Impact of quality of response on survival outcomes among multiple myeloma patients treated with novel agents - a retrospective analysis

Abstract BACKGROUND: In this era of target therapies, novel data on the correlation between response endpoints and survival outcomes in multiple myeloma have arisen. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of quality of response on clinical outcomes, using first-line treatment, and identify risk factors influencing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among myeloma patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis on myeloma patients who were treated at the Clinic of Hematology and Clinical Immunology, University Clinical Centre, Niš, Serbia, over a four-year period. METHODS: A total of 108 newly diagnosed patients who received first-line therapy consisting of conventional chemotherapy or novel agent-based regimens were included in this analysis. RESULTS: The quality of response to first-line therapy for the whole cohort was classified as follows: complete response (CR) in 19%; very good partial response (VGPR) in 23%; partial response (PR) in 38%; and less than PR for the remaining patients. After a median follow-up of 25.4 months, the three-year PFS and OS for the entire study population were 47% and 70%, respectively. Achievement of CR was the main factor associated with significantly prolonged PFS and OS, in comparison with patients who reached VGPR and PR. Likewise, addition of the new drugs bortezomib and thalidomide to standard chemotherapy led to considerably extended PFS and OS, compared with conventional therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrated that the quality of response after application of first-line treatment using novel agent-based regimens among multiple myeloma patients was a prognostic factor for PFS and OS, which are the most clinically relevant outcomes.

Aportes de la tomografía por emisión de positrones con 18F-fluorodesoxiglucosa/tomografía computada en el diagnóstico de compromiso extramedular por mieloma múltiple en Uruguay / 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in extramedullary multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND: 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET-CT) has a high sensitivity and specificity to detect medullary and extramedullary lesions in multiple myeloma (MM). AIM: To describe the findings of PET-CT in extramedullary multiple myeloma (EMM) at diagnosis and at relapse, and correlate its results with clinical variables, response to treatment and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of medical records and PET-CT reports of 39 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who had at least one PET-CT study, treated between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2019 at a clinical hospital. RESULTS: The Standard Uptake Values for each hypermetabolic lesion were not described in PET-CT reports. Fifteen patients had an EMM and in eight, without a previous clinical suspicion, PET-TC lead to the diagnosis. The mortality rate in the 39 patients with MM was 46%. Sixty seven percent of deaths occurred in patients with EMM. CONCLUSIONS: PET-TC was useful to diagnose EMM. However, a standardization in PETCT reports would be required to unify criteria. As previously reported, EMM had a greater aggressiveness and lower survival.

Cross-cultural translation and adaptation of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Multiple Myeloma tool - MM1 and LEU3 - for Portuguese

ABSTRACT Objective To describe of the translation from English to Portuguese and adaption process of subitems of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Multiple Myeloma. Methods In the first phase, translations from English into Portuguese of two subitems of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Multiple Myeloma were performed. Subsequently, a consensus and back translation were conducted, and, finally, translation and back translations were reviewed by four independent bilingual experts. In the second phase, the translated subitems were applied, along with a questionnaire, to 10 native Portuguese speakers patients with multiple myeloma. Results There was a recognition of the translation process in its first version applied to 10 patients with multiple myeloma, whose reported no difficult to understand the translated and validated instrument. Patients also did not find the content irrelevant or offensive, and they did not suggested changes. Conclusion The subitems of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Multiple Myeloma were translated from English into Portuguese following the proposed methodology and there was not need of readjustments. This process allowed this instrument of quality of life, which is widely known to be beneficial in the management of patients with multiple myeloma, to be used among our population.

Research Advances in Multiple Myeloma with Chromosome 1q21 Amplification / 中国实验血液学杂志

