scholarly journals High Serum Free Kappa Chains Are Frequently Missed By Serum Immunofixation

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5708-5708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surbhi Sidana ◽  
Lisa Rybicki ◽  
Frederic J. Reu ◽  
Thomas Daly
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Serum Free ◽  
Bone Marrow Plasma ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Serum Free Light Chains ◽  
Monoclonal Proteins ◽  
Cell Disorder

Abstract Background: Serum free light chains (sFLC) and immunofixation (IFE) analysis are used to detect monoclonal proteins. We noticed that some multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts) had negative IFE results despite very high sFLC levels. This analysis was done to determine the frequency of this finding in a large cohort. Methods: Following IRB approval, samples with simultaneous sIFE and sFLCs ordered from 1/2013 to 9/2013 were identified by querying our lab electronic database. Freelite (R) Human Kappa & Lambda Free kit (The Binding Site, Birmingham, UK) was used for sFLC and SPIFE® ImmunoFix-15 gels (Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX) for IFE. Clinical review was performed for a subset of patients with discrepant results between the two assays. Results: 4404 samples from 2200 pts were identified with simultaneous sFLC and sIFE results. Overall 348 of 4404 (7.9%) samples had an abnormal sFLC ratio but a negative sIFE. Of 205 pts (457 samples) with involved serum free kappa above the expected IFE threshold (200 mg/L), 42 pts (103 samples) had negative sIFEs (20.5% pts; 22.5% samples) despite median free kappa of 556.6 mg/L (range 208.1 to 4954.4). This was much less common for involved free lambda. Only 4 of 107 pts with free lambda above 200mg/L had negative sIFEs (3.7%). Information of the nature of the plasma cell disorder was available on 40 of the 42 patients with free kappa > 200mg/L and negative IFE. In this group, 62.5% (n=25) had symptomatic MM, 12.5% (n=5) had asymptomatic MM, 5% (n=2) had light chain amyloidosis, 5% (n=2) had both amyloidosis and MM, and 15% (n=6) had MGUS or a not yet fully worked up plasma cell disorder. Conclusions: Serum IFE, with a commonly used kit, missed about 20% of patients with free kappa above the expected IFE threshold, while free lambda was detected more reliably. Results suggest current criteria for complete remission which rely on immunofixation and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration may need to be revised for kappa light chain myeloma. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Quantification by Ultrafiltration and Immunofixation Electrophoresis Testing for Monoclonal Serum Free Light Chains

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 592-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gurmukh Singh ◽  
Roni Bollag
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Light Chains ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Free Light Chains ◽  
Serum Free ◽  
Immunofixation Electrophoresis ◽  
Serum Free Light Chains

Abstract Objective Measurement of monoclonal immunoglobulins is a reliable estimate of the plasma cell tumor mass. About 15% of plasma cell myelomas secrete light chains only. The concentration of serum free light chains is insufficient evidence of the monoclonal light chain burden. A sensitive quantitative estimate of serum free monoclonal light chains could be useful for monitoring patients with light chain myeloma. We describe such an assay that does not require mass-spectrometry equipment or expertise. Methods Serum specimens from patients with known light chain myelomas and controls were subjected to ultrafiltration through a membrane with pore size of 50 kDa. The filtrate was concentrated and tested by immunofixation electrophoresis. The relative area under the monoclonal peak, compared to that of the total involved light chain composition, was estimated by densitometric scanning of immunofixation gels. The proportion of the area occupied by the monoclonal peak in representative densitometric scans was used to arrive at the total serum concentration of the monoclonal serum free light chains. Results Using an ultracentrifugation and concentration process, monoclonal serum free light chains were detectable, along with polyclonal light chains, in all 10 patients with active light chain myelomas. Monoclonal light chains were identified in serum specimens that did not reveal monoclonal light chains by conventional immunofixation electrophoresis. The limit of detection by this method was 1.0 mg/L of monoclonal serum free light chains. Conclusion The method described here is simple enough to be implemented in academic medical center clinical laboratories and does not require special reagents, equipment, or expertise. Even though urine examination is the preferred method for the diagnosis of light chain plasma cell myelomas, measurement of the concentration of serum free light chains provides a convenient, albeit inadequate, way to monitor the course of disease. The method described here allows effective electrophoretic differentiation of monoclonal serum free light chain from polyclonal serum free light chains and provides a quantitation of the monoclonal serum free light chains in monitoring light chain monoclonal gammopathies.

