Melphalan 140 mg/m is Safe and Effective for Frail and Older Multiple Myeloma Patients With Comparable Rates of Minimal Residual Disease Negativity.

Background: Despite therapeutic advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains challenging to treat effectively. High-dose melphalan (Mel200) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard treatment for transplant-eligible patients. Reduced-dose melphalan (Mel140) is an alternative for older or frail patients, yet its efficacy data remain unclear.

Immunoproteasome Activation Expands the MHC Class I Immunopeptidome, Unmasks Neoantigens, and Enhances T-cell Anti-Myeloma Activity.

Proteasomes generate antigenic peptides that are presented on the tumor surface to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Immunoproteasomes are highly specialized proteasome variants that are expressed at higher levels in antigen-presenting cells and contain replacements of the three constitutive proteasome catalytic subunits to generate peptides with a hydrophobic C-terminus that fit within the groove of MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules. A hallmark of cancer is the ability to evade immunosurveillance by disrupting the antigen presentation machinery and downregulating MHC-I antigen presentation.

The TGFβ type I receptor kinase inhibitor vactosertib in combination with pomalidomide in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a phase 1b trial.

Functional blockade of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway improves the efficacy of cytotoxic and immunotherapies. Here, we conducted a phase 1b study (ClinicalTrials.gov.

HDAC6 Inhibition Releases HR23B to Activate Proteasomes, Expand the Tumor Immunopeptidome and Amplify T-cell Antimyeloma Activity.

Unlabelled: Proteasomes degrade intracellular proteins to generate antigenic peptides that are recognized by the adaptive immune system and promote anticancer immunity. However, tumors subvert the antigen presentation machinery to escape immunosurveillance. We hypothesized that proteasome activation could concomitantly increase antigen abundance and diversity in multiple myeloma cells.

Impact of Visceral Obesity on Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Data Analysis of STaMINA (BMT CTN 0702) Trial.

Obesity is a common health problem in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). We conducted a secondary analysis of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized, controlled trial comparing outcomes of 3 treatment interventions after a single hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) (n = 758), to investigate the impact of visceral obesity, as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), on clinical outcomes and QoL in MM patients. A total of 549 MM patients, median age 55.

A multicenter study of posttransplantation low-dose inotuzumab ozogamicin to prevent relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The curative potential of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HCT) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is hampered by relapse. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) is an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody bound to calicheamicin, which has significant activity against ALL. We hypothesized that low-dose INO would be safe and feasible after allo-HCT.

Impact of Visceral Obesity on Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Data Analysis of STaMINA (BMT CTN 0702) Trial.

Obesity is a common health problem among multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and it has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL). We conducted a secondary analysis of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized, controlled trial comparing outcomes of three treatment interventions after a single hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), to investigate the impact of visceral obesity, as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), on clinical outcomes and QOL in MM patients. 549 MM patients, median age 55.

Machine Learning Approach for Rapid, Accurate Point-of-Care Prediction of M-Spike Values in Multiple Myeloma.

Purpose: The gold standard for monitoring response status in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is serum and urine protein electrophoresis which quantify M-spike proteins; however, the turnaround time for results is 3-7 days which delays treatment decisions. We hypothesized that machine learning (ML) could integrate readily available clinical and laboratory data to rapidly and accurately predict patient M-spike values.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed using the deidentified, electronic medical records of 171 patients with MM.

Vactosertib, a novel TGF-β1 type I receptor kinase inhibitor, improves T-cell fitness: a single-arm, phase 1b trial in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Functional blockade of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway improves the efficacy of cytotoxic and immunotherapies. We conducted a phase 1b study to determine the safety, efficacy, and maximal tolerated dose (200 mg po bid) of the potent, orally-available TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor vactosertib in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma patients who had received ≥2 lines of chemoimmunotherapy. Vactosertib combined with pomalidomide was well-tolerated at all doses, had a manageable adverse event profile and induced durable responses with 80% progression-free survival (PFS-6) at 6 months, while pomalidomide alone historically achieved 20% PFS-6.

Randomized Phase II Trial of Dendritic Cell/Myeloma Fusion Vaccine with Lenalidomide Maintenance after Upfront Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: BMT CTN 1401.

Purpose: Vaccination with dendritic cell (DC)/multiple myeloma (MM) fusions has been shown to induce the expansion of circulating multiple myeloma-reactive lymphocytes and consolidation of clinical response following autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (auto-HCT).