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of hematologic malignancy occurring in plasma cells. Cytogenetic technique plays an important role in risk stratification of MM. 1q21 amplification is one of the common chromosomal abnormalities in MM. Studies have shown that 1q21 amplification is associated with poor prognosis in MM patients. At present, with the development of new drugs, cellular immunotherapy, and improvement of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation technology, the remission depth and survival time of MM significantly increased. Rapid and accurate identification of high-risk patients and individualized treatment according to the patient's condition is the key to improve the therapeutic effect of MM. This article reviews the mechanism of 1q21 amplification in MM and the efficacy of new drugs in the treatment of MM with 1q21 chromosome amplification.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma under Different Frailty Scores / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy and safety of different chemotherapy regimens in elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients with different Frailty scores.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of elderly patients with MM were retrospectively analyzed, including age, treatment regimen, efficacy, adverse reactions, and the Frailty score included in the activity of daily living score, the instrumental activity of daily living scale and the Charlson comorbidity index. The patients were divided into fit group, mediate fit group and frail group according to the scoring standard. The treatment efficiency and adverse reaction rates of elderly MM with different physical conditions treated by different chemotherapy regimens were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 70 patients, the effective rates of the patients in fit group, the mediate fit group, and the frail group were 79.5%, 81%, and 40%, and the effective rates of the fit patients in double and triple groups were 54.5% and 89.3%, 70% and 90.9% for mediate fit patients, 42.9% and 33.3% for frail patients, the triple regimen in fit patients showed obvious advantages, and the difference showed statistically significant (P<0.05), while the efficacy for mediate patients and frail patients showed no significant difference. During the induction of bortezomib, the incidence of adverse reactions for the patients in the triple group (78.6%) was higher than 67.9% in the double group, and the difference showed no statistically significant (P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the 1-year overall survival rate of the patients and with molecular genetic abnormalities among each groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect is related to the patient's physical condition. For patients with healthy physique, the triple regimen should be used first. For patients with weak physical constitution, the chemotherapy regimen with low drug toxicity should be selected for safety.

A Propensity Score Matching Study of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and New Drug Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy, survival, and prognosis of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with new drug chemotherapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in the new drug era.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 149 patients with NDMM treated with new drug induction regimen in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2012 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four patients who received ASCT were in ASCT group, and 125 patients who did not receive ASCT were in non-ASCT group. The median follow-up time was 43 (1-90) months. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to balance confounding factors, then depth of response, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups were compared and subgroup analysis was performed.@*RESULTS@#After matching, the covariates were balanced between the two groups. Fifty-one patients (15 cases in ASCT group and 36 cases in non-ASCT group) were included. ASCT patients had a better complete response (CR) rate than non-ASCT patients receiving maintenance therapy (93.3% vs 42.3%, P=0.004), while there were no statistical differences in deep response rate and overall response rate (ORR) between the two groups (93.3% vs 65.4%, P=0.103; 93.3% vs 96.2%, P=1.000). Before matching, the 3 and 5-year PFS rate and median PFS (mPFS) in ASCT group and non-ASCT group were [89.6% vs 66.5%, P=0.024; 69.8% vs 42.7%; non-response (NR) vs 51.0 months], and the 3 and 5-year OS rate and median OS (mOS) were (100% vs 70.6%, P=0.002; 92.3% vs 49.6%; NR vs 54.0 months). After matching, the 3 and 5-year PFS rate and mPFS in ASCT group and non-ASCT group were (83.6% vs 61.7%, P=0.182; 62.7% vs 45.7%; NR vs 51.0 months), the 3 and 5-year OS rate and mOS were (100% vs 65.6%, P=0.018; 88.9% vs 46.9%; NR vs 51.0 months). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with mSMART 3.0 high risk stratification, the 3-year PFS rate and mPFS in ASCT group and non-ASCT group were (83.3% vs 41.5%, P=0.091; NR vs 34.0 months), and the 3-year OS rate and mOS were (100% vs 41.5%, P=0.034; NR vs 34.0 months). Patients with mSMART 3.0 standard risk stratification, the 3-year PFS rate and OS rate in ASCT group and non-ASCT group were (83.3% vs 76.8%, P=0.672; 100% vs 87.2%, P=0.155). The 3-year PFS and OS rate in MM patients who achieved deep response within 3 months after transplantation compared with non-ASCT patients who achieved deep response after receiving maintenance therapy were (83.1% vs 56.7%, P=0.323; 100% vs 60.5%, P=0.042), and the 3-year PFS and OS rate in patients who achieved overall response in both groups were (83.1% vs 62.5%, P=0.433; 100% vs 68.1%, P=0.082). After matching, Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that mSMART 3.0 risk stratification and ASCT were independent prognostic factors for OS.@*CONCLUSION@#In the new drug era, ASCT can increase CR rate and prolong OS of NDMM patients. ASCT patients who are mSMART 3.0 high risk stratification or achieved deep response within 3 months after transplantation have better OS than non-ASCT patients receiving new drug chemotherapy. ASCT and mSMART 3.0 risk stratification are independent prognostic factors for OS in NDMM patients.