A Pre-Existing Plasma Cell Disorder Occurs in Most Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1693-1693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan M Weiss ◽  
Pramvir Verma ◽  
Jude Abadie ◽  
Robin Howard ◽  
Michael Kuehl
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Walter Reed Army Medical ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Cell Disorder

Abstract Background. A pre-existing plasma cell disorder (PPCD), such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), is thought to be present in at least one-third of patients presenting with symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). However, no study has comprehensively evaluated the proportion of patients with MM that had a PPCD by laboratory testing on pre-diagnostic sera. Methods. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center autologous stem cell transplant database was cross-referenced with the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) database, which catalogs serum samples collected every 2 years on over 4 million active-duty service members. All samples 32 years prior to the diagnosis of MM were retrieved. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and serum free light chain analysis (sFLC) (The Binding Site, San Diego, CA) were performed on all samples. A PPCD was defined as a positive SPEP, IFE or abnormal sFLC ratio. Results. Serum samples prior to the diagnosis of MM were available for 30/90 patients, and the median number of samples per patient was 3.5 (range, 1–14). The median age at diagnosis of MM was 48.1 yrs (29–67), with 96% male, 53% Caucasian, and 47% African-American. The Ig isotype of MM was IgG 76%, IgD 10%, light-chain 7%, and non-secretory 7%. A PPCD was detected in 27/30 patients (90%, 95% CI 74–97%). The initial PPCD was detected by sFLC alone in 6/27 (22.2%), IFE alone 2/27 (7.4%), SPEP+IFE 5/27 (18.5%), SPEP+IFE+sFLC 13/27 (48.1%) and IFE+sFLC 1/27 (3.7%). There were 4 patients whose only positive sera was 2.5–3.5 years prior to diagnosis, with all preceding sera negative. Conclusions. First, a pre-existing plasma cell disorder is present in most MM patients at least 2.5 years prior to diagnosis. Second, consistent with published evidence for a small fraction of patients with high risk MGUS, 4/30 patients were documented to progress rapidly through an MGUS phase to MM. Third, 4/4 patients with light chain only or non-secretory MM had a PPCD that was detected only by sFLC, thereby indicating that all these tumors are preceded by a light chain only or non-secretory PPCD.

Monoclonal Gammopathy in An African American Cohort From a VA Medical Center.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4869-4869
Author(s):  
Avni M Desai ◽  
Richard L Amdur ◽  
Min-Ling L Liu ◽  
Joao Ascensao ◽  
Dalia Mobarek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Monoclonal Gammopathy ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Actuarial Risk ◽  
Cell Disorder ◽  
Bence Jones Proteinuria