Patients And Methods: In this randomized phase II trial (NCT02728102), we assessed the effect of DC/MM fusion vaccination, GM-CSF, and lenalidomide maintenance as compared with control arms of GM-CSF and lenalidomide or lenalidomide maintenance alone on clinical response rates and induction of multiple myeloma-specific immunity at 1-year posttransplant.

Results: The study enrolled 203 patients, with 140 randomized posttransplantation.

Targeted Marrow Irradiation Intensification of Reduced-Intensity Fludarabine/Busulfan Conditioning for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens frequently provide insufficient disease control in patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated intensification of fludarabine/busulfan (Flu/Bu) RIC with targeted marrow irradiation (TMI) in a dose escalation with expansion phase I clinical trial. TMI doses were delivered at 1.

Deciphering mechanisms of immune escape to inform immunotherapeutic strategies in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant plasma cells nurtured within a permissive bone marrow microenvironment. While patients mount numerous adaptive immune responses directed against their disease, emerging data demonstrate that tumor intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms allow myeloma cells to subvert host immunosurveillance and resist current therapeutic strategies. Myeloma downregulates antigens recognized by cellular immunity and modulates the bone marrow microenvironment to promote uncontrolled tumor proliferation, apoptotic resistance, and further hamper anti-tumor immunity.

Comparison of Cilta-cel, an Anti-BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy, Versus Conventional Treatment in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

Background: In the single-arm, phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), an anti-B-cell maturation antigen chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, showed encouraging efficacy in US patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who previously received an immunomodulatory drug, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (triple-class exposed).

Patients And Methods: A dataset of US patients refractory to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (MAMMOTH) was used to identify patients who would meet eligibility for CARTITUDE-1 and received subsequent non-CAR-T therapy. The intent-to-treat (ITT) population in CARTITUDE-1 included patients who underwent apheresis (N = 113); the modified ITT (mITT) population was the subset who received cilta-cel (n = 97).

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in Patients 80 Years and Older: Worse Survival After Treatment Without Increased Relapse Rates.

Background: Age is an adverse prognostic factor in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but there are limited data on the outcomes of patients' ≥80 years, including those treated with dose reduced chemoimmunotherapy.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 542 patients, 85 (16%) were ≥80 years of age.

Results: Although the very elderly group had more frequent comorbidities and decreased performance status, 89% received therapy.

Physical Activity and Sleep Measures Using a Fitness Tracking Device during Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) experience decline in their physical activity during their transplant admission. There is limited experience with prospective monitoring of transplant recipients. We therefore measured physical activity and sleep patterns of subjects undergoing autologous and allogeneic HCT.

Novel therapies emerging in oncology to target the TGF-β pathway.

The TGF-β signaling pathway governs key cellular processes under physiologic conditions and is deregulated in many pathologies, including cancer. TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that acts in a cell- and context-dependent manner as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor. As a tumor promoter, the TGF-β pathway enhances cell proliferation, migratory invasion, metastatic spread within the tumor microenvironment and suppresses immunosurveillance.

Socioeconomic Factors and Survival of Multiple Myeloma Patients.

Background: Outcome of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients has improved as the result of the introduction of novel medications and use of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, this improvement comes at the expense of increased financial burden. It is largely unknown if socioeconomic factors influence MM survival.

DNA methylation inhibition in myeloma: Experience from a phase 1b study of low-dose continuous azacitidine in combination with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacytidine (aza) may reactivate pathways associated with plasma cell differentiation, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and immune recognition and thereby restore sensitivity to lenalidomide (len) and dexamethasone (dex) in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We aimed to develop an aza regimen that reaches epigenetically active levels 8 times in 28 days with less bone marrow toxicity than the myeloid malignancy standard of 7 consecutive doses to enable safe combination with len. Aza was escalated from 30 mg/m once a week up to a predefined maximum of 50 mg/m twice a week in combination with GFR-adjusted len (≥ 60 mL/min: 25 mg, 3059 mL/min: 10 mg) day 1 to 21 every 28 days and dex 40 mg once a week followed by a limited expansion study to a total N of 23 at the highest tolerated dose.

Efficacy and cost-benefit of filgrastim administered after early assessment bone marrow biopsy during induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

The role of filgrastim during acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induction therapy remains controversial. At our institution, newly diagnosed AML patients from 2003 through 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were stratified on whether they received filgrastim within 5 days after early assessment bone marrow (BMBx) and divided into early GCSF group (eGCSF) and no-eGCSF group.