The choice of serum-free light chain analysis method could potentially have clinical consequences for myeloma patients.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease, that at times poses diagnostic and monitoring challenges. Over the last decades laboratory methods have been expanded with serum free light chain (FLC) analysis. Alerted by two index cases with clinical impact due to failure of the FLC analysis to indicate a disease progression, we aimed to identify any clinical consequences due to known differences between FLC analysis methods. We applied two FLC analysis methods (Freelite Binding Site [FBS] and N-Latex Siemens [NLS]) on all patients with MM and monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance diagnosed/followed up at Södra Älvsborg Hematology Unit, from April to December 2022. From a total of 123 patients with malignant plasma cell disorder, we identified five cases (4.1%) where solely the FBS method, as opposed to NLS, urine and serum electrophoresis, could support diagnosis or detect progression. The consequences of this discrepancy included not only change of diagnosis or delayed therapy but also change of treatment. Our findings indicate that a stronger awareness of the potential weaknesses of different FLC methods is needed, which calls for a closer collaboration between clinical chemists and hematologists.

Respiratory syncytial virus and other vaccine-preventable infections in Multiple Myeloma. A population-based study on 8672 myeloma patients diagnosed 2008-2021 from the Swedish Myeloma Registry.

Not available.

Measurable Residual Disease Testing in Multiple Myeloma Routine Clinical Practice: A Modified Delphi Study.

We used a modified Delphi approach to establish areas of consensus and nonconsensus regarding the utility of determining measurable residual disease (MRD) to assess multiple myeloma (MM) treatment response, which may inform disease management and design of future clinical trials. This modified Delphi study incorporated 2 iterative rounds of surveys to evaluate the opinions of an expert panel of 61 practicing hematological oncologists from across 14 countries in Europe concerning the use of MRD testing in MM management. Survey 1 assessed experts' opinions on MRD testing in different clinical situations and associated challenges. Survey 2 focused on the lack of consensus areas identified in survey 1. Consensus to an individual question was defined a priori as 75% agreement or disagreement by the panel. From the 2 rounds of surveys, the experts reached consensus agreement that MRD testing should be performed in newly diagnosed or relapsed patients who achieved complete response (CR) or better after transplantation. In transplant-ineligible patients, experts recommended MRD testing in those who are ≤70 years old and in CR. If a patient was previously positive on positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT), both MRD and PET/CT should be assessed at CR. MRD testing should be performed ≤6 months after transplantation and every 6-12 months in continuously treated patients in CR. There was no consensus on making treatment decisions based on MRD status. MRD testing is an important component of clinical management in MM. Additional data will further clarify the role of MRD in guiding treatment decisions.

Improved survival in myeloma patients-a nationwide registry study of 4,647 patients ≥75 years treated in Denmark and Sweden.

The prevalence of multiple myeloma (MM) is increasing in Nordic countries and the rest of the western world. Patients aged ≥75 years at diagnosis constitute an increasing proportion of all MM patients, but are underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. There is an urgent need for studies of the characteristics, treatment and outcome in this cohort. We present data from two nationwide population-based registries of all MM patients diagnosed in Denmark from January 1, 2005 until February 18, 2020, and in Sweden from January 1, 2008 until December 31, 2019, including treatment data for patients diagnosed until 2018 (Denmark) and 2019 (Sweden). In total 4,647 patients were ≥75 years at diagnosis, compared to 7,378 younger patients. Patients ≥75 years, accounting for approximately 40% of all MM patients, are a distinct cohort with more advanced disease at diagnosis, reflected by higher International Staging System (ISS) stage, and a higher proportion have renal failure and anemia. We found a more gradual introduction of modern medications in the older cohort than in the younger, despite simultaneous changes in guidelines. Compared to the cohorts in randomized controlled trials that guide the treatment of non-transplant eligible patients, we found a higher proportion of patients ≥75 years and presenting with ISS III in the real-world populations. Nevertheless, response rates and survival are increasing, indicating that modern treatment regimens are effective and well tolerated also in elderly MM patients in real-world populations.

