Hyperammonemia and encephalopathy in patients with multiple myeloma.
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Ammonia↗
Biomedical subjects
Maurizio Zangari
Publications and source records attributed to Maurizio Zangari.
Complete response in myeloma extends survival without, but not with history of prior monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or smouldering disease.
Complete response (CR) is still considered an important surrogate marker for outcome in multiple myeloma (MM). Long-term survival after transplantation, however, has been observed in a substantial proportion of patients who never achieved CR. The tandem transplant trial, Total Therapy 2, enrolled 668 patients, who were randomised up-front to thalidomide (THAL) or no THAL; 56 patients were identified as having had, for at least 6 months prior to initiation of therapy, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS, n = 21), smouldering MM (SMM, n = 22) or solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPC, n = 13). The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with such 'evolved' MM (E-MM) and of those with 'unknown' prior history (U-MM) were compared. Fewer patients with MGUS/SMM-E-MM had anaemia or renal failure; CR was lower (22% vs. 48%) but 4-year estimates of event-free survival (54% vs. 56% with U-MM) and overall survival (65% vs. 70% with U-MM) were similar to those with SPC-E-MM or U-MM. In the latter group, achieving CR was associated with prolonged survival. In comparison with U-MM, E-MM evolved from MGUS/SMM was associated with lower CR rate without adversely affecting survival. In contrast, CR was an independent favourable feature for survival in U-MM.
Aged↗
A validated gene expression model of high-risk multiple myeloma is defined by deregulated expression of genes mapping to chromosome 1.
To molecularly define high-risk disease, we performed microarray analysis on tumor cells from 532 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated on 2 separate protocols. Using log-rank tests of expression quartiles, 70 genes, 30% mapping to chromosome 1 (P < .001), were linked to early disease-related death. Importantly, most up-regulated genes mapped to chromosome 1q, and down-regulated genes mapped to chromosome 1p. The ratio of mean expression levels of up-regulated to down-regulated genes defined a high-risk score present in 13% of patients with shorter durations of complete remission, event-free survival, and overall survival (training set: hazard ratio [HR], 5.16; P < .001; test cohort: HR, 4.75; P < .001). The high-risk score also was an independent predictor of outcome endpoints in multivariate analysis (P < .001) that included the International Staging System and high-risk translocations. In a comparison of paired baseline and relapse samples, the high-risk score frequency rose to 76% at relapse and predicted short postrelapse survival (P < .05). Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that a 17-gene subset could predict outcome as well as the 70-gene model. Our data suggest that altered transcriptional regulation of genes mapping to chromosome 1 may contribute to disease progression, and that expression profiling can be used to identify high-risk disease and guide therapeutic interventions.
Aged↗
Gene-expression signature of benign monoclonal gammopathy evident in multiple myeloma is linked to good prognosis.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) can progress to multiple myeloma (MM). Although these diseases share many of the same genetic features, it is still unclear whether global gene-expression profiling might identify prior genomic signatures that distinguish them. Through significance analysis of microarrays, 52 genes involved in important pathways related to cancer were differentially expressed in the plasma cells of healthy subjects (normal plasma-cell [NPC]; n=22) and patients with stringently defined MGUS/smoldering MM (n=24) and symptomatic MM (n=351) (P<.001). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of 351 patients with MM, 44 with MGUS (24+20), and 16 with MM from MGUS created 2 major cluster branches, one containing 82% of the MGUS patients and the other containing 28% of the MM patients, termed MGUS-like MM (MGUS-L MM). Using the same clustering approach on an independent cohort of 214 patients with MM, 27% were found to be MGUS-L. This molecular signature, despite its association with a lower incidence of complete remission (P=.006), was associated with low-risk clinical and molecular features and superior survival (P<.01). The MGUS-L signature was also seen in plasma cells from 15 of 20 patients surviving more than 10 years after autotransplantation. These data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of plasma-cell dyscrasias.
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The molecular classification of multiple myeloma.
To better define the molecular basis of multiple myeloma (MM), we performed unsupervised hierarchic clustering of mRNA expression profiles in CD138-enriched plasma cells from 414 newly diagnosed patients who went on to receive high-dose therapy and tandem stem cell transplants. Seven disease subtypes were validated that were strongly influenced by known genetic lesions, such as c-MAF- and MAFB-, CCND1- and CCND3-, and MMSET-activating translocations and hyperdiploidy. Indicative of the deregulation of common pathways by gene orthologs, common gene signatures were observed in cases with c-MAF and MAFB activation and CCND1 and CCND3 activation, the latter consisting of 2 subgroups, one characterized by expression of the early B-cell markers CD20 and PAX5. A low incidence of focal bone disease distinguished one and increased expression of proliferation-associated genes of another novel subgroup. Comprising varying fractions of each of the other 6 subgroups, the proliferation subgroup dominated at relapse, suggesting that this signature is linked to disease progression. Proliferation and MMSET-spike groups were characterized by significant overexpression of genes mapping to chromosome 1q, and both exhibited a poor prognosis relative to the other groups. A subset of cases with a predominating myeloid gene expression signature, excluded from the profiling analyses, had more favorable baseline characteristics and superior prognosis to those lacking this signature.