Abstract Abstract 4869 The information regarding monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) derives mainly from studies of Caucasian individuals. In contrast, this study describes the characteristics of 492 African American (AA) male patients identified with MGUS from the electronic database at the Washington VAMC. Review of their individual electronic records showed that none of the patients initially had evidence of myeloma or other symptomatic plasma cell or lymphoproliferative disorder. The median age at diagnosis of MGUS was 68 years old (range 28.5 to 95.6 years). The distribution of monoclonal immunoglobulin (M Ig) subtypes were IgG 78.1%, IgA 14.8%, IgM 6.9%; light chain only in the urine 2.9% or in the serum 1.0%, The light chain distribution of the M Igs was 60% kappa, 40% lambda. Fifty-nine patients (12%) had diclonal and 4 (0.8%) had triclonal M Igs. The median amount of M Ig was 0.26 g/dL; 47.8% were too small to quantitate. Ninety-four (25.5%) of 368 tested had Bence-Jones proteinuria, with a similar kappa:lambda distribution and 4 patients showed both light chains. Clinical characteristics were as follows: hepatitis C 15.5%, HIV 5.1%, other significant infections 26.8%, and chronic autoimmune or inflammatory disorders 10.3%. The patients were followed clinically for a median of 4.1 years (range 0.35 to 21.02 years), and the median interval between the first and last electrophoresis was 1.41 years (range 0 to 19.97 years). During this period 21 patients (4.3%) progressed to a malignant plasma cell disorder (myeloma 20, solitary plasmacytoma 1). 133 patients (27.0%) died of other causes, and in 26 (5.3%) the M protein had resolved. The actuarial risk determined by a Kaplan Meier plot of progression to a symptomatic plasma cell disorder was 13.5 % at 11 years. The initial M Ig in the patients who progressed was IgG in 15, IgA in 4, and isolated BJ proteinuria in 2. The only recognized predicting characteristic for progression was the detection of Bence-Jones proteinuria at diagnosis of MGUS: Thirteen of 20 (65%) progressing patients tested were positive as compared to 81 of 348 (23.0%) of the non-progressors (p = .0003) A number of features distinguish this AA MGUS cohort from previous series of Caucasian patients. MGUS was detected at an earlier age: 8.9% (5.2% excluding HCV and HIV patients) were under the age of 50. The percentage of AA patients with very low level M proteins was more than threefold that previously reported. The percentage of patients with IgM M Ig was less than one-half noted in previous studies. The actuarial risk of progression to a symptomatic plasma cell disorder as calculated from a Kaplan Meier plot appears to be comparable to previous reports in predominantly Caucasian series. Dr. Desai worked on this project following completion of her internal medicine residency. She is now a Hematology Oncology fellow at Montefiore Medical Center, New York NY. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Comparison Of Hevylite™ Assay and Plasma Cell Immunophenotyping For Response Evaluation and Residual Disease Characterisation In IgA Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 5319-5319
Author(s):  
Daniela Lakomy ◽  
Stephanie Lemaire-Ewing ◽  
Cedric Rossi ◽  
Jessica Borgeot ◽  
Jean-Noël Bastie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Response Evaluation ◽  
Bone Marrow Plasma

Abstract Introduction The evaluation of multiple myeloma response to treatment as defined by international guidelines is currently based on morphologic examination of bone marrow plasma cells, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and serum free light chain assay. For several years new tools are available as bone marrow plasma cell immunophenotyping and the HevyliteTM assay. HevyliteTM IgA assay provides an automated evaluation of serum heavy/light chain ratio (HLC) of the involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin (Ig) (i.e. IgAΚ/IgAλ). This is particularly interesting in IgA myeloma where the use of SPEP is limited due to a frequent comigration of monoclonal IgA with other proteins. We therefore compared the IgA quantification by Hevylite™ assay and the bone marrow plasma cell immunophenotyping for response evaluation and residual disease characterisation in IgA myeloma. Methods Hevylite™ assay, SPEP, IFE were performed in eleven IgA myeloma patients at different times: after induction chemotherapy, after the consolidation phase and after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). In the same time, minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment was performed on bone marrrow by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC). Hevylite™ assay was performed on a Binding Site SPAplus analyser (Hevylite, Binding Site, Birmingham, UK) following the manufacturer recommendations. SPE and IFE were realized on Sebia Hydrasys analyser (Sebia, Evry, France) and results were read by two experienced biologists. Results 1. We found a perfect agreement between the IFE and immunophenotyping results at each time of evaluation, for positive results as for negative results. 2. The SPEP was contributive only in two patients and in these cases it was less sensitive than IFE. In the other patients, the monoclonal IgA migrated in beta region and/or as multiple bands, making the quantitative estimation difficult. 3. In all patients, when MRD by MFC was undetectable and IFE was negative, the HLC ratio was normal. 4. In 3 patients, HLC ratio was consistent with the IFE and MRD by MFC at each time of evaluation. Nevertheless, in 8 patients out of 11, while HLC ratio became normal, MRD by MFC and IFE were still positive. In all cases, the normalization of HLC ratio was followed, at the next step of evaluation, by the normalization of MFC and IFE. 5. In 5 patients, the normalization of HLC ratio occurred before ASCT, while IFE and MRD by MFC were still positive. Nevertheless, after ASCT, IFE and MRD by MFC became also negative, in accordance with the HLC ratio (Table 1). Conclusions During the evaluation of response to treatment of IgA myeloma, we observed a normalization of HLC ratio (Hevylite™ IgA assay) preceding the normalization of MRD by MFC and IFE. This could be explained by the fact that IFE and immunophenotyping provide very sensitive information but only on the monoclonal component. HLC ratio reflects the balance between the monoclonal and polyclonal Igs of involved and uninvolved isotype. A normalization of HLC ratio can be interpreted as an increasing polyclonal Ig proportion parallel with a decreasing monoclonal Ig proportion and may reflect the reconstitution of polyclonal plasma cells. If confirmed by other studies and long term follow-up, HLC ratio could be a non-invasive predictive marker of a good response in IgA myeloma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Natural History of Amyloidosis Isolated to Fat and Bone Marrow Aspirate

