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Objective There are limited data on the efficacy and tolerability of VCD chemotherapy in transplant-non-eligible (TNE) newly diagnosed myeloma (NDMM) patients. In this retrospective study, we set out to evaluate this triplet combination in this setting across Thames Valley Cancer Network (UK). Methods The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary outcomes included event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). Results In a total cohort of 158 patients, ORR for total cohort was 72.1%. Median EFS was 10.5 months, and for subgroups by age ( 600 mg: 7.8 vs ≤600 mg: 8.3 months, P = .665). Median OS was 46.9 months. The incidence rate of AE was as follows: any grade (76.8%), ≥G3 (27.1%), ≥G3 haematological AEs (7.9%), any grade infections (31.1%) and ≥G3 infections (11.9%). Conclusion This study demonstrated a good ORR achieved from fixed duration VCD, which was reasonably well tolerated. This was followed by modest median EFS. We envisage that the latter may be improved in this patient group with the use of a higher cumulative bortezomib dose (≥26 mg/m2 ) which showed a trend for improved EFS although without statistical significance (P = .13), and with the use of a higher cumulative cyclophosphamide doses (≥7000 mg, P = .02), subject to tolerability and close monitoring.

The expression patterns and prognostic significance of sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) protein in the neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) were investigated in a cohort of 154 patients with HL treated with standard regimens. SAMHD1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry using diagnostic lymph node biopsies obtained prior to treatment. Using an arbitrary 20% cut-off, SAMHD1 was positive in HRS cells of 48/154 (31·2%) patients. SAMHD1 expression was not associated with clinicopathologic parameters, such as age, gender, stage or histologic subtype. In 125 patients with a median follow-up of 90 months (7-401 months), SAMHD1 expression in HRS cells significantly correlated with inferior freedom from progression (FFP) (P = 0·025), disease-specific survival (DSS) (P = 0·013) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0·01). Importantly, in multivariate models together with disease stage, histology subtype and type of treatment as covariates, SAMHD1 expression retained an independent significant association with unfavourable FFP (P = 0·005) as well as DSS (P = 0·022) and OS (P = 0·018). These findings uncover the significance of a novel, adverse prognostic factor in HL that may have therapeutic implications since SAMHD1 inhibitors are now available for clinical use.

Background R-CHOP can cure approximately 75% of patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBCL), but prognostic factors have not been sufficiently evaluated yet. R-da- EPOCH is potentially more effective but also more toxic than R-CHOP. Reliable prognostic classification is needed to guide treatment decisions. Materials and Methods We analyzed the impact of clinical prognostic factors on the outcome of 332 PMLBCL patients ≤65 years treated with R-CHOP ± radiotherapy in a multicenter setting in Greece and Cyprus. Results With a median follow-up of 69 months, 5-year freedom from progression (FFP) was 78% and 5-year lymphoma specific survival (LSS) was 89%. On multivariate analysis, extranodal involvement (E/IV) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥2 times upper limit of normal (model A) were significantly associated with FFP; E/IV and bulky disease (model B) were associated with LSS. Both models performed better than the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the age-adjusted IPI by Harrel's C rank parameter and Akaike information criterion. Both models A and B defined high-risk subgroups (13%–27% of patients [pts]) with approximately 19%–23% lymphoma-related mortality. They also defined subgroups composing approximately one-fourth or one-half of the patients, with 11% risk of failure and only 1% or 4% 5-year lymphoma-related mortality. Conclusion The combination of E/IV with either bulky disease or LDH ≥2 times upper limit of normal defined high-risk but not very-high-risk subgroups. More importantly, their absence defined subgroups comprising approximately one-fourth or one-half of the pts, with 11% risk of failure and minimal lymphoma-related mortality, who may not need more intensive treatment such as R-da-EPOCH. Implications for Practice By analyzing the impact of baseline clinical characteristics on outcomes of a large cohort of patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma homogeneously treated with R-CHOP with or without radiotherapy, we developed novel prognostic indices which can aid in deciding which patients can be adequately treated with R-CHOP and do not need more intensive regimens such as R-da-EPOCH. The new indices consist of objectively determined characteristics (extranodal disease or stage IV, bulky disease, and markedly elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase), which are readily available from standard initial staging procedures and offer better discrimination compared with established risk scores (International Prognostic Index [IPI] and age-adjusted IPI).