Chromosome Mapping↗
Thalidomide and hematopoietic-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.
BACKGROUND: High-dose therapy with melphalan can prolong survival among patients with multiple myeloma. We assessed whether the addition of thalidomide, which has activity against advanced and refractory myeloma, would further improve survival. METHODS: Between October 1998 and February 2004, 668 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma received two cycles of intensive melphalan-based chemotherapy, each supported by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. A total of 323 were randomly assigned to receive thalidomide from the outset until disease progression or undue adverse effects, and 345 did not receive thalidomide. The primary end point was the five-year event-free survival rate. Secondary end points were complete response and overall survival. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 42 months among survivors, the thalidomide and control groups had rates of complete response of 62 percent and 43 percent, respectively (P<0.001), and five-year event-free survival rates of 56 percent and 44 percent (P=0.01). The five-year rate of overall survival was approximately 65 percent in both groups (P=0.90). Median survival after relapse was 1.1 years in the thalidomide group and 2.7 years in the control group (P=0.001). Severe peripheral neuropathy and deep-vein thrombosis occurred more frequently in the thalidomide group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: When incorporated into high-dose therapy for myeloma, thalidomide increased the frequency of complete responses and extended event-free survival at the expense of added adverse effects without improving overall survival. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00083551.).
Adult↗
Acquired resistance to activated protein C (aAPCR) in multiple myeloma is a transitory abnormality associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.
Acquired activated protein C resistance (aAPCR), not associated with factor V Leiden, has been described in cancer patients with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). APCR was determined in 1178 myeloma patients using an activated partial thromboplastin time-based resistance assay in the presence of excess of factor V-deficient plasma; polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA was used to detect factor V Leiden mutation. A total of 109 patients were found to have abnormal APCR and one-third of them were carriers for the mutation. With a median follow-up of 40 months, the presence of aAPCR was associated with a significantly increased risk of thrombosis (P < or = 0.001). APCR was measured again after treatment in 31 patients with abnormal baseline values and had normalised in 30 of them. This study indicates that aAPCR is the most common single transitory baseline coagulation abnormality associated with VTE in myeloma patients.
Activated Protein C Resistance↗
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors and rapamycin in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of long-lived neoplastic plasma cells (PC) within the bone marrow (BM). Novel treatments are not only targeting myeloma cells but also directly interfere with myeloma-stromal cell interactions, interrupting signal transduction pathways. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) and rapamycin represent novel classes of signal transduction inhibitors targeting principally Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathway. Pre-clinical and early clinical reports are presented in this study.
Animals↗
Superior 12-year survival after at least 4-year continuous remission with tandem transplantations for multiple myeloma.
BACKGROUND: Complete response has been considered a surrogate for favorable long-term outcome in multiple myeloma. Data on the impact of the duration of response on prognosis are lacking. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 899 patients enrolled in Total Therapy trials (Total Therapy 1, N = 231; Total Therapy 2, N = 668), 254 survived for > 5 years. The prognostic impact of continuous (Rc) versus discontinuous (Rd) 4-year remission after 5-year survival was examined along with laboratory features present at baseline and at 5 years. RESULTS: Most baseline prognostic features were evenly distributed among Rc and Rd groups; however, a greater proportion of Rc patients were enrolled in Total Therapy 2 (60%) compared with Rd (19%; P < 0.001). Twelve-year survival (7 years after the 5-year landmark) was 66% with Rc and only 30% with Rd. Hypodiploidy and deletion 13, present in 24 patients at baseline, were associated with a 12-year survival of only 20%. Among the 200 patients lacking these cytogenetic abnormalities, Rc (n = 141) defined a superior 12-year survival rate of 70% versus 35% among those with Rd (n = 59). Initial quality of response (complete response) or having received the scheduled tandem transplantations did not affect post-5-year survival. CONCLUSION: Five-year Rc appears to be an important prerequisite for prolonged subsequent overall survival.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
Response to bortezomib and activation of osteoblasts in multiple myeloma.
