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We reviewed emerging immune strategies for multiple myeloma (MM) therapy excluding US FDA approved drugs. In relapsed refractory MM, isatuximab (anti-CD38) monotherapy achieved overall response (OR) of 24%. Other monoclonal antibodies that have shown efficacy in combination therapy include siltuximab (OR: 66%), indatuximab (OR: 78%), isatuximab (OR: 64.5%), pembrolizumab (OR: 60%), bevacizumab (OR: 70%), dacetuzumab (OR: 39%) and lorvotuzumab (OR: 56.4%). No OR was observed with monotherapy using BI-505, siltuximab, bevacizumab, AVE-1642, figitumumab, atacicept, milatuzumab, dacetuzumab, lucatumumab, IPH2101, lorvotuzumab, BT062 and nivolumab. We included seven clinical trials on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. CAR T-cell targets include BCMA, CD19, KLC and CD138. A recent experience of CAR T-cell (B-cell maturation antigen) therapy in advanced MM has shown global response of 100%. The future of monoclonal antibodies and adoptive T cells for MM treatment seems promising.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease, and clinical trials with newer agents have shown improved patient outcomes. There is a need for effective and tolerable treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib) remain an integral part of regimens used in RRMM or newly diagnosed (ND) MM. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of ixazomib (Ixa) based regimens in RRMM. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used MeSH and Emtree terms, "ixazomib" AND "multiple myeloma" from the inception of literature till 06/01/2020. We screened 1529 articles and included 3 randomized clinical trials (RCT, N=907) and 8 non-randomized clinical trials (NRCT, N=321). We excluded case reports, case series, review articles, meta-analysis, observational studies, and clinical trials that didn't provide data about the efficacy and safety of Ixa in RRMM. We used the R programming language (version 4.0.2) to conduct a meta-analysis. Results: In 11 clinical trials (N=1228), the age range of patients was 30-91 years. In Phase III RCTs (N=837) comparing Ixa + Lenalidomide (Len) + dexamethasone (Dex) vs. placebo + Len + Dex, risk ratio of overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), and very good partial response (VGPR) were 1.14 (95% CI=1.05-1.24, I2=80%), 1.87 (95% CI=1.17-2.99, I2=0), and 1.15 (95% CI=0.95-1.40, I2=0), respectively in favor of Ixa + Len + Dex. (Fig 1-3) Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, and rash were reported in 20%, 5.7% and 6.4% of the patients in the Ixa group vs. 10%, 2.1%, and 2.8% in the placebo group, respectively. In a Phase II RCT by Kumar et al (N=70) comparing the Ixa dosage, 4 mg Ixa + Dex yielded an ORR of 31%, CR 2.8%, and VGPR 17.1%, while 5.5 mg Ixa yielded improved ORR of 54%, CR 2.8%, and VGPR 25.7%. In a NRCT by Costello et al. (N=6), Ixa + daratumumab (Dara) + Pom + Dex yielded 100% ORR, CR 5% (95% CI=0.17-0.83), and VGPR 50% (95% CI=0.17-0.83). ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were hypertension (16%), and hematological (33%). Among 417 patients from two RCT in single arm who received Ixa + Len + Dex, pooled ORR was 70% (95% CI=0.53-0.82, I2=84%), pooled CR 11% (95% CI=0.8-0.14, I2=0), and pooled VGPR was 29% (95% CI=0.18-0.43, I2=66%). In a NRCT by Dhakal et al. (N=19), Ixa + bendamustine + Dex yielded an ORR 58% (95% CI=0.36-0.77), CR 0, and VGPR 11% (95% CI =0.03-0.34). ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were neutropenia 31%, thrombocytopenia 52%, and diarrhea 10%. In 2 NRCT (N=106), Ixa + cyclophosphamide (Cyc) + Dex yielded a pooled ORR 52% (95% CI=0.42-0.61, I2=0), CR 4% (95% CI=0.01-0.10, I2=0), and VGPR 17% (95% CI=0.11-0.25, I2=0). ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (15%), and upper abdominal pain (4%). In a NRCT by Ludwig et al. (N=90), Ixa + thalidomide (Thal) + Dex yielded an ORR 51% (95% CI=0.41-0.61), CR 9% (95% CI=0.5-0.17), and VGPR 14% (95% CI=0.09-0.23). ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were anemia (17.8%), and infections (16.1%). In a NRCT by Krishnan et al. (N=31), Ixa + Pomalidomide (Pom) + Dex yielded an ORR 48% (95% CI=0.32-0.65) and VGPR 16% (95% CI=0.07-0.33). (Fig 4-6) ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were neutropenia (10%), and lymphopenia (35%). In 2 NRCT by Kumar et al. (N=70) of two drugs combination, Ixa + Dex yielded a pooled ORR 43% (95% CI=0.28-0.59, I2=47%), pooled CR 1% (95% CI=0-0.09, I2=0), and pooled VGPR 24% (95% CI=0.16-0.36, I2=0). ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were hematological (28%), and non-hematological (22.8%). In 2 NRCT of Ixa monotherapy (N=69), pooled ORR was 17% (95% CI=0.10-0.28, I2=0), and pooled CR 6% (95% CI=0.2-0.22, I2=0). (Fig 4-6) ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were anemia (11%), thrombocytopenia (5.4%), and neutropenia (2.7%). Conclusion: Our study provides useful insight into relative efficacy of various Ixa regimens for the treatment of RRMM. The pooled analysis of RCT showed that the combination of Ixa + Len + Dex yielded better response as compared to placebo. In the pooled analysis of outcomes in single arm NRCT, Ixa + Dara + Pom + Dex and Ixa + Len + Dex showed better efficacy outcomes as compared to Ixa + Dex in combination with Thal, Cyc, or Bendamustin. Three drugs Ixa combination regimens had better efficacy as compared to two drugs combination of Ixa + Dex and Ixa monotherapy. Ixa was well tolerated with acceptable safety profile. Additional multicenter, double-blind clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. Disclosures Anwer: Incyte, Seattle Genetics, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Celegene, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Objective: The aim of this research work is to analyze the occurrence of signs, complications & tolerability linked with the ureteral stents and their effect on the QoL of the patients with the help of a QoL scale and a questionnaire. Methodology: A sum of twenty two hundred young patients was the part of this research work for a period of complete ten years. These patients filled the QoL scale & questionnaire of our institute before ureteral stents, seven after the indwelling of the ureteral stents and fourteen days after the removal of the ureteral stents. Results: Total fifteen hundred and twenty patients remained at the part of this study till end. The analysis of the information showed that unfavorable symptoms in 7 days after the insertion of the stents were very common, regarding the urinary rate, urgency, dysuria & hematuria, this disparity was significant. The analysis of the reactions of the patients on QoL scale after seven days of insertion of stents showed the obvious decrease in the quality of life of patients, in all the patients SD being a high value showing a great difference of the responses but after fourteen days of the removal of the stents, the mean scores of QoL were near to baseline. Conclusions: Our research work proved many factors that displayed a significant enhancement in the prevalence of the various side effects & disturbed QoL. It adds to the present data on the same subject as observes the awareness of pathology found out by the availability of the foreign body in urinary tract & provision of counseling to the patients. KEY WORDS: Dysuria and Hematuria, Urine, Ureteral Stents, Urology, Endoscopic, Dysuria, Indwelling.