Mutations of ASXL1 are early events in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) leukemogenesis and have been associated with unfavorable prognosis. In this study, we investigated the type and frequency of ASXL1 mutations in a large cohort of patients with de novo or secondary AML (s-AML) and looked for correlations with cytogenetic findings and disease features. ASXL1 mutations were associated with older age, s-AML and higher peripheral leukocytosis. We observed more frequent co-occurrence of ASXL1 mutations with trisomy 8 and chromosome 11 aberrations but a negative correlation with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)-related cytogenetic abnormalities, especially -5/del(5q) and -7/del(7q). ASXL1 mutations were also found in other genetically defined AML subgroups such as those with t(9;22), inv(3)/t(3;3), t(8;21) or t(15;17); however, none of our inv(16) cases carried ASXL1 mutations. We detected two previously unreported ASXL1 mutations, p.IIe593Val and p.Cys688Tyr. Our findings suggest that ASXL1 mutations tend to cluster with specific clinical and cytogenetic profiles of AML patients.

Objective: Real-world data on the efficacy and tolerability of isatuximab with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (IsaPomDex) in relapsed/refractory myeloma (RRMM) patients are limited. In this UK-wide retrospective study, IsaPomDex outcomes were evaluated across 24 UK cancer centres. Methods: The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). Patients were censored at the end of their follow up period, if they did not experience a PFS or OS event. A 3-month landmark analysis was conducted to assess the influence of pomalidomide and dexamethasone dose intensity, and of myeloma response on survival outcomes Results: In a total cohort of 107 patients, median follow up (IQR) was 3.7 months (0.5-12.4 months), median age (IQR) was 69 years (61-77); median (IQR) Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) score was 3 (2-4), 61.7 % had CCI 10%) any grade AEs were neutropenia (65.4%), thrombocytopenia (23.4%), infections (23.4%), anaemia (15.9%), and fatigue (10.3%). The total number of all ≥G3 AEs was 119; experienced by a total of 67 patients (62.6%). The most common (>10%) ≥G3 AEs were: neutropenia (45.8%), infections (18.7%) and thrombocytopenia (14%). The total number of all ≥G3 haematological AEs was 80; experienced by 57 patients (53.2%). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe IsaPomDex outcomes in the real-world. It demonstrated encouraging ORR and PFS outcomes in RRMM in the routine care setting, and these were comparable to ICARIA-MM trial data. However, close monitoring and dose adjustments are required to manage toxicities. Longer follow up of patients in this cohort will enable a further assessment of these initial outcomes. Disclosures Djebbari: Takeda: Other: Support with virtual ASH attendance (2020); Sanofi: Other: Honoraria for an education evening for haematologists about isatuximab. Ramasamy: GSK: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene - Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Background The risk of recurrence of solitary plasmacytoma (SP)/progression to MM is well established, but patient, imaging and treatment factors influencing risk of progression require further evaluation. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 66 SP patients (23 UK, 43 Brazil) diagnosed 1989–2016. Patient baseline characteristics were recorded. The incidence of progression to MM was calculated, including biochemical and imaging findings and the treatment modality received. Survival estimates were determined by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Results With a median follow-up of 53.6 months the 5 year overall survival (OS) was 90.7% (95%CI 79–96%). The median progression free survival (PFS) from diagnosis was 61 months. Cumulative incidence of progression to MM was 49.9% at 5 years (95% CI 35.6–62.6%) and was significantly higher with bone plasmacytoma (47.2%, 95%CI 31.9–61.1%), than an extramedullary location (8.3%, 95%CI 0.4–32.3%, Gray test p = 0.0095)). The majority of patients with solitary bony plasmacytoma (SBP) received radiotherapy (RT) (51/53, 96.2%) whereas most extramedullary cases were treated with surgical resection (7/13, 53.8%). A small proportion of SBP patients received additional upfront chemotherapy, with 5/6 in remission after a median follow-up (FU) of 10 years. The diagnostic yield of surveillance functional FU imaging without other indications of relapse/progression was low. The positive predictive value of functional FU imaging was high but with a low negative predictive value, especially in cases of suspected relapse/progression. Conclusion Our data suggests functional imaging should be used if clinical suspicion of relapse/progression, rather than a routine surveillance tool, and upfront adjuvant chemotherapy is worthy of prospective evaluation.

Background Bortezomib is a cornerstone in the management of multiple myeloma. It remains an attractive treatment option because it is efficacious, reasonably well tolerated and easy to administer. However, data on resource implications in the UK for both patients and healthcare providers are limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 127 patients to assess implications of bortezomib therapy on patients and healthcare resources. A patient-episode was defined as a patient attending the chemotherapy day treatment unit solely for bortezomib administration. Data were collected for the duration of therapy as follows: cost of drug calculated using the UK’s bortezomib indicative price as per British National Formulary, cost of drug administration in the chemotherapy day treatment unit calculated using the National Health Service’s schedule of service cost, time from check-in to drug administration, patient travel time and distance calculated using Google maps, and cost of travel. Results Median drug cost and administration cost per patient were £8336 (£2084–£108,368) and £4640 (£290–£15,080), respectively. Median time from check-in to administration was 63 min (range 5–433), median travel time was 90 min (range 8–270) and 80 min (range 8–280) during peak and off-peak periods, respectively. Median return travel distance was 33.4 miles (range 1.2–224) for travel cost per patient per trip was £8.35–£13.20. Conclusions Our real-world resource analysis demonstrated that delivering bortezomib therapy can be associated with significant cost and time implications for patients and healthcare providers. Our study method sets a basis for evaluating resource implications of other novel approaches to myeloma therapy.