Establishment and comparison of three human multiple myeloma cell line transplantation models in mice / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To establish three types of xenotransplantation models using human myeloma cell lines ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 and to compare the proliferation, tumor load, and biological characteristics of the three types of cells after transplantation. Methods: Suspensions of human myeloma cell lines ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 were implanted into NOD/SCID mice by subcutaneous injection or tail vein injection. The survival of the mice was observed weekly, and the tumor load was measured. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD138(+) cells in tumor tissue or the mouse bone marrow. CD138(+) cells and light chains were detected by immunofluorescence. Light chains in bone marow and peipheral blood were measured by ELISA, and bone disease was assessed by micro-CT. Results: Mice injected with ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 cells all formed tumors subcutaneously in about 2 weeks. Immunofluorescence detection supported plasma cell tumors. Kappa light chains were detected in the peripheral blood of ARP1 mice on day 20 after tail vein transplantation (8.2±1.0 ng/ml) . After 6 weeks of tail vein transplantation, mice in the ARP1 group showed signs of weight loss, mental depression, and dragging legs, and human CD138(+)CD38(+) cells were detected in the bone marrow (BM) . Furthermore, bortezomib (BTZ) treatment given once the tumor was established significantly reduced the tumor burden[ (5.7±0.2) % vs (21.3±2.1) %, P<0.01]. Human CD138(+)CD38(+) cells were not detected in the BM of the MM.1S or NCI-H929 groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the mouse models constructed by the three cell lines (ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929) can be used as models for the pathogenesis and clinical research of MM.

Efficacy and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in elderly multiple myeloma patients: a single center retrospective study / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in elderly patients (≥65 years old) with multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: From June 1, 2006 to July 31, 2020, 22 MM patients (≥65 years old) who were diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University and received novel drug induction followed by auto-HSCT were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were evaluated for important organ functions before transplantation, and the International Myeloma Working Group frail score was used in 2016 to screen out transplant-eligible patients. Results: The median (interquartile range, IQR) age at the time of transplantation of the 22 patients was 66.75 (IQR 4.50) years. A total of 20 patients received stem cell mobilization. The median number of mononuclear cells collected was 4.53×10(8)/kg, that of CD34(+) cells was 3.37×10(6)/kg, and the median number of apheresis procedures performed was 2. After stem cell transfusion, the median time of neutrophil implantation was 11 days, that of platelet implantation was 13 days, and the treatment-related mortality was 0 at 100 days after transplantation. The median follow-up was 48.7 months. The median time to progression time was not reached, and the median overall survival time was 111.8 months. Conclusion: Auto-HSCT is a safe and effective treatment for selected elderly patients of 65 years or older with MM.

Results of the daratumumab monotherapy early access treatment protocol in patients from Brazil with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Daratumumab is a CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody with established efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We report results of an early access protocol (EAP) of daratumumab monotherapy for RRMM in a cohort of Brazilian patients. Methods: Patients with RRMM and ≥3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or who were double refractory to both a PI and IMiD received daratumumab, 16 mg/kg, intravenously weekly for 8 weeks, biweekly for 16 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, loss of clinical benefit, or study conclusion or if daratumumab became available with reimbursement. Results: Forty-nine patients received ≥1 dose of daratumumab. The median (range) duration of treatment was 6.4 (0.3-11.8) months, with a median (range) of 8 (1-13) treatment cycles. Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 38.8% of patients, most frequently neutropenia and pneumonia (10.2% each). Seven (14.3%) patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs; 3 patients discontinued due to daratumumab-related TEAEs. Serious TEAEs occurred in 38.8% of patients. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 25 (51.0%) patients, were primarily grade 1/2, and the majority (23 patients) occurred during the first infusion. Twenty (40.8%) patients achieved a partial response or better; median progression-free survival was 8.25 (95% confidence interval, 5.55-17.54) months. Conclusion: In this EAP, daratumumab monotherapy in Brazilian patients showed a safety and efficacy profile consistent with clinical studies of daratumumab monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02477891.