Objective: The aim of this research work is to assess the various clinical presentations of malaria due to falciparum parasite. Study Design: This was a descriptive research work. Study Venue & Duration: This research work was conducted in Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital Rahim Yar Khan and the duration of this research work was from September 2016 to January 2019. Methodology: Total of three hundred and forty-eight hospitalized patients with febrile illness were under screening for parasite of malaria with the peripheral smear of blood. We diagnosed the positive smears of 122 patients. Total 102 patients were positive for P. falciparum, who were the part of this research work. We found eleven patients positive for P. vivax & three patients found with combination of P. falciparum and P. vivax. These patients were not the part of this research work. We gave the injections of quinine sulphate to the patients who were ill critically, remaining patients got halofantrine and/or artemether through oral way. Results: There were total one hundred and eight patients who were positive in the blood smears. Among them 68.51% (n: 74) were male patients and 31.48 % (n: 34) were female patients. We diagnosed high temperature in all the patients. We observed jaundice in 36.11% (n: 39), nausea in 29.62% (n: 32), pain in the abdomen cavity in 21.29% (n: 23), changed condition of consciousness in 24.07% (n: 26) patients, diarrhea in 8.33% (n: 9), cough was present in 7.4% (n: 8) & seizures in 1.85% (n: 2) patients. Out of total one hundred and eight patients, 20.37% (n: 22) patients appeared with the malaria of cerebral, 7.4% patients were available with the infection of the respiratory tract, 8.33% (n: 9) patients appeared with gastroenteritis, 8.33% (n: 9) were present with acute pancreatitis but amylase of serum and ultrasound of the abdomen cavity omitted the discovery of the acute pancreatitis. Total 5.55% (n: 6) appeared with acute hepatitis & failure of fulminant hepatic with increased levels of serum ammonia in 3.70% (n: 4) patients and 2.77% (n: 3) patients appeared with the acute failure of kidneys. Conclusion: The occurrence of the malaria due to P. Falciparum was much high among the patients of this research work. There is a possibility of the prevalence of falciparum malaria in all the patients suffering from febrile illness even with different appearances of malaria. KEY WORDS: P. falciparum, P. vivax, appearance, prevalence, occurrence, methodology. &nbsp