Multiple myeloma, the second most frequent blood cancer, and its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance, are associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. However, current guidelines fail to offer explicit indications for healthcare professionals in terms of testing and thresholds for onward referral. The purpose of this review is to present the association of these conditions and metabolic bone disease and to highlight the importance of considering a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance and myeloma in the context of a secondary fracture prevention assessment and of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these patients.

Background Augustson et al (2005) showed that myeloma patients diagnosed and managed in the early‐mid 2000s are at a higher risk of infections compared to those diagnosed prior to this period. This has been attributed, in part, to a changing treatment paradigm, including the use of proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) for longer periods which confer different infection risks. Furthermore, infection related outcomes are poorly reported in elderly co-morbid patients due to lack of representation in clinical trials. Assessment of infection related morbidity and mortality in transplant ineligible NDMM patients during routine care requires evaluation, so future strategies can be devised to limit these complications. Methods We performed a single institution retrospective study of 200 transplant ineligible newly diagnosed myeloma patients treated with UK standard of care (2009-2018) to assess infection related outcomes over a 12 month period from treatment initiation. Cumulative incidence of infections at 12 months were compared between the following subgroups using Gray test : age ( Using Poisson regression, univariate (UVA) and multivariate analyses (MVA) were conducted to assess factors associated with increased 12 month incidence rates of: all infections, ≥G3 infections, as well as significant inpatient admission (>3 days). A landmark analysis was conducted to compare overall survival of patients who experienced infections in the first 6 months versus infection-free patients. Results The median age of total cohort was 75 years (range 40-94), of whom 54% had IgG subtype, and 44% had ISS 3 staging. CCI categories were: 0-2 (20.5%), 3-4 (48%) and ≥5 (28%). Patients received a median of 6 cycles of therapy (range 1-39): IMiD-based (69%), PI-based (20%) and chemo-based (11%). Median follow up was 67.7 months. Median OS and PFS were 33.5 and 9.2 months, respectively. There were 116 documented infections, of which 72 were ≥G3. Two thirds occurred in the first 6 months. Median time to first episode was 70 days (range 7-343) for all infections and 70 days (range 7-338) for ≥G3. Cumulative incidence of infections in the total cohort for all infections and ≥G3 infections were 33% (95% CI 26.6-39.6%) and 22% (95% CI 16.5-28%), respectively. Median number of all infections and ≥G3 infections per patient was: 1 (range 1-7) and 1 (range 1-5), respectively. Episodes occurred during induction (49.1%), remission (17.2%), progressive disease (13.8%) and during 2nd line therapy (19.8%). Thirty seven episodes occurred in winter seasonal period (Dec-Mar). Most common infection sites were respiratory tract (n=61) and genitourinary tract (n=22). Fifty six episodes required a significant inpatient stay (>3 days), of which 2 required ICU admissions. Cumulative 12-month infection-mortality was 4% (95% CI 0.019-0.074). Baseline characteristics did not account for a significant difference in cumulative incidence of all infections and ≥G3 infections except for: elevated LDH, COPD and smoking status (Figure 1A). By MVA, elevated LDH, smoking and number of cycles of therapy (≥6 vs. Median OS was lower in the subgroup of patients who experienced infections in the first 6 months compared to those who did not, for both all grade infections (borderline statistical significance) and ≥G3 infections (statistical significance), (Figures 1C and 1D). Conclusions This study demonstrates significant infection related morbidity and hospital admissions within a year of treatment initiation in an elderly routine care cohort. Whilst this study identified independent predictors of infections, strategies should be put in place to modify these risk factors Figure 1 Disclosures Djebbari: Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: support with conference attendance, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: support with conference attendance; Amgen: Honoraria. Ramasamy:Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Research Grants ; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Research Grants ; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Research Grants ; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: MGRS is a heterogeneous group of pathologic renal conditions attributed to a clonal plasma cell disorder, without classical features of myeloma. However, there is a need to distinguish MGRS from MGUS and unrelated renal abnormality as the clonal protein in MGRS plays a direct role in kidney damage and requires treatment of the underlying clone. Outcomes in patients