Regional differences in treatment and outcome for myeloma patients in Sweden: A population based Swedish myeloma register study.

BACKGROUND: We wanted to evaluate if health care for multiple myeloma (MM) patients is equal in different regions of Sweden. AIM: To study differences in survival for MM depending on health care region and early use of modern treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from the Swedish Myeloma Register from patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2017 was used. Cohorts were defined by the six healthcare regions (labeled A-F) in Sweden and modern initial treatment was defined as including certain drug combinations. To adjust for time to treatment bias, survival analyses were performed also for patients alive 6 months after diagnosis. In all treated MM patients (n = 5326), we observed a superior overall survival (OS) for region A compared to all other regions (p < .01 for all respectively). After adjusting for time to treatment there was also a superior survival in the region with highest use of modern initial treatment (region A) compared to the regions defined in the study as having intermediate and low use (p < .01 for both). In patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) a superior survival was observed for region A compared to all regions besides region B. Similar results were seen when adjusting for a time to treatment bias. In patients not receiving ASCT, 75 years or older and adjusted for time to treatment bias, a difference was noted only between region A and E (log rank p = .04, HR 1.2, CI 1.00-1.44, p = .06). In multivariate analyses including age, international staging system stage and time period of diagnosis, differences in survival remained for patients receiving ASCT between region A versus C, D, E and F (p = .01, p < .01, p < .01, p = .03). CONCLUSION: We observed a superior survival in region A for patients receiving ASCT. Explanations may be higher usage of modern initial treatment or regional residual confounding. For patients not receiving ASCT, 75 years or older, differences in survival could be adjusted for.

Carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage ASCT in multiple myeloma: A randomised phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of carfilzomib-containing induction before salvage high-dose melphalan with autologous stem-cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) and maintenance with carfilzomib and dexamethasone after salvage ASCT in multiple myeloma. METHODS: This randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial included patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma after upfront ASCT who were re-induced with four cycles of carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Two months after salvage, ASCT patients were randomised to either observation or maintenance therapy with iv carfilzomib 27 â†’ 56 mg/sqm and p.o. dexamethasone 20 mg every second week. The study enrolled 200 patients of which 168 were randomised to either maintenance with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (n = 82) or observation (n = 86). RESULTS: Median time to progression (TTP) after randomisation was 25.1 months (22.5-NR) in the carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance group and 16.7 months (14.4-21.8) in the control group (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30-0.71; P = .0004). The most common adverse events during maintenance were thrombocytopenia, anaemia, hypertension, dyspnoea and bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: In summary, maintenance therapy with carfilzomib and dexamethasone after salvage ASCT prolonged TTP with 8 months. The maintenance treatment was in general well-tolerated with manageable toxicity.

Outcome data from >10 000 multiple myeloma patients in the Danish and Swedish national registries.

OBJECTIVE: We describe real-world evidence (RWE) from the nationwide Swedish and Danish registries that provide important information on incidence and outcome in multiple myeloma (MM). METHOD: First line treatment data on more than 10.000 MM patients from Denmark and Sweden between 2005-2018 are presented. Key results from research conducted within the Swedish and Danish myeloma registries are summarized, describing subgroups of patients with comorbidity, myeloma complications, and early relapse. RESULTS: We show that national guidelines, generated on results from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are rapidly implemented and improve overall survival (OS). We find that both the incidence of MM and the median age at diagnosis is higher in national registries compared to results from referral centres, indicating a more complete coverage. This highlights the need of validation of prognostic scoring systems and indices in e.g., SMM and high-risk MM in a real- world-population. We show that these subgroups are unlikely to be captured in RCTs with narrow inclusion and exclusion criteria, that they have worse survival, and are in need of new treatment approaches. CONCLUSION: National registries that include all MM patients are an important source of knowledge on epidemiology, treatment and outcome with implications for the planning of MM care. Despite the introduction of new and better treatments, rapidly implemented in our countries, our registries uncover subgroups of patients that still have inferior outcome. Our RWE can help to identify important research questions to be studied in further clinical trials also in patients currently not included in RCTs.