Cyclophosphamide-glucocorticoids versus lenalidomide-dexamethasone as treatment for multiple myeloma at first relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation - a retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT There have been significant improvements in therapeutic options for relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) over the past two decades, with many novel agents including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and more recently monoclonal antibodies demonstrating efficacy in this setting. However, there is a paucity of real-world data comparing outcomes seen in patients treated with novel agents as opposed to older agents. We report a historical single center cohort of patients diagnosed with myeloma between the years 1991-2012 in order to explore possible differences in outcomes. A total of 139 patients who underwent stem cell transplantation were included in our study. In our study, 88 patients were treated with cyclophosphamide and steroids alone at relapse whereas 51 patients were treated with Len-Dex. In the multivariate analysis, TTNT was shorter for patients who received Cyclo compared to Len-Dex (HR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01-2.99; p = 0.04); however, we could not detect an overall survival benefit (HR = 1.20; 95% CI 0.63-2.29; p = 0.57). Adverse event rates were similar in the two groups. In this retrospective single center analysis, Len-Dex was associated with longer TTNT compared with Cyclo at first relapse following autoSCT in MM; however its effect on overall survival in this setting was less clear.

Prospective identification of potential factors influencing stem cell mobilization and the necessity for plerixafor use in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation

ABSTRACT Introduction: To study the efficacy and safety of single large volume leukapheresis by using generic G-CSF or G-CSF plus Plerixafor in achieving adequate stem cell yield and various factors influencing thereof in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant . Method: This prospective study was undertaken among 55 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant and aged between 18 and 75 years. Mobilization and harvesting of stem cells were performed by using GCSF or GCSF plus Plerixafor and large volume leukapheresis, respectively. A stem cell yield of ≥2 × 106 kg-1 and the number of apheresis procedures were primary efficacy endpoints, while the ideal stem cells yield >5 × 106 kg-1, the engraftment day and D100 response/graft sustainability were secondary endpoints. Result: The primary endpoint was achieved in all cases in both the groups by using a single LVL leukapheresis procedure. Fulfillment of all the secondary endpoints was satisfactory and comparable in both the groups. Age, pre-apheresis CD34+ count and number of interruptions during the LVL were significant factors influencing the stem cell yield (p < 0.05). Adverse drug reactions during the apheresis and post-ASCT period were manageable. Conclusion: The LVL is safe and cost-effective in attaining a minimum of CD34+ cells in a single procedure with manageable adverse reactions. Judicious intervention during the procedure may be helpful in ensuring the adequate yield.

Encefalite herpética associada a mieloma múltiplo: desafio diagnóstico / Herpetic encephalitis associated with multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge

O mieloma múltiplo é a segunda neoplasia onco-hematológica mais comum, correspondendo a 1% das neoplasias malignas. Trata-se de uma condição subdiagnosticada, assim como a encefalite herpética. Entretanto, é comum a relação do mieloma com infecções, em decorrência do acometimento da imunidade humoral. A encefalite viral herpética tem como principal agente o vírus do herpes simples 1. O caso foi descrito baseado em um raciocínio clínico, visando contribuir para uma melhor caracterização do quadro clínico e do diagnóstico de duas entidades clínicas que possuem baixa suspeição diagnóstica e elevada morbimortalidade. Durante o curso da investigação, foram propostas variadas etiologias como responsáveis pelo rebaixamento do nível de consciência, levando a uma pesquisa de um espectro mais amplo de hipóteses diagnósticas, as quais precederam a confirmação do diagnóstico final. O quadro clínico atípico descrito apresentou obstáculos à suspeição diagnóstica correta, pois a ausência dos sinais e sintomas característicos de ambas as doenças levaram à pesquisa de um arsenal mais amplo de diagnósticos diferenciais. Assim, o atraso no diagnóstico e o início tardio do tratamento foram fatores que contribuíram para o prognóstico reservado do paciente. A associação dessas doenças é pouco descrita na literatura, de modo que mais estudos acerca do assunto se fazem necessários. (AU)

