IgA) level of ≥3 g/dL and/or bone marrow plasma cells ≥10%, absence of end-organ damage, such as lytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia, or renal failure, that can attributed to a plasma cell proliferative disorder (IMWG criteria, Br J Haematol 2003;121:749–57). Progression to symptomatic myeloma was defined as per the IMWG proposed criteria. We analyzed 95 patients with SMM, 53% of whom were females, 70% had IgG heavy chain, 22% had IgA, 5% had a biclonal SMM and 3% had light chain only SMM, while 65% had a kappa light chain and 35% a lambda light chain. Median infiltration by clonal plasma cells in BM trephine biopsy was 20% (range 10–90%), 10% of patients had ≥60% clonal plasma cells in BM biopsy. Fifty patients had MRI of the spine at the time of diagnosis of SMM and 19.5% had an abnormal pattern of BM infiltration (diffuse, focal or variegated pattern). In patients with available bone marrow immunohistochemistry data, 61% had clonal plasma positive for CD56, 17% for CD20 and 19% for cyclin D1. The median follow up of the cohort was 27 months (range 1–253 months) and 23 (24%) patients have progressed to symptomatic myeloma. The one-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative probability of progression was 7%, 12% and 20% respectively. Nine patients (9.5%) progressed within the first two years from the diagnosis of SMM. All these patients had an M-protein of ≥1 g/dl (10 g/L), 67% had bone marrow plasma cells >60% and 80% had an abnormal MRI pattern of BM infiltration. The 3-year probability of progression to symptomatic myeloma was 4%, 18% and 87% for patients with <20%, 20–59% and ≥60% clonal plasma cells in bone marrow biopsy (P<0.001). The 2-year probability of progression to symptomatic myeloma was 0%, 13% and 60% for patients with <20%, 20–59% and ≥60% clonal plasma cells in BM biopsy (P<0.001). Patients with significantly abnormal free light chain ratio (either kappa/lambda ≥8 or kappa/lambda ≤0.125, according to Dispenzieri et al, Blood 2008;111:785–9) had a 3-year probability of progression to symptomatic MM of 41% vs. 15% (p=0.07). There was no significant difference in the risk of progression to symptomatic MM for patients with IgA vs. IgG myeloma. In multivariate analysis, abnormal FLC ratio less than 0.125 or more than 8 (HR: 6.4, 95% CI 1.3–34.5 p=0.032) and BM clonal plasma cells infiltration ≥60% (HR: 23, 95% CI 5–125, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for progression to symptomatic myeloma. Progression to symptomatic MM was manifested by the development of anemia in 52% of patients who progressed to symptomatic MM, development of lytic bone lesions or pathologic fracture in 48%, an increase of serum creatinine to ≥2 mg/dl in 13%, development of a soft tissue plasmacytoma in 4% and development of hypercalcemia in 4%. In conclusion, in our series of patients the 3-year probability of progression to symptomatic myeloma is about 20%, but there is a subgroup of patients with extensive bone marrow infiltration (≥60%) and highly abnormal FLC ratio, who have a substantial risk of progression to symptomatic disease within the first two years from the diagnosis of SMM. These high risk patients may also have other features such as abnormal MRI of the spine. Patients at high risk for progression should be considered for clinical trials evaluating the role of treatment before the development of symptomatic disease, which in most cases is manifested with anemia and/or lytic bone disease or pathologic fractures. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3948-3948
Author(s):  
Jeremy T Larsen ◽  
Shaji Kumar ◽  
S. Vincent Rajkumar

Abstract Abstract 3948 Background: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor disease of multiple myeloma, and is defined by excess bone marrow plasma cells and monoclonal protein without evidence of end-organ damage (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, or bone lesions [CRAB]). The identification of SMM patients with more aggressive underlying disease remains a challenge. We hypothesize that SMM is a clinical entity comprised of both premalignant, high-risk MGUS and early multiple myeloma in transition to malignant disease, which may be differentiated with the use of the serum FLC (FLC) ratio. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 586 patients with newly diagnosed SMM from 1970–2010 with available stored serum samples around the time of diagnosis to be utilized for quantification of FLC ratios. SMM was defined by the International Myeloma Working Group 2003 definition; serum M-protein ≥ 3 g/dL and/or ≥ 10% bone marrow plasma cells with no evidence of CRAB features. The immunoglobulin FLC assay (Binding Site, U.K.) was used for testing. The FLC ratio was calculated as κ/λ (reference range 0.26–1.65). The involved/uninvolved FLC ratio was recorded to simplify the reporting of data. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were created to assess the ability of the FLC ratio to discriminate patients who progressed to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) in the first 2 years or at any point during follow-up versus patients without evidence of progression. Patients with less than 24 months follow-up without progression were censored. The optimal diagnostic cut-point for FLC involved/uninvolved ratio to identify patients with progressive disease from the ROC curve was >88.6 (equivalent to <0.011 or >88.6). For ease of clinical application, the optimal value for involved/uninvolved FLC ratio was rounded to >100. Time to progression (TTP) from date of the initial FLC to active MM was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared to patients with a high (>100) and low (<100) involved/uninvolved FLC ratio at time of SMM diagnosis. TTP within 24 months of the initial FLC was also calculated. Results: During the study period, 54% of patients progressed to active MM. On ROC analysis, a cut-point of >100 corresponded to a sensitivity of 25% (95% CI, 20.5–30.4) and specificity of 99.3% (97.3–99.9), with positive likelihood (+LR) ratio of 33.9 (38.1–41.0), negative likelihood ratio (−LR) of 0.75 (0.2–3.0), positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.6 (91.5–99.7) and negative predictive value of 53.0 (48.5–57.4). Using the ROC to assess progression to MM within 24 months (Figure 1), sensitivity was 29.6% (23.5–36.4), specificity 94.5% (91.7–96.5), +LR 5.36 (4.3–6.6), -LR 0.75 (0.5–1.1), PPV 85.8 (77.7–91.8), and NPV 54.3 (49.8–58.9). Median TTP to active MM in the FLC >100 group was 15 months (9–17) versus 52 months (44–60) in the FLC <100 group (p <.0001) [Figure 2]. In the FLC ratio >100 group, progression at 1 year was 47%, 76% at 2 years, and 90% at 3 years. Only 25% of the FLC <100 patients had progressed at 2 years. The most common progression event was bone disease (42%), followed by anemia (26%), renal impairment (23%), and hypercalcemia (5%). Conclusion: Elevation of the FLC ratio >100 (or <0.01) is highly specific for the future development of active MM, with 76% of these patients developing end-organ damage requiring therapy within 2 years. Risk of transformation to MM in the FLC <100 group was similar to previously reported rates of 10% per year for the first 5 years. Development of an FLC ratio >100 is associated with increasing disease burden and in this study behaved in a malignant fashion rather than a precursor state. The FLC is a simple and useful predictor of progression to MM in SMM, and patients with FLC ratios of <0.01 or >100 within the first 2 years of SMM diagnosis should be monitored especially closely. Future studies are needed to determine optimum cutoffs for FLC ratio to where a change in definition of MM could be considered. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4514-4514
Author(s):  
Carlos Fernandez de Larrea ◽  
Ignacio Isola ◽  
Esther Moga ◽  
Maria Teresa Cibeira ◽  
Ester Lozano ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic and biologically heterogeneous clonal plasma cell disorder. A number of prognostic factors to identify patients at a higher risk of progression have been described, such as the size of the M protein, proportion of abnormal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs), immunoparesis and serum free light chain (FLC) k/l ratio. More recently, isotype-specific uninvolved heavy and light chain (HLC) pair suppression measured with the Hevylite assay was also associated with an increased risk of progression. Recent studies have evaluated the key prognostic impact of an increase in M-protein levels during follow-up ("evolving" pattern). However, an important limitation could be the evaluation of M-protein level variations based on serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in patients with a small size M-spike. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyze the changes in M-protein according to SPE and HLC measurements, as well as other risk factors for progression, in patients with SMM. Methods: Thirty patients newly diagnosed with SMM at a single institution from January 2014 through September 2017 were prospectively included in the study. For each patient, baseline levels of known prognostic factors (serum M-protein, serum and urine immunofixation, clonal BMPCs percentage, total immunoglobulins, involved/uninvolved FLC and involved/uninvolved HLC pairs) were recorded. During the follow up, M-protein level, FLC and isotype specific HLC pairs were also analyzed. Evolving change in M-protein level according to SPE was defined as ³ 10% increase within the first 6 months of diagnosis (if M-protein was ³ 30 g/L) and/or ³ 25% increase within the first 12 months (for any level of M-protein); evolving change according to HLC was defined as a ³ 10% increase in the involved pair. A sequential increase in each of three or more consecutive measurements from diagnosis was considered an evolving change regardless of its magnitude. Results: The clinical characteristics of the total of patients, as well as of the patients with evolving changes in M-protein according to HLC are summarized in Table 1. During the study period, 5/30 (17%) of patients demonstrated an evolving behavior of the M-protein according to SPE. Four of these patients (4/5) also showed a progressive increase in the M-protein in the HLC measurements. One patient showed stable HLC levels even though both the M-protein and the involved FLC progressively increased. This patient was of intermediate and low risk according to Mayo Clinic and PETHEMA scores, respectively. On follow up, no progressive suppression of the isotype-specific uninvolved HLC pair or increase in the FLC ratio was noted, and there have been no signs of progression after a follow up of 3 years. According to involved HLC-pair levels, 12/30 (40%) of patients demonstrated an evolving behavior. Five out of 7 patients that were not classified as evolving by SPE, were IgA isotype. Eight out of 12 patients showed severe isotype-specific suppression of the uninvolved HLC-pair (> 50% below lower level of normal) as well as a highly abnormal FLC ratio (<0.125 or >8). Three out of the 4 remaining patients showed either severe isotype-specific HLC pair suppression or highly abnormal FLC ratio in follow up measurements. Compared to patients with no "HLC-evolving pattern", evolving patients were more likely to have highly abnormal FLC ratios (90 vs. 33%, p=0.009), severe suppression of the other isotypes (64 vs. 19%, p=0,024), highly abnormal isotype-specific HLC ratios (67 vs. 33%, p=NS), severe isotype-specific HLC-pair suppression (75 vs. 50%, p=NS), and immunoparesis (67 vs. 39%p=NS). Five patients progressed to symptomatic multiple myeloma during follow up; 4 of them showed a progressive increase in the involved HLC pair from diagnosis. The remaining patient demonstrated a progressive increase in the involved HLC pair that started 19 months prior to progression, followed 4 months later with an increase in M-protein as measured by SPE. Conclusions: In our series, the Hevylite assay allowed us to identify patients with a progressive increase in M-protein (clonal heavy/light chain pair) that was not evident with SPE measurements. This "HLC evolving pattern" was associated with other risk factors for progression to symptomatic disease and with worsening of other prognostic parameters during follow up. Disclosures Rosinol: Janssen, Celgene, Amgen, Takeda: Honoraria. Bladé:Janssen: Honoraria.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 151-151
Author(s):  
Sigrun Thorsteinsdottir ◽  
Gauti Kjartan Gislason ◽  
Thor Aspelund ◽  
Sæmundur Rögnvaldsson ◽  
Jon Thorir Thorir Oskarsson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor condition to multiple myeloma (MM). Emerging data from clinical trials indicate that - compared to watchful monitoring - initiation of therapy at the SMM stage might be indicated. Currently, there is no established screening for SMM in the general population and therefore patients are identified incidentally. Here, we define for the first time, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SMM in the general population based on a large (N&gt;75,000) population-based screening study. Methods The iStopMM study (Iceland Screens Treats or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) is a nationwide screening study for MM precursors where all residents in Iceland over 40 years of age and older were invited to participate. Participants with a positive M-protein on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) or