with diagnosis of cast nephropathy and renal amyloidosis have been previously reported. But long-term outcomes of MGRS patients with other renal histologies remain unclear. Also data on whether the level of tumour burden in the marrow and type of treatment for MGRS influence long-term outcomes is lacking. This analysis was conducted to study long term outcomes in renal biopsy proven (non cast nephropathy & AL Amyloid) MGRS patients. Aims: This multi-centre retrospective study was set up to analyse clinical outcomes in renal biopsy proven MGRS patients. Long-term haematological and renal outcomes were analysed. Correlation between tumour burden, type of treatment applied and level of response obtained was also analysed. Methods: Thirty-seven MGRS patients were retrospectively audited across 3 centres in the United Kingdom and 1 centre in the Republic of Ireland between 2004 and 2016. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had a confirmed diagnosis of MGRS by renal biopsy. Patients with cast nephropathy and renal AL Amyloidosis were excluded. Renal survival was defined as the time until renal replacement therapy was required or failure to come off the renal replacement therapy commenced at diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the time of MGRS diagnosis until death from any cause. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 68 years and median follow-up was 33.5 months (range, 0.7-141.7 months). There were 29 male patients and 8 female patients. 20/25 patients had hypertension at the time of diagnosis (records unavailable for 12 patients). Majority of patients were kappa light chain restricted 85% vs 15% lambda LC restricted. Renal histology showed: 65% Light Chain Deposition Disease, 8% Mixed Heavy and Light Chain Deposition Disease, 1 % Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG, 11% Light Chain Tubulopathy, 6% Cryoglobulunemia, 3% Immunotactoid Glomerulonephritis. Renal survival for the whole cohort was 74% and overall survival was 84%. At the time of renal biopsy, 43% of patients had >10% plasma cells versus 46% of patients with 10% plasma cells versus 70 % in 10% plasma cells, not statistically significant (P = 0.14). Chemotherapy treatment was administered in 24 patients (65%) for their MGRS versus 13 patients (35%) who had no treatment for their PC clone. Of the 24 patients who had treatment: 20 had Bortezomib-based therapy (VEL), 6 had Thalidomide-based therapy, 4 had Lenalidomide and 4 had stem cell transplant. Patients who received VEL treatment for PC clone had a renal survival of 84 % versus 63% in patients who did not have VEL treatment (P = 0.45). OS in patients who received VEL was 95 % versus 72 % in patients who did not receive VEL treatment (P= 0.1). Good haematological response (≥VGPR) in 11/37 patients achieved and renal survival in these patients was significantly better at 90 % versus 61 % in patients who had Conclusion: We report long-term outcomes in a large cohort of MGRS patients: 74% renal survival and 84% overall survival at a median of 33 months follow up. For the first time, we show treatment for the PC clone shows better outcomes; with patients treated with VEL therapy significantly improved renal survival. Patients with higher tumour burden have a non-significant reduction in overall survival. Overall, the results of this study show better OS in MGRS patients when compared with outcomes previously reported in cast nephropathy and renal AL amyloid. Download : Download high-res image (110KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures Ramasamy: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Objective: Despite the high prevalence of headache and migraine in the general population, many people do not receive adequate medical attention and treatment. Case Summary: A 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with Bcr-abl+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and treatment was initiated with chemotherapy and imatinib 800 mg daily. Following imatinib initiation, a gradual decrease in serum sodium level was noticed. Prolonged aplasia and neutropenic fever prompted discontinuation of therapy for 4 weeks. Following the patient's recovery, complete remission was achieved and monotherapy with imatinib 800 mg daily was restarted; however, hyponatremia recurred a few days later. The clinical findings and laboratory workup were compatible with the diagnosis of SIADH, which was attributed to high-dose imatinib. Fluid restriction and imatinib dosage reduction (to 600 mg/day) restored sodium levels. According to the Naranjo probability scale, this adverse reaction was probably associated with imatinib. Discussion: Imatinib emerged as the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor to enter everyday clinical practice for the treatment of Ph+ leukemias. Due to its molecular specificity, imatinib lacks the broad cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapy. Inhibition of kinases in normal tissues accounts for many of imatinib's adverse reactions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of imatinib-induced SIADH. Conclusions: We recommend monitoring for SIADH if a patient receiving high-dose imatinib develops hyponatremia.