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 5303-5303
Author(s):  
Rajshekhar Chakraborty ◽  
Morie A. Gertz ◽  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Wilson I. Gonsalves ◽  
Ronald S. Go ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspirate ◽  
Systemic Amyloidosis ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Cell Disorder

Abstract Background: Light chain Amyloidosis (AL) is characterized by deposition of light chain derived amyloid fibrils in major organs and/or soft tissue. An observational study on natural history and outcome of localized immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis without vital organ (liver, heart, kidney, peripheral and autonomic nervous system) involvement has shown extremely low rate of progression (1%) to systemic amyloidosis at a median follow-up of 74.4 months (Mahmood S et al. The Lancet Haematology; 2015; 6:e241-e250). There is, however, limited evidence in published literature on natural history of AL amyloidosis confined to fat and/or bone marrow biopsy, without involvement of vital organs or other soft tissues. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with AL amyloidosis limited to fat and/or bone marrow aspirate in a single-institution database. Patients were evaluated for progression to systemic amyloidosis. Statistical analysis was done using JMP 10.0.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). Results: We identified 117 patients, with a median age of 70 years, who had light chain amyloidosis detected in abdominal fat aspirate and/or bone marrow biopsy, without systemic involvement. Amyloid was seen in fat only in 39%, marrow only in 54% and in both sites in 7%. The median follow up was 45.6 months (95% CI-38.1-57.7) from detection of amyloid. Of these, 64% were alive at the time of analysis. Among 117 patients, 65 were treated for a diagnosis of another plasma cell disorder made prior to or concurrent with detection of amyloid. The remaining 52 patients only had isolated fat or marrow amyloid. Among 65 patients with another diagnosis of plasma cell disorder requiring treatment, 3 progressed to systemic amyloidosis, one each with cardiac, renal and lymph node (LN) involvement detected at 32, 42 and 65 months respectively from the detection of amyloid. The first 2 patients had underlying multiple myeloma, and the third patient with LN involvement had underlying Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Among 52 patients without another diagnosis of a plasma cell disorder requiring treatment, at a median follow up of 32 months, no progression to systemic amyloidosis was observed. Median overall survival (OS) in 117 patients from detection of amyloid, using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, was 60.2 months (95% CI-48.9-146.1). Conclusion: Our study highlights the fact that isolated amyloidosis detected in fat and/or bone marrow aspirate, in the absence of another plasma cell dyscrasias that require therapy, is unlikely to progress to systemic amyloidosis. Watchful waiting might be considered in such patients after a thorough evaluation to rule out systemic involvement. Disclosures Gertz: Smith Kline: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding.

scholarly journals Incidentally Detected Amyloid Light-Chain Amyloidosis Caused by Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance: Possible Time-Dependent Change in Colonic Findings

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 737-746
Author(s):  
Toshiro Fukui ◽  
Yuji Tanimura ◽  
Yasushi Matsumoto ◽  
Shunsuke Horitani ◽  
Takashi Tomiyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Monoclonal Gammopathy ◽  
Amyloid Deposition ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Al Amyloidosis ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Amyloid Light Chain ◽  
Cell Disorder ◽  
Undetermined Significance

Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is associated with plasma cell disorder and monoclonal light chains. This type of amyloidosis is the prominent type involving the gastrointestinal tract. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the most common plasma cell disorder and a known precursor of more serious diseases. A 72-year-old male was treated for high blood pressure, diabetes, and gout at the clinic of a private physician. Due to a positive fecal occult blood test discovered during colon cancer screening, he underwent colonoscopy and was diagnosed with adenomatous polyps by biopsies. Two months later, he was referred to our hospital for endoscopic resection of the polyps. Although the polyps were successfully removed, a colonoscopy revealed two types of ulcerative lesions. Immunohistopathological evaluations obtained from these lesions and polyps confirmed amyloid deposition. Although esophagogastroduodenoscopy results were normal, a biopsy specimen from the patient’s stomach showed the same type of amyloid deposition. Immunoelectrophoresis showed M-proteins for anti-IgG-λ in the serum and λ type Bence-Jones protein in the urine. His blood, bone marrow, and urine test results led to a diagnosis of MGUS. A coronary angiography revealed multivessel stenosis, and the patient’s cardiac function improved after coronary artery stenting. Hereafter, a combination therapy with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is planned. This is a case report of systemic AL amyloidosis caused by MGUS, which was incidentally detected by colonoscopy.

scholarly journals Diagnosis and Management of Monoclonal Gammopathy and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 1720-1729
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Schmidt ◽  
Natalie S. Callander
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Monoclonal Gammopathy ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
The United States ◽  
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Risk Of Progression ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Monoclonal Proteins ◽  
Cell Disorder

The presence of monoclonal proteins is common, with a prevalence in the United States around 5% that increases with age. Although most patients are asymptomatic, most cases are caused by a clonal plasma cell disorder. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are asymptomatic precursor conditions with variable risk of progression to multiple myeloma. In recent years, significant progress has been made to better understand the factors that lead to the development of symptoms and progression to myeloma. This review summarizes the current diagnosis treatment guidelines for MGUS and SMM and highlights recent advances that underscore a shifting paradigm in the evaluation and management of plasma cell precursor conditions.

scholarly journals 2021 European Myeloma Network review and consensus statement on smoldering multiple myeloma: how to distinguish (and manage) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Haematologica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pellegrino Musto ◽  
Monika Engelhardt ◽  
Jo Caers ◽  
Niccolo’ Bolli ◽  
Martin Kaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Bone Marrow Plasma ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Cell Disorder ◽  
International Myeloma Working Group

According to the updated International Myeloma Working Group criteria, smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma cell disorder characterized by an M-component >3 g/dL, bone marrow plasma cell infiltration >10% and

Lenalidomide/Melphalan / Dexamethasone Chemotherapy In 50 Patients With Newly Diagnosed Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis: First Results Of a Prospective Single Center Phase 2 Study (Leomex)

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1993-1993
Author(s):  
Stefan O Schonland ◽  
Tilmann Bochtler ◽  
Axel Benner ◽  
Marianne Gawlik ◽  
Christoph Kimmich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Al Amyloidosis ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Amyloid Light Chain ◽  
Cell Disorder

Abstract Introduction Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and life-threatening protein-misfolding disorder that is causedin most cases by a monoclonal plasma cell disorder. The goal of chemotherapy is to normalize the involved free light chain in serum which leads to an improvement or at least stabilization of organ function in most of these patients. A major challenge is the high treatment-related mortalityand toxicity in patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis. Study design We performed a prospective single centerphase 2 trial with50 patients not eligible for high-dose treatment.Main inclusion criteria were: newly diagnosed and biopsy proven AL amyloidosis, significant organ involvement, age < 75 yrs and creatinine clearance > 40 ml/min. Treatment schedule was 6 cycles of an oral treatment with lenalidomide 10 mg day 1-21, melphalan 0.15 mg/kg day 1-4 and dexamethasone 20 mg day 1-4 every 4 weeks (L-M-dex). Primary endpoint was the rate of complete remissions (CR) of the underlying plasma cell disorder after 6 treatment cycles. Patients who received at least 3 cycles were eligible for hematologic remission (HR=CR+PR) analysis (At the time of study initiation “very good partial remission”in AL amyloidosis was not yet defined). The study was financially supported by Celgene. Patients and Methods Fiftypatients were included between 2009 and 2012. The median age was 67 years. 74% of patients had cardiac involvement. Outcome was compared with a historical group of 53 AL patients who received M-dex between 2004 and 2009 and fulfilled the same in- and exclusion criteria (patient characteristics see table). Results Forty-five patients (90%) completed 3 cycles and 35 patients (70%) completed 6 treatment cycles; overall 253 cycles could be administered. Reasons of discontinuation were toxicity in 6 patients (including one treatment-related death in the first cycle) or AL progression (9 patients). Ninety adverse events (AE) ≥ CTC grade 3 were recorded including 16 severe AEs. Seventeen hematologic AEs were observed (neutropenia 76%, CTC grade 4 in 2 patients). Most common non-hematologic AE was worsening of cardiac function or symptoms of autonomic neuropathy (14 patients). Furthermore 8 patients suffered from an infection, one patient developed acute renal failure and one patient a deep vein thrombosis. HR was achieved in 78% of patients: CR in 9 (20%)and PR in 26 (58%) of45 evaluable patients, respectively. Organ response was observed in 5 patients at the end of the study (6 months after the end of treatment). In the historical M-dex group HR rate was lower (58%, p=0.06): CR in 6 (15%)andPR in 17(43%) of 40 evaluable patients. OS was significantly improved using L-M-dex (see figure 1, median OS not reached vs. 26 mo., p=0.03). There was also a trend for a better EFS in the L-M-dex group (see figure 2, median EFS 23 vs. 16 mo., p=0.06). Of note, 3 L-M-dex patients (6%) died within 3 months after start of chemotherapy compared to 10 patients (19%) in the M-dex-group. Conclusion This is the largest phase II trial usinglenalidomide, melphalan and dexamethason in newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients. Treatment was effective and feasible in this cohort of mostly elderlypatients. 78% of evaluable patients achieved a hematologic remission. The early death rate was low with 6% despite of inclusion of a high number of patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis. Overall, toxicity was manageable in most patients. Further improvement of these results might be achieved by prolongation of therapy in patients who have responded to and tolerate this combination therapy well. Disclosures: Schonland: Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Off Label Use: lenalidomide in amyloidosis. Hegenbart:Janssen: Honoraria.