Multiple myeloma is the second most common onco-hematologic neoplasm, accounting for 1% of malignant neoplasms. As herpetic encephalitis, it is an underdiagnosed condition. However, the relation of myeloma with infections is common, due to the involvement of humoral immunity. Herpetic encephalitis has as its main etiological agent the herpes simplex virus 1. The case was described based on a clinical reasoning, aiming to contribute to a better characterization of the clinical picture and diagnosis of two entities that have low rates of diagnostic suspicion and high rates of morbidity and mortality. During the course of investigation, several etiologies were proposed as responsible for the decreased level of consciousness, leading to a search for a broader range of diagnostic hypotheses, which preceded confirmation of the final diagnosis. The atypical clinical picture described presented obstacles to the correct diagnostic suspicion, as the absence of symptoms and signs characteristic of both diseases led to the search for a broader arsenal of differential diagnoses. Thus, delayed diagnosis and late treatment were factors that contributed to the patient's reserved prognosis. The association of these diseases is poorly described in the literature, so further studies on that subject are required. (AU)

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy and Prognosis of Long-Term Maintenance Lenalidomide Therapy in Patients with Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated by long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 97 patients diagnosed as MM in the Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from 2012 to 2019 were selected, and the basic clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators of the patients were tested and evaluated. After long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment for patients with MM, the short-term and long-term clinical efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions were evaluated, and factors affecting the prognosis of the patients were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Before maintenance treatment, 47.42% of the patients (46/97) did not achieve complete remission (CR), among 52.58% (51/97) of CR patients, there were 20.62% of the patients showed minimal residual leukemia (MRD) negative. After lenalidomide maintenance treatment, the patients who did not achieve CR were reduced to 24.74% (24/97), among 75.26% (73/97) of the patients with CR, there were 47.42% of the patients showed MRD negative, the difference showed statistically significant (P<0.001). After maintenance treatment, the median pro-gression-free survival of the patients was 58 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 89.69%. The incidence of adverse reactions was 40.21% (39/97), including neutropenia (31/39, 79.49%), fatigue (21/39, 53.85%), thrombocytopenia (17/39, 43.59%) and gastrointestinal reaction (15/39, 38.46%) were the most common. The discontinuation rate was 24.74% (24/97), and the median time for discontinuation was 21 months. The main reasons for discontinuation were neutropenia (12/24, 50.00%) , thrombocytopenia (8/24, 33.33%) and gastrointestinal reactions accounted for 8.33% (2/24). Old age and positive MRD were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of the patients. The adjusted OR was 1.43 (95% CI 1.03-1.76, P=0.034) and 3.78 (95% CI 2.56-9.56, P=0.037), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment shows a good clinical effect on patients with MM, and MRD detection can assist the cilinical judge the prognosis of the patients. During maintenance treatment, the clinical symptoms, especially blood system damage of the patients should be take care, so as to avoid serious adverse reactions.

Analysis on Related Factors of Pulmonary Infection in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the risk factors, distribution of pathogenic strains and tolerance of pulmonary infection in patients with multiple myeloma(MM) during bortezomib chemotherapy.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 85 patients with multiple myeloma treated by bortezomib in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 was analyzed. The patients were divided into infection group and control group according to whether they were infected. The tolerance, pathogen distribution, and related risk factors were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Pulmonary infection rate was 55.29% in 85 MM patients. The proportions of the patients with anemia, neutropenia, and ECOG score ≥2 points in the infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In this study, 30 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected, with gram-negative bacteria accounting for 60%, gram-positive bacteria for 33.33%, fungi for 3.3% and tuberculosis bacteria for 3.3%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella pneumoniae, streptococcus pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus accounted showed the highest proportion. Most of MM patients with pulmonary infection showed a heterprognosis after two weeks antibiotic treatment, while 3 patients died. About 30 percent of early deaths were due to pulmonary infections.@*CONCLUSION@#Anemia, neutropenia, ECOG score ≥2 points are the major clinical characteristics of the multiple myeloma patients with pulmonary infections. Pulmonary infection is an important cause of early death in patients with multiple myeloma. Pathogenic bacteria are mainly composed of gram-negative bacteria. Beta-lacta/ beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations or Carbapenems are effective empiric treatment for controlling the progression of pulmonary infection.

Clinical Characteristic, Prognosis and Treatment Outcome of Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients with Impaired Renal Function / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the risk factors, prognosis and curative effect of elderly patients with MM renal damage.@*METHODS@#118 patients with primary elderly MM treated in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2018, were enrolled analyzed retrospectively. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of renal function impairment group (RI group) and normal renal function group (non-RI group) were compared. The difference of renal efficacy and survival benefit between the patients treated with bortezomib, thalidomide (combination group) and chemotherapy regimen containing only one of them (single drug group) in RI group was compared.@*RESULTS@#Univariate analysis showed that DS stage, pulmonary infection, uric acid, β @*CONCLUSION@#The prognosis of elderly MM patients with impaired renal function is poor. The prognosis of these patients can be improved by selecting chemotherapy regimen containing bortezomib and thalidomide at the same time, and monitoring, controlling all kinds of risk factors actively.