Background: MGRS is a heterogeneous group of pathologic renal conditions attributed to a clonal plasma cell disorder, without classical features of myeloma. However, there is a need to distinguish MGRS from MGUS and unrelated renal abnormality as the clonal protein in MGRS plays a direct role in kidney damage and requires treatment of the underlying clone. Outcomes in patients with diagnosis of cast nephropathy and renal amyloidosis have been previously reported. But long-term outcomes of MGRS patients with other renal histologies remain unclear. Also data on whether the level of tumour burden in the marrow and type of treatment for MGRS influence long-term outcomes is lacking. This analysis was conducted to study long term outcomes in renal biopsy proven (non cast nephropathy & AL Amyloid) MGRS patients. Aims: This multi-centre retrospective study was set up to analyse clinical outcomes in renal biopsy proven MGRS patients. Long-term haematological and renal outcomes were analysed. Correlation between tumour burden, type of treatment applied and level of response obtained was also analysed. Methods: Thirty-seven MGRS patients were retrospectively audited across 3 centres in the United Kingdom and 1 centre in the Republic of Ireland between 2004 and 2016. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had a confirmed diagnosis of MGRS by renal biopsy. Patients with cast nephropathy and renal AL Amyloidosis were excluded. Renal survival was defined as the time until renal replacement therapy was required or failure to come off the renal replacement therapy commenced at diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the time of MGRS diagnosis until death from any cause. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 68 years and median follow-up was 33.5 months (range, 0.7-141.7 months). There were 29 male patients and 8 female patients. 20/25 patients had hypertension at the time of diagnosis (records unavailable for 12 patients). Majority of patients were kappa light chain restricted 85% vs 15% lambda LC restricted. Renal histology showed: 65% Light Chain Deposition Disease, 8% Mixed Heavy and Light Chain Deposition Disease, 1 % Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG, 11% Light Chain Tubulopathy, 6% Cryoglobulunemia, 3% Immunotactoid Glomerulonephritis. Renal survival for the whole cohort was 74% and overall survival was 84%. At the time of renal biopsy, 43% of patients had >10% plasma cells versus 46% of patients with 10% plasma cells versus 70 % in 10% plasma cells, not statistically significant (P = 0.14). Chemotherapy treatment was administered in 24 patients (65%) for their MGRS versus 13 patients (35%) who had no treatment for their PC clone. Of the 24 patients who had treatment: 20 had Bortezomib-based therapy (VEL), 6 had Thalidomide-based therapy, 4 had Lenalidomide and 4 had stem cell transplant. Patients who received VEL treatment for PC clone had a renal survival of 84 % versus 63% in patients who did not have VEL treatment (P = 0.45). OS in patients who received VEL was 95 % versus 72 % in patients who did not receive VEL treatment (P= 0.1). Good haematological response (≥VGPR) in 11/37 patients achieved and renal survival in these patients was significantly better at 90 % versus 61 % in patients who had Conclusion: We report long-term outcomes in a large cohort of MGRS patients: 74% renal survival and 84% overall survival at a median of 33 months follow up. For the first time, we show treatment for the PC clone shows better outcomes; with patients treated with VEL therapy significantly improved renal survival. Patients with higher tumour burden have a non-significant reduction in overall survival. Overall, the results of this study show better OS in MGRS patients when compared with outcomes previously reported in cast nephropathy and renal AL amyloid. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ramasamy: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Introduction Evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM) by multi-parameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a biomarker for risk of relapse. Applicability of MFC in routine practice has been challenging with suboptimal marrow samples and sampling needed at multiple time points. Sensitive serological assays which can detect MRD and have prognostic utility are needed to optimize the management of MM patients. The HevyliteTM assay (The Binding Site, UK) evaluates serum heavy/light chain ratios for IgG, IgA and IgM. We hypothesised the normalisation of serological markers is a good surrogate for plasma cell reconstitution in a healthy bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare Hevyliteand FreeliteTM assays with MFC of BM plasma cells from patients receiving autologous stem cell transplants (ASCT). We wanted to investigate if a correlation exists between MFC MRD negativity and the serological normalisation of Hevylite plus Freelite assays. Methods Hevylite, Freelite, SPEP, IFE on serum and MFC on bone marrow were performed on 23 patients post induction therapy and at a median of 90 days post-ASCT. Serological tests were performed again in available patients at 275 days post-ASCT. The combination of Freelite and Hevylite, which measures involved (iHLCr) and uninvolved (uHLCr) heavy light chain (HLC)-pairs, allows investigation of plasma cell reconstitution and its prognostic value in transplant patients. Six-colour MFC was performed as previously published (Rawstron et al. JCO 2013). IMWG uniform response criteria were used to categorise patients. Kaplan Meier estimates of Progression Free Survival (PFS) from time of transplantation until disease progression or death (whichever came first) were calculated and log-rank test was used for comparisons across groups. Sensitivity, specificity and ROC area analysis were used to assess performance of serologic response tests against flow MRD negativity, which is considered gold standard. Results Total of 23 patients were recruited to the study, 8 female (34.8%), 15 male (65.2%), with median age 61 (46-71). Isotype and ISS distribution were as follows; 11 IgG (47.8%), 4 IgA (17.4%), 1 IgM (4.35%), 7 LC only (30.4%) and 8 ISS1 (34.8%), 6 ISS2 (26.1%), 9 ISS3 (39.1%). Median marrow PC involvement at diagnosis was 45%, (20-90%) (N=18). At diagnosis, median LDH levels 192 IU/L, (153-475), median Hb 109.5 g/l, (72-152), with renal impairment noted in 6/23 (26.1%) and abnormal