Comorbidities in multiple myeloma and implications on survival: A population-based study.

High proportion of patients with multiple myeloma suffer from comorbidities which may alter clinical management. Therefore, our aims were to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities and their impact on survival. We included patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma 1990-2013 in Sweden and all diagnoses from each patient from 1985. A total of 13 656 patients with multiple myeloma were included in the study, thereof 7404 (54%) had comorbidity at diagnosis. The risk of death was increased for those with one comorbidity at diagnosis compared to those without any comorbidity (hazard ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval:1.14-1.25); this risk was higher for those with two (1.38; 1.30-1.47) and three or more comorbidities (1.72; 1.62-1.83). Furthermore, the risk of death was increased in patients with prior history of cancer, arrhythmia, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lung disease, psychological disease, peptic ulcer, neurological disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, dementia, and inflammatory bowel disease. This large study shows that over 50% of multiple myeloma patients have a comorbidity at diagnosis and survival decreased with increasing numbers of comorbidities. This emphasizes the importance of comorbidities when evaluating patients and deciding on treatment strategies for individuals with multiple myeloma.

Autoimmune disease is associated with a lower risk of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: We conducted a population-based study including 19 303 individuals diagnosed with MGUS in Sweden from 1985 to 2013, with the aim to determine whether a prior history of autoimmune disease, a well-described risk factor for MGUS is a risk factor for progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoproliferative diseases (LPs). Using the nationwide Swedish Patient registry, we identified MGUS cases with versus without an autoimmune disease present at the time of MGUS diagnosis and estimated their risk of progression. RESULTS: A total of 5612 (29.1%) MGUS cases had preceding autoimmune diseases. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we found the risk of progression from MGUS to MM (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.94) and LPs (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94) to be significantly lower in MGUS cases with prior autoimmune disease (compared to MGUS cases without). CONCLUSIONS: In this large population-based study, a history of autoimmune disease was associated with a reduced risk of progression from MGUS to MM/other LPs. Potential underlying reason is that MGUS caused by chronic antigen stimulation is biologically less likely to undergo the genetic events that trigger progression. Our results may have implications in clinical counseling for patients with MGUS and underlying autoimmune disease.

Outcome and characteristics of non-measurable myeloma: A cohort study with population-based data from the Swedish Myeloma Registry.

OBJECTIVE: We describe survival in patients with oligo- and non-secretory multiple myeloma (MM). We refer to the whole group as non-measurable MM and compare it with secretory MM. METHODS: Oligo-secretory MM was defined as M protein in serum <10 g/L and M protein in urine <200 measured as mg/day, mg/liter or mg/mmol creatinine. If patients had no M protein, they were defined as non-secretory. The groups were also subdivided by Free Light Chains (SFLC) level and ratio. RESULTS: Out of 4325 patients with symptomatic MM in the Swedish Myeloma Registry during 2008-2016 eligible for the study, 389 patients (9%) had non-measurable MM. Out of these, 253 patients (6%) had oligo-secretory and 136 (3%) had non-secretory MM. Median survival for secretory MM was 42.7 months, non-measurable MM 40.2 months, oligo-secretory MM 38.6 months, and non-secretory MM 44.6 months. Difference in overall observed survival was non-significant for all groups when compared with secretory MM. Within non-secretory MM, stem cell transplantation (SCT), 95% being auto-SCT, was significant for superior survival in multivariate analysis (HR 0.048. P = .0015). CONCLUSION: In this population-based study, we found no difference in survival between oligo- or non-secretory MM when compared with secretory MM. SCT appears to be important also for patients with non-secretory disease.

Lenalidomide versus lenalidomide + dexamethasone prolonged treatment after second-line lenalidomide + dexamethasone induction in multiple myeloma.