an abnormal free light chain (FLC) analysis entered a randomized controlled trial with three arms. Participants in arm 1 continued care in the Icelandic healthcare system as though they had never been screened. Arms 2 and 3 were evaluated at the study clinic with arm 2 receiving care according to current guidelines. In arm 3 bone marrow testing and whole-body low-dose CT (WBLDCT) was offered to all participants. SMM was defined as 10-60% bone marrow plasma cells on smear or trephine biopsy and/or M-protein in serum ≥3 g/dL, in the absence of myeloma defining events. Participants in arm 3 were used to estimate the prevalence of SMM as bone marrow biopsy was performed in all participants of that arm when possible. The age- and sex-specific prevalence was determined with a fitted function of age and sex, and interaction between those. Diagnosis at baseline evaluation of the individuals in the study was used to define the point prevalence of SMM. Results Of the 148,704 individuals over 40 years of age in Iceland, 75,422 (51%) were screened for M-protein and abnormal free light chain ratio. The 3,725 with abnormal screening were randomized to one of the three arms, and bone marrow sampling was performed in 1,503 individuals. A total of 180 patients were diagnosed with SMM, of which 109 (61%) were male and the median age was 70 years (range 44-92). Of those, a total of 157 (87%) patients had a detectable M-protein at the time of SMM diagnosis with a mean M-protein of 0.66 g/dL (range 0.01-3.5). The most common isotype was IgG in 101 (56%) of the patients, 44 (24%) had IgA, 2 (1%) had IgM, and 5 (3%) had biclonal M-proteins. A total of 24 (13%) patients had light-chain SMM. Four patients (2%) had a negative SPEP and normal FLC analysis at the time of SMM diagnosis despite abnormal results at screening. A total of 131 (73%) patients had 11-20% bone marrow plasma cells at SMM diagnosis, 32 (18%) had 21-30%, 9 (5%) had 31-40%, and 8 (4%) had 41-50%. Bone disease was excluded with imaging in 167 (93%) patients (MRI in 25 patients, WBLDCT in 113 patients, skeletal survey in 27 patients, FDG-PET/CT in 1 patient), 13 patients did not have bone imaging performed because of patient refusal, comorbidities, or death. According to the proposed 2/20/20 risk stratification model for SMM, 116 (64%) patients were low-risk, 47 (26%) intermediate-risk, and 17 (10%) high-risk. A total of 44 (24%) had immunoparesis at diagnosis. Using the PETHEMA SMM risk criteria on the 73 patients who underwent testing with flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirates; 39 (53%) patients were low-risk, 21 (29%) patients were intermediate-risk, and 13 (18%) patients were high-risk. Out of the 1,279 patients randomized to arm 3, bone marrow sampling was performed in 970, and 105 were diagnosed with SMM (10.8%). The prevalence of SMM in the total population was estimated to be 0.53% (95% CI: 0.49-0.57%) in individuals 40 years of age or older. In men and women, the prevalence of SMM was 0.70% (95% CI: 0.64-0.75%) and 0.37% (95% CI: 0.32-0.41%), respectively, and it increased with age in both sexes (Figure). Summary and Conclusions Based on a large (N&gt;75,000) population-based screening study we show, for the first time, that the prevalence of SMM is 0.5% in persons 40 years or older. According to current risk stratification models, approximately one third of patients have an intermediate or high risk of progression to MM. The high prevalence of SMM has implications for future treatment policies in MM as treatment initiation at the SMM stage is likely to be included in guidelines soon and underlines the necessity for accurate risk stratification in SMM. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Kampanis: The Binding Site: Current Employment. Hultcrantz: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Curio Science LLC: Consultancy; Intellisphere LLC: Consultancy. Durie: Amgen: Other: fees from non-CME/CE services ; Amgen, Celgene/Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen, and Takeda: Consultancy. Harding: The Binding Site: Current Employment, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Landgren: Janssen: Research Funding; Janssen: Other: IDMC; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: IDMC; Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Amgen: Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria. Kristinsson: Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.


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