Short-Term Efficacy and Safety Profile of Generic Bortezomib in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of generic bortezomib in the treatment of Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM).@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 62 MM patients (median age of 62 years) who had accepted at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy based on generic bortezomib in our center from December 2017 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 47 newly diagnosed patients and 15 with disease recurrence or progression.@*RESULTS@#Anemia, renal dysfunction, hypoproteinemia and high level of β @*CONCLUSION@#The disease severity can be rapidly alleviated after generic bortezomib-based chemotherapy, and a favorable short-term efficacy and survival have been observed with a generally acceptable toxicity profile. However, the long-term outcomes will be examined through further follow-up.

Clinical Analysis of 25 Non-Transplanted Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Bortezomib Maintenance / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the efficacy, survival and adverse effects of non-transplanted multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with bortezomib maintenance.@*METHODS@#A total of 25 newly diagnosed/relapsed non-transplanted MM patients treated in West District of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from June 2004 to November 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients received PD regimen (bortezomib and dexamethasone), including bortezomib at a dose of 1.3 mg/m@*RESULTS@#Till November 1, 2017, 5 patients achieved stringent complete response (sCR), 8 patients achieved complete response (CR), 7 patients achieved very good partial response (VGPR), 4 patients achieved partial reponse (PR), while 1 patient achieved stable disease (SD). After maintenance therapy, 21 patients maintained the efficacy above PR, of which 1 patient was improved from CR to sCR; 4 patients adjusted chemotherapy after disease progressed. Median maintenance therapy was 9 cycles (range from 6 to 31), and the median maintenance time was 27 months (range from 18 to 97). Median follow-up time was 73 months (range from 25 to 171). Median progress-free survival (PFS) time was 30 months (range from 9 to 105) and overall survival (OS) time was 57 months (range from 27 to 160). Till November 1, 2019, 3-year survival rate was 84% (21/25), and 5-year survival rate was 72% (13/18). The most common adverse events were transient leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy, which the patients could tolerate after the prevention and treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Bortezomib-based maintenance therapy for non-transplanted MM patients can be an option in consideration of its safety and efficacy.

Artritis séptica de la rodilla como forma de presentación de mieloma múltiple / Septic Arthritis of the Knee as a Presentation of Multiple Myeloma

RESUMEN Introducción: El mieloma múltiple constituye una proliferación maligna de las células plasmáticas derivadas de un solo clon. El tumor, sus productos y la respuesta del paciente ocasionan diversos trastornos funcionales orgánicos y síntomas como dolores óseos o fracturas, insuficiencia renal, predisposición a infecciones, anemia, hipercalcemia y, en ocasiones, trastornos de la coagulación, síntomas neurológicos y manifestaciones vasculares de hiperviscosidad. Objetivo: Presentar un caso infrecuente teniendo en cuenta que la infección aguda como forma de presentación inicial de mieloma es poco usual. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un caso de un paciente de 61 años de edad, ingresado en el servicio de ortopedia en tres ocasiones diferentes y operado de artritis séptica de la rodilla izquierda en estas tres oportunidades. Se mantuvieron los elementos inflamatorios locales a nivel de la articulación, fiebre recurrente, anemia y eritrosedimentación acelerada. Conclusiones: Los estudios hematológicos específicos confirmaron el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple. Se comenzó tratamiento de inducción a la remisión para esta enfermedad con melfalán y prednisona; se logró mejoría del cuadro infeccioso al concluir el primer ciclo de esta intervención terapéutica(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Multiple myeloma constitutes a malignant proliferation of plasma cells derived from a single clone. The tumor, its products, and the patient's response cause various organic functional disorders and symptoms such as bone pain or fractures, kidney failure, predisposition to infections, anemia, hypercalcemia, and sometimes coagulation disorders, neurological symptoms, and vascular manifestations of hyperviscosity. Objective: To present a rare case, taking into account that acute infection as the initial presentation of myeloma is unusual. Case report: We report a case of a 61-year-old patient, admitted to the orthopedic service on three different occasions and operated on for septic arthritis of the left knee, in every occasions. The local inflammatory elements at the joint level, recurrent fever, anemia and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation were still present. Conclusions: Specific hematological studies confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Induction-to-remission treatment for this disease was started with melphalan and prednisone; improvement of the infection was achieved at the conclusion of the first cycle of this therapeutic intervention(AU)