Lenalidomide (Len) plus dexamethasone (Dex) is approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). It is possible that single-agent Len may be effective as prolonged treatment regimen in RRMM once patients demonstrate an initial response to Len+Dex induction. Patients with RRMM who responded to first-line Len+Dex in an observational study (NCT01430546) received up to 24 cycles of either Len (25 mg/day) or Len+Dex (25 mg/day and 40 mg/week) as prolonged treatment in a subsequent phase 2 clinical trial (NCT01450215). In the observational study (N = 133), median time to response was 1.7 (range 0.6-9.6) months. A complete response to all treatments received in both studies was observed in 11% of patients; very good partial response and partial response rates were 31% and 38%, respectively. Corresponding response rates in the subgroup of patients who did not enter the phase 2 trial (n = 71) were 3%, 18%, and 39%, respectively. Rates of disease progression at 2 years in the phase 2 trial were 47% versus 31% for Len versus Len+Dex (P = 0.14). After 36 months median follow-up in surviving patients, median time to progression was not reached with Len+Dex and was 24.9 months (95% confidence interval 12.5-not calculable, P < 0.001) with Len. Three-year OS among the total observational study population was 61% (95% CI, 52-69%). The corresponding rate among patients who entered the phase 2 clinical trial was 73% (95% CI, 60-83%) and was significantly lower among those patients who achieved ≥PR but did not proceed into the phase 2 trial (55%; P = 0.01). In the phase 2 trial, OS was 73% in both treatment arms (P = 0.70). Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were more common with prolonged (phase 2 trial) versus short-term (observational study) Len administration but remained manageable. Prolonged treatment with Len with or without Dex provides sustained, clinically relevant responses and demonstrates an acceptable safety profile.

Rapidly changing myeloma epidemiology in the general population: Increased incidence, older patients, and longer survival.

The incidence of multiple myeloma is characterized by a steep increase with advancing age. Dramatic improvements in survival have been reported in clinical trials; however, elderly patients are generally underrepresented in these. The aims of this study are to review patterns of incidence and survival in multiple myeloma in the general population. We searched PubMed for population-based studies on trends in incidence and survival published between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2017 and based on regional or national cancer registries and report the following results of the review. The age-adjusted incidence of multiple myeloma has increased during the second half of the twentieth century in some countries but remained stable in areas with high case ascertainment and access to universal medical care. The crude incidence is increasing globally due to an aging population. Survival rates have improved, and 5-year relative survival rates are now around 50% and over 60% in patients 65-70 years or younger. Preliminary data suggest a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of multiple myeloma. We conclude that the number of multiple myeloma patients is increasing in the general population due to (i) aging populations and (ii) more patients living longer due to modern drugs.

Outcome and survival of myeloma patients diagnosed 2008-2015. Real-world data on 4904 patients from the Swedish Myeloma Registry.

Epidemiology and outcome of myeloma are mainly reported from large university centers and collaborative groups, and do not represent 'real-world' patients. The Swedish Myeloma Registry is a prospective population-based registry documenting characteristics, treatment and outcome in newly diagnosed myeloma, including asymptomatic and localized forms, with the purpose of improving disease management and outcome. This report presents information on patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2015, including data on first-line treatment in patients diagnosed up to 2014, with a follow up until December 2016. We present age-adjusted incidence, patients' characteristics at baseline, treatment, response, and survival. Baseline data were available with a 97% coverage in 4904 patients (median age 71 years, males 70 years, females 73 years; 72% were 65 years or older), and at 1-year follow up in 3558 patients with symptomatic disease (92% of patients initially reported). The age-adjusted incidence was 6.8 myeloma cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Among initially symptomatic patients (n=3988), 77% had osteolytic lesions or compression fractures, 49% had anemia, 18% impaired kidney function, and 13% hypercalcemia. High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation was given to 77% of patients aged up to 66 years, and to 22% of patients aged 66-70 years. In the study period, 68% received bortezomib, thalidomide, and/or lenalidomide as part of the first-line treatment, rising from 31% in 2008 to 81% in 2014. In active myeloma, the median relative survival of patients aged 65 years or under was 7.7 years, and 3.4 years in patients aged 66 years and over. Patients diagnosed with myeloma in more recent years were associated with significantly higher rates of complete or very good partial remission (P<0.05), and with a significantly higher survival, with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.77-0.92; P<0.05). There was a small, but significant survival benefit in patients treated at university hospitals (HR 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99; P<0.05). We report here on a near complete 'real-world' population of myeloma patients during an 8-year period; a period in which newer drugs were implemented into standard practice. The overall incidence and median age were both higher than in most previous studies, indicating a more complete coverage of older patients. Myeloma survival in Sweden is comparable to other large registry studies, and responses and survival improved during the study period.