Background: Immunotherapy for multiple myeloma (MM) has been the focus in recent years due to its myeloma-specific immune responses. We reviewed the literature on non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to highlight future perspectives. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov to include phase I/II clinical trials. Data from 39 studies (1906 patients) were included. Of all the agents, Isatuximab (Isa, anti-CD38) and F50067 (anti-CXCR4) were the only mAbs to produce encouraging results as monotherapy with overall response rates (ORRs) of 66.7% and 32% respectively. Isa showed activity when used in combination with lenalidomide (Len) and dexamethasone (Dex), producing a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 83%. Additionally, Isa used in combination with pomalidomide (Pom) and Dex resulted in a CBR of 73%. Indatuximab Ravtansine (anti-CD138 antibody-drug conjugate) produced an ORR of 78% and 79% when used in combination with Len-Dex and Pom-Dex, respectively. Conclusions: Combination therapy using mAbs such as indatuximab, pembrolizumab, lorvotuzumab, siltuximab or dacetuzumab with chemotherapy agents produced better outcomes as compared to monotherapies. Further clinical trials investigating mAbs targeting CD38 used in combination therapy are warranted.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy, and clinical trials with newer agents have shown improved patient outcomes. Ixazomib (Ixa) is a proteasome inhibitor and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. It is commonly used with immunomodulators for the treatment of MM. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of Ixazomib alone and in combination with other drugs for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used the following MeSH and Emtree terms; "ixazomib" AND "Multiple Myeloma" from inception till 06/05/2020. We screened 1,558 articles and included 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (N=901) and 12 non-randomized clinical trials (NRCT) (N=632). We excluded case reports, case series, preclinical trials, review articles, observational studies, meta-analysis, and ongoing clinical trials that did not report interim efficacy outcomes. We used the R programming language (version 4.0.2) to conduct a meta-analysis. Results: In 15 clinical trials (N=1533), Ixa based regimens were used in patients with age range of 39-92 years. (Table 1) In 3 clinical trials (N=170), Ixa with Lenalidomide (Len) and dexamethasone (Dex) yielded a pooled overall response rate (ORR) of 90% (95% CI=0.82-0.94, I2=32%), a pooled complete response (CR) of 23% (95% CI=0.16-0.32, I2=24%) and a pooled ≥very good partial response and better (≥VGPR) of 39% (95% CI=0.24-0.57, I2 =76%) when used as induction therapy for NDMM patients. As consolidation therapy (N=88), pooled ORR was 91% (95% CI=0.79-0.97, I2=0), pooled CR was 36% (95% CI=0.27-0.47, I2=0) and pooled ≥VGPR was 70% (95% CI=0.53-0.84, I2=60%). (Fig 1-3) In 5 clinical trials (N=233), Ixa + cyclophosphamide (Cyc) + Dex yielded a pooled ORR, CR, and ≥VGPR of 76% (95% CI=0.70-0.81, I2 =0), 12% (95% CI=0.07-0.20, I2=44%), and 25% (95% CI=0.14-0.39, I2=78%), respectively. (Fig 1-3) The lower dose of Cyc 300mg/m2 had similar efficacy as 400mg/m2 with better safety profile in elderly patients. In a RCT (N=175) of Ixa with multiple combinations, Ixa + Dex yielded ORR 55% (95% CI=0.40-0.69), CR 14% (95% CI=0.07-0.28) and ≥VGPR 24% (95% CI=0.13-0.39). Ixa+ thalidomide (Thal) + Dex fostered ORR 82% (95% CI=0.70-0.90), CR 15% (95% CI=0.08-0.26), and VGPR 43% (95% CI=0.31-0.55). Ixa + bendamustine + Dex yielded ORR of 73% (95% CI=0.41-0.91), CR 9% (95% CI=0.01-0.44), and ≥VGPR 27% (95% CI=0.09-0.59). In one clinical trial (N=53), Ixa + melphalan (Mel) + prednisone (Pred) combination yielded pooled ORR, CR, and ≥VGPR of 66% (95% CI=0.52-0.77), 13% (95% CI=0.06-0.25), and 30% (95% CI=0.19-0.44), respectively. In a phase II trial (N=40), Ixa + daratumumab (Dara) + Len + Dex yielded an ORR, CR and ≥VGPR of 97% (95% CI=0.84-1), 15% (95% CI=0.07-0.28), and 35% (95% CI=0.22-0.51) respectively. (Fig 1-3) In a phase III RCT by Dimopholous et al. (N=656), Ixa maintenance therapy after stem cell transplant (SCT) yielded an ORR, CR, and ≥VGPR of 76%, 15%, and 54%, respectively. They observed 28% reduction in the risk of progression or death with Ixa vs. placebo, median progression free survival (mPFS) was 26.5 months (95% CI 23·7-33·8) vs 21·3 months [18·0-24·7]; hazard ratio 0·72, 95% CI 0·58-0·89; p=0·0023). Second malignancies were 3% in both ixazomib and placebo group. 27% of the patients in ixazomib group and 20% patients in placebo group experienced serious adverse events. In a clinical trial on unfit and frail patients (N=46) treated with Ixa + daratumumab (Dara) + Dex, pooled ORR and ≥VGPR were 83% (95% CI=0.69-0.91, I2=0), and 33% (95% CI=0.21-0.47, I2=0), respectively. (Fig 1-3) In the phase II trial, ORR, CR, and VGPR with ixazomib and lenalidomide were 64%, 26%, and 53%, respectively. Conclusion: Ixa in combination with Len, Dex, Cyc, Dara, Mel, Pred is effective in the treatment of NDMM patients. In early phase trials, Ixa with Dara, Len, and Dexa showed the highest overall response as induction therapy. Ixazomib maintainance therapy prolongs PFS after SCT as compared to placebo and represents an additional option for post SCT maintainace therapy in NDMM patiens. The safety profile of Ixa was acceptable with most commonly encountered adverse events were hematological including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Additional multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. Disclosures Anwer: Incyte, Seattle Genetics, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Celegene, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a triad of congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE) or ichthyosis linearis circumflexa (ILC), hair shaft abnormalities, and atopic diathesis (elevated serum IgE ). We report a case of a two-year-old boy presented with intractable pruritus, scaling, dry skin and generalized eczematous lesions resistant to atopic dermatitis therapy. Netherton syndrome misdiagnosed as atopic dermatitis due to the presence of eczematous skin lesions and allergic problems. The family counseled about the diagnosis and need of genetic testing for confirmation, but they refused for genetic testing. The patient got treatment with topical corticosteroids and skin moisturizers. There is no cure or satisfactory treatment currently available for NS. Further understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of integumentary changes will lead to more effective treatment. Netherton syndrome should be in the differential diagnosis when characteristic skin manifestation of CIE or ILC, and elevated serum IgE present.