skeletal survey 15/23 (65.2%). High risk MM FISH was reported in 1/23 (4.35%), unknown 11/23 (47.8%) with rest determined to have standard risk. Median time from start of induction to HDM/ASCT 8 months (6.5-20) and median number of lines of treatment before HDM/ASCT was 1. Two deaths were noted on study. Median follow-up of surviving patients from diagnosis was 31 months (10-42). VGPR or better was achieved in 18/23 (88%) patients post-transplant by IMWG criteria. Hevylite ratio (iHLCr and uHLCr) normalised in 11/23 (48%) patients, with Freelite ratio (FLCr) normalisation in 14/23 (61%). MFC MRD negativity at 3 months post-ASCT was noted in 6/23 (26%) patients, in whom the post-ASCT Hevylite ratio and FLCr were also normalised. Comparing response assessments post-ASCT using standard IMWG criteria, MFC MRD, HLCr normalisation and FLCr normalisation, we found that MFC MRD is more sensitive to pick up residual disease over other tests. MFC MRD positivity correlates with early disease progression as MRD negativity significantly improves PFS outcomes (not reached vs 21 months) p=0.01 (Figure 1a). Patients with both HCLr and FLCr normalisation have significantly better PFS outcomes (not reached vs 21 months) p=0.04 (Figure 1b). ROC curve comparison of MFC MRD negativity and HLCr and FLCr normalisation tests, shows a 100% (95% CI 54.1% - 100%) sensitivity and 82% specificity (95% CI 56.6 - 96.2%) for serological normalisation. This demonstrates that HLCr and FLCr normalisation serves as a useful surrogate marker for MFC MRD negativity in our study. Conclusions We report the first prospective study demonstrating HLCr and FLCr normalisation post-transplant is a useful surrogate marker for flow MRD negativity, which is a widely accepted gold standard. This data requires further validation in a larger cohort of post-ASCT MM patients. Disclosures Ramasamy: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Derangement of cellular immunity is central in the pathophysiology of adult autoimmune/idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Herein we investigated cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of adult chronic ITP patients and attempted to correlate cytokine polarization with the degree of thrombocytopenia. We used semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure the expression of type-1 (interleukin-2 [IL-2], interferon γ [IFN-γ]) and type-2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-3, IL-13) cytokines by PBMCs from 21 patients and 11 controls. Plasma transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 ([IL-2 + IFN-γ]/[IL-4 + IL-5]) cytokine mRNA ratios, thought to reflect the Th deviation of the pathogenic disease-specific T cells, and type-1/type-2 mRNA ratios, thought to reflect the overall immune response polarization, were significantly increased in ITP patients. The Th1/Th2 ratio was inversely correlated with platelet counts. TGF-β1 levels appeared suppressed in patients with active disease, though not significantly. Our findings show a clear type-1 cytokine polarization of the autoimmune response in adult ITP that persists irrespective of disease status.

The whole spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities and their prognostic significance in children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not been fully elucidated yet, although a considerable amount of knowledge has been gained recently. Moreover, the incidence and prognostic impact of monosomal karyotypes (MKs), which are new cytogenetic categories reported recently in adults with AML, are currently unknown for childhood and adolescent AML. In this study, we investigated the cytogenetic and clinical characteristics of 140 children and adolescents (≤21 y) with AML, and correlated their cytogenetic features with both the clinical characteristics and outcomes of our patient cohort. The most frequent cytogenetic abnormality found in our study was the t(15;17), followed by the t(8;21). Striking differences in the genetic abnormalities and French-American-British subtypes were found among infants, children, and adolescents. Of 124 cases, 15 (12.1%) met the criteria of the MK definition, and 12 of the 15 MKs (80%) were complex karyotypes. Of 124 cases, 27 (21.8%) had cytogenetic abnormalities sufficient to be diagnosed as AML with myelodyspastic sydrome–related features. As expected, patients with the t(15;17) had the most favorable outcomes, whereas patients with 11q23 rearrangements and monosomy 7 had the worst outcomes. These data expand our knowledge by providing novel insights into the cytogenetic features and their correlations with clinical characteristics and outcomes in childhood and adolescent AML.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is highly curable with the combination of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and anthracycline based chemotherapy, but the percentage of early deaths remains high. In the present study, we report the clinical, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics and outcome of APL patients diagnosed and treated in various Hospitals of Greece and Cyprus. We describe the data of ninety-five APL patients who were diagnosed during the last 15 years. Seven (7.4%) newly diagnosed APL patients died due to intracranial hemorrhage within 72 hours of presentation. All but two patients were induced with ATRA alone or ATRA plus chemotherapy. The early death rate was 14.9%. After induction all 80 evaluable patients achieved complete hematologic remission. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 18.3%. Eight of the ten relapsed patients were successfully salvaged, while both patients with molecularly resistant disease died during salvage treatment. Overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 78.4% and disease free survival (DFS) 73.6%. In multivariate analysis of OS age over 60 years, DIC at diagnosis and marginally major hemorrhage at presentation were identified as adverse prognostic factors. In the subgroup of patients with available data on FLT3 mutation status (49 out of 94), ITD positivity also remained as an independent prognostic factor in the final model of OS, together with major hemorrhage and marginally high Sanz score. We found a close correlation between the CD2 expression and the development of the differentiation syndrome (DS). In conclusion, the main problem in managing patients with APL is still the high early death rate.

