ABSTRACT
The prognostic impact of t(11;14) in multiple myeloma (MM) needs to be better understood to inform future treatment decisions. The Australian Lymphoma Leukaemia Group embarked on a retrospective, observational cohort study using real-world data to interrogate treatment patterns and outcomes in 74 MM patients with t(11;14) [t(11;14)-MM] diagnosed over 10 years. This was compared to 159 and 111 MM patients with high-risk IgH translocations (IgH HR-MM) and hyperdiploidy (Hyperdiploid-MM), respectively, from the Australian Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry. No appreciable differences in age, gender, ISS, LDH levels, 1q21 or del(17p) status, or treatment patterns were observed between groups. Median PFS-1 was not different between groups but both t(11;14)-MM and IgH HR-MM had an inferior PFS-2 vs. Hyperdiploid-MM: median PFS-2 8.2 months, 10.0 months, and 19.8 months (p = 0.002), respectively. The 3-year OS were 69%, 71%, and 82% (p = 0.026), respectively. In the t(11;14)-MM group, gain or amplification of 1q21 at diagnosis predicted for poorer OS (HR 3.46, p = 0.002). Eleven patients had received venetoclax with 45% achieving better than a very good partial response. Results suggest that t(11;14) MM may confer an unfavorable risk profile and that the use of targeted therapies such as venetoclax earlier in the treatment algorithm should be explored.
ABSTRACT
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia remain prevalent in Australia. The groups at highest risk are pre-menopausal women, socially disadvantaged people and those of Indigenous background. Diagnosing iron deficiency using a full blood examination and iron studies can be difficult and can be further complicated by concomitant inflammation. Results of iron studies should always be interpreted as an overall picture rather than focusing on individual parameters. In difficult clinical scenarios, soluble transferrin receptor assays can be useful. Management of iron deficiency involves identification and treatment of the cause of iron deficiency, as well as effective iron replacement. Clinicians should always take a detailed history and perform a comprehensive physical examination of a patient with iron deficiency. Patients should be monitored even if a likely cause of iron deficiency is identified. Patients who fail to respond to iron replacement or maintain iron status should be referred for further investigation, including endoscopy to exclude internal bleeding. Both enteral and parenteral iron are effective at replacing iron. For most adult patients, we recommend trialling daily oral iron (30-100 mg of elemental iron) as the first-line therapy. Safety and efficacy of intravenous iron infusions have improved with the availability of a newer formulation, ferric carboxymaltose. Patients who fail to respond to oral iron replacement can be safely managed with intravenous iron. Blood transfusion for iron deficiency anaemia should be reserved for life-threatening situations and should always be followed by appropriate iron replacement.