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes morbidity and mortality in solid-organ transplant recipients. Drug-resistant CMV is an emerging problem with poor survival outcomes and limited therapeutic options. In this study we comprehensively address the issue of drug resistance in CMV when compared with standard therapies, such as ganciclovir (GCV) and foscarnet. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients diagnosed with CMV after solid-organ transplant at our center between 2013 and 2017, and identified 7 resistant CMV cases. To study risk factors in the published literature, we performed an extensive database search. Results All patients had documented UL97 mutations, and 3 patients harbored both UL97 and UL54 mutations. For cases with increasing viral load or failure to achieve clinical improvement despite optimal therapy, genetic resistance testing was carried out. Patients received GCV and foscarnet combination therapy. As an adjunct, CMV immunoglobulin, cidofovir, and leflunomide were added. Risk factors, including donor+/recipient− serostatus, persistent high viral replication, prolonged therapeutic GCV exposure (>2.5 months), and allograft rejection, were assessed. Conclusion Patients at risk, especially those with D+/R− serostatus, should be judiciously monitored for resistance. Prolonged intravenous GCV exposure increases the risk for development of drug resistance. Therefore, precise guidelines are required for prevention of long-term GCV/VGCV exposure. Investigation regarding interferon-gamma release assay and adoptive transfer of T cells in diagnosed CMV patients is warranted to improve future prophylactic and management strategies against CMV, with a potential to reduce the requirement for available toxic antiviral drugs.