scholarly journals Dose-Intensive Melphalan With Blood Stem-Cell Support for the Treatment of AL (Amyloid Light-Chain) Amyloidosis: Survival and Responses in 25 Patients

Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 91 (10) ◽  
pp. 3662-3670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond L. Comenzo ◽  
Evan Vosburgh ◽  
Rodney H. Falk ◽  
Vaishali Sanchorawala ◽  
Johann Reisinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Al Amyloidosis ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorders ◽  
Plasma Cell Disorder ◽  
Amyloid Light Chain ◽  
Al Amyloid ◽  
Cell Disorder

Abstract AL (amyloid light-chain) amyloidosis is an uncommon plasma cell disorder in which depositions of amyloid light-chain protein cause progressive organ failure and death in a median of 13 months. Autologous stem-cell transplantation is effective therapy for multiple myeloma and therefore, we evaluated its efficacy for AL amyloidosis. Patients with adequate cardiac, pulmonary, and renal function had stem cells mobilized with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and were treated with dose-intensive intravenous melphalan (200 mg/m2). Response to therapy was determined by survival and improvement of performance status, complete response or persistence of the clonal plasma cell disorder, and change in the function of organs involved with amyloid at baseline. We enrolled 25 patients with a median age of 48 years (range, 29-60), all of whom had biopsy-proven amyloidosis with clonal plasma cell disorders. Twenty-two (88%) were Southwest Oncology Group performance status 1 or 2 within a year of diagnosis, and 16 (64%) had received no prior therapy. Predominant amyloid-related organ involvement was cardiac (n = 8), renal (n = 7), hepatic (n = 6), neuropathic (n = 3), and lymphatic (n = 1). Fifteen patients had one or two organ systems involved, whereas 10 had three or more involved. With a median follow-up of 24 months (12-38), 17 of 25 patients (68%) are alive, and the median survival has not been reached. Thirteen of 21 patients (62%) evaluated 3 months posttransplant had complete responses of their clonal plasma cell disorders. Currently, two thirds of the surviving patients (11 of 17) have experienced improvements of amyloid-related organ involvement in all systems, whereas 4 of 17 have stable disease. The improvement in the median performance status of the 17 survivors at follow-up (0 [range, 0-3]) is statistically significant versus baseline (2 [range, 1-3]; P < .01). Significant negative prognostic factors with respect to overall survival include amyloid involvement of more than two major organ systems and predominant cardiac involvement. Three patients have experienced relapses of the clonal plasma cell disorder at 12 and 24 months. Dose-intensive therapy should currently be considered as the preferred therapy for patients with AL amyloidosis who meet functional criteria for autologous transplantation.

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