Síndrome de hiperviscosidade em paciente com mieloma múltiplo / Hyperviscosity syndrome in multiple myeloma patients

O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia progressiva e incurável de células B, caracterizado pela proliferação desregulada e clonal de plasmócitos na medula óssea. A síndrome de hiperviscosidade é uma das complicações relacionadas às gamopatias monoclonais, sendo considerada emergência oncológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o quadro clínico de um paciente diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo que apresentou síndrome de hiperviscosidade, avaliando a prevalência de sinais e sintomas, bem como características fisiopatológicas dessa entidade clínica. Foi revisado o prontuário de um paciente internado na enfermaria da Clínica Médica do Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) no período de junho a julho de 2018. Além disso, foi realizada revisão de literatura em base de dados (PubMed®) direcionada ao tema proposto. O diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo foi comprovado por mielograma, sendo prontamente iniciada a corticoterapia e avaliada a resposta clínica após essa terapêutica. Apesar de incomum e menos frequentemente relacionada ao mieloma múltiplo, a síndrome de hiperviscosidade está relacionada a uma grande taxa de mortalidade quando apresenta diagnóstico tardio. A terapia de primeira linha indicada para a síndrome de hiperviscosidade foi a plasmaferese, no entanto, as condições clínicas (instabilidade hemodinâmica) impossibilitaram sua realização. O desfecho deste caso foi o óbito do paciente. Concluiu-se que o diagnóstico precoce e a intervenção terapêutica estão diretamente relacionados à ocorrência de menor incidência de complicações relacionadas ao mieloma múltiplo e à síndrome de hiperviscosidade.

Multiple myeloma is a progressive and incurable B-cell neoplasm characterized by unregulated and clonal proliferation of plasmocytes in the bone marrow. Hyperviscosity syndrome is one of the complications related to monoclonal gammopathies and is considered an oncological emergency. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical condition of a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma who presented hyperviscosity syndrome, evaluating the prevalence of symptoms and signs, as well as the pathophysiological characteristics of this clinical entity. The medical records of a patient admitted to the Internal Medicine ward of the Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) from June to July of 2018 were reviewed. In addition, we conducted a literature review in a database (PubMed®) directed to the theme proposed. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was confirmed by myelogram, and corticosteroid therapy was promptly initiated and the clinical response was evaluated after this therapy. Although uncommon and less frequently related to multiple myeoloma, hyperviscosity syndrome is related to a high mortality rate when diagnosed late. The first line therapy indicated to hyperviscosity syndrome was plasmapheresis; however, the clinical conditions (hemodynamic instability) precluded its performance. The outcome of this case was the patient's death. Thus, it was concluded that early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are directly related to the occurrence of lower incidence of complications related to multiple myeloma and hyperviscosity syndrome.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Herpes Zoster in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore and analyze the risk factors of herpes zoster in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) during the chemotherapy with bortezomib.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 85 MM patients treated with bontizomib from January 2015 to January 2019 were selected and divided into case group and control group accroding to the occurred of herpes zoster. The clinical characteristic, treatment outcome and related factor of herpes zoster were retrospective analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Twenty of the 85 patients with MM treated with bortezomib developed herpes zoster occurred (23.5%). Single-factor analysis showed that age≥65 years, lymphocytopenia occurred before treatment, neutropenia occurred before treatment, ECOG score≥2, application of cyclophosphamide, absence of preventive antiviral therapy were associated with the genesis of herpes zoster (P＜0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lymphocytopenia occurred before treatment, the application of cyclophosphamide and the absence of preventive antiviral therapy were the independent risk factors for herpes zoster (P＜0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of herpes zoster is high in the multiple myeloma patients treated with bortezomib. Lymphocytopenia occurred before treatment, the application of cyclophosphamide, and the absence of prophylactic antiviral therapy are the important risk factors for herpes zoster, for which the clinicians should attach great importance.