Background. Relapsed Ewing’s sarcoma (RES) is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival. Although high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) given after conventional chemotherapy (CC) has shown survival benefits, it is not generally used in the United States for RES. We performed a systemic review to evaluate the benefits of HDCT for RES. Methods. Literature search involved Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database. We included studies with RES patients treated with HDCT/ASCT. Results. Twenty-four studies with total of 345 reported RES patients that got HDCT were included in final analysis. Seventeen studies had patients with multiple malignancies including RES, while seven had only RES patients. At 2 and 3–5 years, event-free survival (EFS) in studies with only RES patients ranged 42–47% and 20–61% and overall survival (OS) ranged 50–66% and 33–77%, respectively. In studies with combined patients that reported outcomes of RES separately, the EFS at 1–3 and 4 years was 36–66% and 17–50%, respectively. The OS at 1-2 and 3-4 years was 40–60% and 50–70%. Conclusions. Most studies using HDCT/ASCT as consolidation regimen showed improved survival benefits compared to CC. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine true clinical benefits of HDCT followed by ASCT in patients with RES.

Modular bridge structures are commonly used in areas where space and weight are major limitations. In this study, a modular bridge structure made of extruded aluminum alloy AA7005 was analyzed using numerical simulations. Parametric model of the bridge structure was produced and optimized for required loading conditions. The aim of the research work was to minimize the weight of the bridge structure without compromising its strength. Sensitivity analysis was performed by taking thickness of the structure member as optimization variable. Optimum thickness of the bridge member obtained from simulations was assigned for the analysis of the entire structure. Results obtained from Finite Element (FE) simulations predicted maximum stress at the center of the structure. Parametric modeling of the structure allowed to asses failure against different loading conditions.

7050Background: Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AlloHSCT) for Ph+ve acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) remains the major cause of treatment failure. Use of tyr...

e20016Background: With the emergence of immunotherapy, genomics, and precision medicine, the future of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment is rapidly evolving. We reviewed the efficacy of (non-FDA appr...

Web Service is a software component that provides business functionalities to other applications over the Internet. XML standards provide the base for web services. Most of ‘web service providers’ are now publishing web-services on their own websites. Consumers who want to understand the functionality of a web service will need to see description of the web service in order to use it purposefully. There are two types of descriptions that are available with a web service, i.e. structural and non-structural. Web Service Description Language (WSDL) file contains the description of the web-service; the textual description is the documentation element in WSDL file. The description in the WSDL file is normally missing or less then IK words which make it hard for the consumer to understand it using the WSDL file. The proposed approach helps the consumer of a web service in understanding its functionality by finding the details present on the pages over World Wide Web using Google search and information filtering techniques.

Studies worldwide have reported alarming rates of alcohol misuse among medical students (Webb et al, 1996; Kuo et al, 2002; Akvadar et al, 2004). These reports are surprising as well as of extreme concern, as medical professionals are supposedly more educated on the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. The majority of studies exploring the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding alcohol have been from the USA and the UK, with only few from lower-income countries and the Islamic world (Kumar & Basu, 2000; Akvadar et al, 2004).