Pharmacogenetic study of the impact of ABCB1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms on lenalidomide treatment outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma: results from a phase IV observational study and subsequent phase II clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Despite therapeutic advances, patients with multiple myeloma (MM) continue to experience disease relapse and treatment resistance. The gene ABCB1 encodes the drug transporter P-glycoprotein, which confers resistance through drug extrusion across the cell membrane. Lenalidomide (Len) is excreted mainly via the kidneys, and, given the expression of P-gp in the renal tubuli, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ABCB1 gene may influence Len plasma concentrations and, subsequently, the outcome of treatment. We, therefore, investigated the influence of ABCB1 genetic variants on Len treatment outcomes and adverse events (AEs). METHODS: Ninety patients with relapsed or refractory MM, who received the second-line Len plus dexamethasone in the Rev II trial, were genotyped for the ABCB1 SNPs 1199G>A (Ser400Asn, rs2229109), 1236C>T (silent, rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (Ala893Ser, rs2032582), and 3435C>T (silent, rs1045642) using pyrosequencing, and correlations to response parameters, outcomes, and AEs were investigated. RESULTS: No significant associations were found between genotype and either best response rates or hematological AEs, and 1236C>T, 2677G>T or 3435C>T genotypes had no impact on survival. There was a trend towards increased time to progression (TTP) in patients carrying the 1199A variant, and a significant difference in TTP between genotypes in patients with standard-risk cytogenetics. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a limited influence of ABCB1 genotype on lenalidomide treatment efficacy and safety. The results suggest that 1199G>A may be a marker of TTP following Len treatment in standard-risk patients; however, larger studies are needed to validate and clarify the relationship.

Incidence, characteristics, and outcome of solitary plasmacytoma and plasma cell leukemia. Population-based data from the Swedish Myeloma Register.

Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) are uncommon (3-6%) types of plasma cell disease. The risk of progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) is probably important for the outcome of SP. PCL is rare and has a dismal outcome. In this study, we report on incidence and survival in PCL/SP, and progression to MM in SP, using the prospective observational Swedish Multiple Myeloma Register designed to document all newly diagnosed plasma cell diseases in Sweden since 2008. Both solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) (n=124) and extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) (n=67) have better overall survival (OS) than MM (n=3549). Progression to MM was higher in SBP than in EMP (35% and 7% at 2 years, respectively), but this did not translate into better survival in EMP. In spite of treatment developments, the OS of primary PCL is still dismal (median of 11 months, 0% at 5 years). Hence, there is a great need for diagnostic and treatment guidelines as well as prospective studies addressing the role for alternative treatment options, such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation and monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of PCL.

Secondary immunodeficiency in lymphoproliferative malignancies.

Secondary immunodeficiencies occur as a consequence of various diseases, including hematological malignancies, and the use of pharmacological therapies, such as immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and biological drugs. Infections are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Recent advances in treatment have prolonged the duration of remission and the time between relapse phases in MM and CLL patients. However, managing multiple relapses and the use of salvage therapies can lead to cumulative immunosuppression and a higher risk of infections. The pathogenesis of immune deficiency secondary to lymphoproliferative malignancy is multifactorial including disease- and treatment-related factors. Supportive treatment, including early vaccination, anti-infective prophylaxis, and replacement immunoglobulin, plays a key role in preventing infections in MM and CLL. This article provides an overview of the basic immunology necessary to understand the pathogenesis of secondary immunodeficiency and the infectious complications in MM and CLL. We also discuss the evidence supporting the role of prophylactic replacement immunoglobulin treatment in patients with antibody failure secondary to MM and CLL and the indications for its use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.