Histomorphometry and biochemical markers of bone turnover have shown that, although osteoclast activity is increased in multiple myeloma (MM), mostly through the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis, the key element in vivo to determine the presence or absence of osteolytic lesions resides on the presence and activity of osteoblasts. The loss of bone observed in MM is the result of an uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption. Bortezomib is a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor developed as an antineoplastic agent with marked activity in relapsed/refractory MM. Response to bortezomib has been related to a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Increased ALP in patients responding to bortezomib was associated with a parallel increase in bone-specific ALP and parathyroid hormone, suggesting that response to bortezomib in MM is closely associated with osteoblastic activation. Variation in markers of osteoblastic activation (such as ALP) have also predicted response and response duration in patients with myeloma treated with bortezomib (P < 0.0001). This clinical observation has been confirmed in an experimental mouse model for primary human myeloma. The consequences of increased bone anabolism on myeloma growth need to be closely evaluated in prospective trials.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Inhibitory effects of osteoblasts and increased bone formation on myeloma in novel culture systems and a myelomatous mouse model.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple myeloma (MM) growth in the bone marrow is associated with increased osteoclast activity and a reduced number of osteoblasts. Experimental studies suggest that bone disease drives the progression of MM. Whereas those studies focused on the critical role of myeloma-induced osteoclastogenesis in disease progression, little is known about the impact of osteoblasts and increased bone formation on MM. DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated the effect of isolated osteoblasts and osteoclasts on survival and proliferation of primary MM plasma cells (PC) in co-cultures and triple-cultures, and tested the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on bone mineral density and MM growth in myelomatous human bones of SCID-hu mice. RESULTS: Whereas osteoclasts promoted survival and proliferation of MM PC, osteoblasts supported or inhibited MM PC, depending on the source of the MM cells. In triple-cultures osteoblasts attenuated the effect of osteoclasts on MM PC in 18 of 24 experiments. The anti-MM response to osteoblasts correlated with advanced clinical stage. Injection of MSC into myelomatous bones resulted in marked inhibition of tumor growth in three of nine experiments and stabilization of disease in two additional experiments. The anti-MM response of MSC was associated with increased human bone mineral density. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the MSC were well engrafted and, in responding mice, differentiated into osteogenic cells. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: MM PC from the majority of patients are susceptible to growth inhibition by osteoblasts; however, growth of MM PC from certain patients is accelerated by osteoblasts. In vivo, increased bone formation is associated with reduced myeloma burden.
Animals↗
Clinical and biological features of multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal system.
We report 24 cases of multiple myeloma (MM) with involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. We found a strong association with high A lactate dehydrogenase levels, plasmablastic morphology, and A unfavorable karyotype. GI involvement at the time of initial diagnosis was much rarer than later in the course of the disease. The A median survival after diagnosis of GI involvement was 7 months. Among 13 patients treated with stem cell transplantation, the response rate was 92%, and median progression-free survival was 4 months. We conclude that MM involving the GI system is associated with adverse biological features and with short-lasting remissions, even after A high-dose chemotherapy.
Biopsy↗
Anticoagulation regimens for thalidomide and lenalidomide.
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Anticoagulants↗
Total therapy 2 without thalidomide in comparison with total therapy 1: role of intensified induction and posttransplantation consolidation therapies.
Patients with myeloma, treated on the thalidomide arm of total therapy 2 (TT2), had a higher complete response (CR) rate and improved event-free survival (EFS) but not overall survival (OS). To evaluate the benefit of TT2's posttandem autotransplant consolidation chemotherapy and dexamethasone maintenance, outcomes were compared on TT2 without thalidomide (n = 345; median follow-up, 3.5 years) and on predecessor trial TT1 (n = 231; median follow-up, 11.5 years). CR rates were similar (43% vs 41%); however, 5-year estimates of continuous CR (45% vs 32%, P < .001) and 5-year EFS (43% vs 28%, P < .001) were superior with TT2, with a trend for improved OS (62% vs 57%; P = .11). OS was also superior among patients achieving CR and receiving the second transplantation early after the first transplantation. Superior EFS and OS with TT2 versus TT1 was noted in the two thirds presenting without cytogenetic abnormalities (CAs); 4-year posttandem transplantation OS for patients with CAs was 47% with TT1 and 76% with TT2 when combination chemotherapy rather than DEX was applied for consolidation (P = .040). Thus, TT2 (without thalidomide) improved OS of patients without CAs; those with CAs benefited from posttransplantation consolidation chemotherapy. The favorable effects of CR and rapidly sequenced second transplantation attest to the validity of a melphalan dose-response effect in myeloma.
Aged↗
Avascular necrosis of femoral and/or humeral heads in multiple myeloma: results of a prospective study of patients treated with dexamethasone-based regimens and high-dose chemotherapy.
PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence, time of onset, risk factors, and outcome of avascular necrosis (AVN) of bone in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing antineoplastic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 553 consecutive assessable patients were enrolled onto a treatment protocol consisting of dexamethasone-containing induction chemotherapy, autologous stem-cell transplantation, consolidation chemotherapy, and maintenance with interferon alfa. Patients were randomly assigned to receive thalidomide (269 patients) or no thalidomide (284 patients) throughout the study period. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 33 months (range, 5 to 114 months), AVN of the femoral head(s) developed in 49 patients (9%). Median time to onset of AVN was 12 months (range, 2 to 41 months). Three risk factors for AVN were identified by multivariate analysis: cumulative dexamethasone dose (odds ratio [OR], 1.028; 95% CI, 1.012 to 1.044; P = .0006 [per 40 mg dexamethasone]), male sex (OR, 0.390; 95% CI, 0.192 to 0.790; P = .009), and younger age (OR, 0.961; 95% CI, 0.934 to 0.991 per year; P = .0122). Thalidomide-treated patients had a prevalence of AVN similar to that of the control group (8% v 10%, respectively; P = .58). AVN-related pain and limited range of motion of the affected joint were present in only nine and four patients, respectively, and four patients underwent hip replacement because of AVN. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography failed to detect abnormal uptake in the AVN-affected bones. CONCLUSION: AVN is a rare and usually asymptomatic complication during myeloma therapy. Cumulative dexamethasone dose, male sex, and younger age, but not thalidomide, increase the risk of AVN.
Adult↗
Response to bortezomib is associated to osteoblastic activation in patients with multiple myeloma.
The prompt response to bortezomib observed in a 63-year-old woman with multiple myeloma was associated with a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). After similar elevations were noted in patients responding to bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone combination, ALP levels were analysed in two large bortezomib trials. A statistically significant elevation of ALP from baseline was observed in responding patients (complete and partial responders) within three cycles of therapy. The rise in ALP after bortezomib in three patients was explained by a parallel increase in bone-specific ALP and parathyroid hormone, suggesting that response to bortezomib in myeloma is closely associated with osteoblastic activation.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Immunomodulatory drugs in multiple myeloma.
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are thalidomide analogues that retain the direct anticancer cytotoxic and immunological activity of their parent compound, but with a different toxicity profile. In vitro studies show that IMiDs have a more potent antitumour effect than thalidomide on multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. This activity is mediated by multiple mechanisms: direct antiproliferative effect; inhibition of angiogenesis due to reduced IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion; inhibition of cytokines production, especially TNF-alpha; and stimulation of T-cell activity. Two IMiDs, CC-5013 and CC-4047, have been tested in clinical trials in MM patients with progressive or refractory disease, and one trial is ongoing in newly diagnosed MM patients. Observed toxicities include thrombocytopoenia, neutropoenia and cardiovascular events, but no significant neurotoxicity has been reported. Partial responses (> or = 50% reduction in M-protein) ranged from 20 to 71% in different studies depending on the pretreatment status of the patients. The combination of IMiDs with dexamethasone may be beneficial.
Animals↗
Phase II study of SU5416, a small molecule vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, in patients with refractory multiple myeloma.
PURPOSE: Increased bone marrow angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are of adverse prognostic significance in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). VEGF, a soluble circulating angiogenic molecule, acts via receptor tyrosine kinases, including VEGF receptor 2. SU5416 is a small molecule VEGF receptor 2 inhibitor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Adult patients with advanced MM were entered on a multicenter phase II study. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (median age 69, range 39-79), median 4 (0-10) lines of prior therapy, 14 with prior thalidomide therapy, received SU5416 at 145 mg/m(2) twice weekly i.v. for a median of two 4-week cycles (range 0.2-9). Grade 3/4 toxicities were rarely observed; the most frequent was thrombocytopenia (12%). Mild-to-moderate toxicities included nausea (63%), headache (56%), diarrhea, vomiting (both 37%), and fatigue (33%). There were three thromboembolic episodes and five cases of new onset hypertension. Two (7%) patients did not complete the first 4-week cycle of therapy because of adverse events (pneumonia and headache). There were no objective responses. Four patients had disease stabilization for >/==" BORDER="0">4 months. A decrease in median VEGF plasma levels was observed in patients with stable disease (n = 7) compared with patients with progressive disease (n = 5). Overall median survival was 42 weeks (range 3-92+). CONCLUSIONS: Although SU5416 had minimal clinical activity, signs of biological activity (decrease in plasma VEGF levels) suggest that angiogenic modulation may be of value in patients with MM.
Adult↗