Several studies have implicated leptin in the pathophysiology of neoplasias. We investigated the direct effect of leptin on malignant hematopoietic tissue that included: primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, leukemic cell lines and bone marrow biopsies from multiple myeloma (MM) patients. PBMC, T-cells, B-cells and monocytes from healthy subjects served as controls. We defined the patterns of OB-R isoform expression in AML cells and leukemic cell lines in comparison to control cells by RT-PCR. rLeptin upregulated the expression of OB-R and endogenous leptin in AML blasts and certain cell lines but not in control cells. Cytometric Bead Array analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines showed that rleptin upregulates IL-6 secretion by AML cells, various cytokines by the leukemic cell lines tested and IL-10 secretion by control PBMC, contributed by monocytes. Western immunoblotting revealed that the effect of rleptin was independent of JAK-2/phospho-JAK-2 protein levels. Finally, MM biopsies stained positive for leptin and, to a lesser extend, OB-R. Immunoreactivity was confined mostly to the nucleus of the myeloma cells. Normal myelocytes, promyelocytes and megakaryocytes stained weakly positive, and erythroid cells were constantly negative. We propose that the leptin/OB-R system is strongly and directly involved in supporting the growth of hematopoietic malignancies.

Primary adrenal lymphoma is a rare entity characterized mainly by bilateral involvement, presenting predominantly diffuse large B-cell histology, adrenal insufficiency and poor prognosis. Approximately 85 cases have been described in the literature. We report here a case of a 77-year-old man who presented with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), which preceded the diagnosis of lymphoma by more than 2 years. An ultrasound guided biopsy revealed diffuse, large B-cell, lymphoma; subsequent staging revealed no other disease site, and the patient was considered to have primary adrenal lymphoma. The patient had adrenal insufficiency at diagnosis. He received hormonal replacement and chemotherapy, but he succumbed to his disease because of sepsis and multi-organ failure a few days post diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature in which AIHA preceded bilateral adrenal lymphoma. We also provide a summary of the current data for the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal lymphoma.

Background In view of clinical observations and laboratory results that support a central role of the spleen in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) pathophysiology, we studied the effect of splenectomy on type-1 and type-2 cytokine gene expression in an adult ITP case, refractory to conservative treatment. Case presentation The patient was subjected to splenectomy 9 months after the diagnosis with complete response, attaining platelet counts over 150 × 106/L within 10 days after the operation. Two consecutive blood samples were obtained from the patient, 3 and 7 months after the splenectomy for the purposes of this study. A control group consisted of 11 healthy adults. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prepared from each blood sample and cultured in vitro for 8 h with the addition of the mitogens phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. Total cellular RNA extracted from 106 cells was submitted to semiquantitave reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the amplification of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 metagraphs. The PCR products were run on ethidium-stained agarose gels, photographed and quantified by densitometry. A steep decrease of type-1 cytokine expression (IL-2, IFN-γ) and their calculated sum expressing Th1 activity was observed at 7 months post-splenectomy compared to 3 months post-splenectomy, in parallel with a rise of platelet count from 190 × 106/L to 265 × 106/L. The change of type-2 cytokine expression (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) was slight and the Th2 activity (IL-4+IL-5) remained largely unchanged. The Th1/Th2 ratio, that reflects the pathogenic disease-specific T-cell immune deviation, was accordingly reduced 7 months post-splenectomy (Th1/Th2 = 1.3) compared to 3 months (Th1/Th2 = 3.5). Conclusions The reduction of the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio that was observed over time after splenectomy was accompanied by full clinical remission. Nevertheless, the persistence of a type-1 polarization, even after several months following spleen removal, is suggestive of a more basic abnormality of the immune function in these patients.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) remains the main therapeutic option for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies, albeit with the requirement of a properly matched and timely available donor. Dual-unit umbilical cord blood transplantation (dUCBT) has become an alternative modality, which offers immediate access to allo-SCT for most adult patients who lack an appropriate volunteer donor. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of consecutive dUCBT procedures that were undertaken by our center over a seven-year period, with focus on factors affecting engraftment and survival. Between 2006 and 2013, 40 patients underwent dUCBT at a median age of 37 years (range, 16-60) for various hematologic malignancies (acute myeloid leukemia: 22, myelodysplastic syndrome: 5, chronic myelogenous leukemia: 2, acute lymphoblastic leukemia: 6, mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: 2, plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: 1, hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma: 1, chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 1). The majority of patients (73.7%) had advanced or intermediate-phase disease at the time of transplantation, with a median time from diagnosis to transplant of 17.7 months (range:3.1-92.3). Recipient body weight ranged from 48 to 110 kg (median, 73). The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in 33 (82.5%) patients (busulfan-based in 22, and total body irradiation-based in 11 cases). Antithymocyte globulin was not administered during conditioning, with the exception of one case. Most units (55/80, 68.75%) were 4/6 antigen matched to recipient at HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 loci, and the remaining were 5/6 matched. By retrospective high-resolution typing for class I HLA alleles, histocompatibility was demoted in 62.3% of units. By additional allele-level typing at HLA-C and -DQB1 loci, the degree of compatibility varied from 8/10 to 3/10, with 80.5% of the units being ≤6/10 matched to the patient. The median dose of cryopreserved total nucleated cells (TNC) per unit was 2.53 x 107/kg (range, 1.09-5.66). At infusion, patients received in total a median of 4.55 x 107 TNC/kg (range, 2.65-9.3) and 1.7 x 105 CD34+ cells/kg (range, 0.54-5.14) from both units. The cumulative incidence (CI) of neutrophil engraftment was 92.5% (37/40 patients), with achievement of an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) greater than 500/uL at a median of 20 days (range, 12-52) (Figure 1). Platelet recovery (>50x109/L) occurred at a CI of 63.2%, and a median time of 84 days (range, 32-363). No influence of cell dose (TNC or CD34+) or of the degree of HLA match on the incidence and kinetics of engraftment could be detected. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) of grades II-IV and III-IV developed in 85% and 12.65% of patients, respectively. The CI of chronic GVHD was 31% (extensive in 54.5% of cases). There was a statistical trend for increased incidence of cGVHD with 500/uL) engraftment.Figure 1. Cumulative Incidence curve of neutrophil (ANC>500/uL) engraftment.Figure 2Cumulative Incidence curve of non-relapse mortality.Figure 2. Cumulative Incidence curve of non-relapse mortality.Figure 3Overall Survival (Kaplan-Meier curve).Figure 3. Overall Survival (Kaplan-Meier curve). In conclusion, dUCBT can lead to stable donor engraftment even across multiple HLA disparities and can overcome the barrier of cell dose. Despite considerable early mortality, dUCBT offers the possibility of long-term survival in about one third of adult patients with poor-prognosis hematologic malignancies, for whom allo-SCT would not be otherwise feasible. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 4116 The main prognostic determinant of the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is disease phase at transplant while the relevance of the assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) at transplant has not been elucidated. Although molecular markers are highly sensitive for the detection of MRD, they are available in only half of AML cases to date. On the other hand, multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) offers the feasibility of MRD assessment in virtually all patients. We retrospectively studied the influence of pre-transplant MRD status by MFC on the outcomes of patients with AML in relation to other known prognostic factors. From 01/2003 to 12/2010, 102 AML patients (male/female; 58/44), aged 15–64 (median; 42) years, received allo-SCT in our center at first (CR1, N=69) or subsequent (CR≥2, N=33) morphologic complete remission. Donors were HLA-compatible siblings (N=45), matched unrelated (N=34) or alternative (haploidentical relatives or unrelated cord blood; N=6 and 17, respectively). The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in 85 (83.33%), and reduced-intensity in 17 (16.67%) cases. Data on MRD assessment by four- or five-color MFC before transplant were available in 92 patients. MRD was defined as any percentage of cells with an aberrant antigen expression pattern compared to normal or regenerating marrow. Transplant outcomes associated with MRD in univariate and multivariate analysis were overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival, relapse incidence, and non-relapse-related mortality (NRM). Prognostic parameters included in the statistical model were the following: age and gender of recipient or donor, interval from diagnosis to transplant, de novo versus secondary AML, CR1 versus CR≥2 at transplant, cytogenetic risk group (according to Intergroup ECOG/SWOG definition), recipient and donor cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus, donor type, conditioning regimen (myeloablative versus reduced-intensity), degree of HLA match, method of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, and the modified European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (EBMT) risk score (Hemmati et al, 2011). With a median follow-up of 47 (range, 6–98) months, OS and DFS were 54.2% and 51.72%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 24.45%, and of NRM 23.82%. Eighteen out of 92 (19.57%) patients had MRD by MFC before allo-SCT. According to univariate analysis, the presence of MRD showed a negative association with OS (29.63% versus 63.17% at 4 years in patients with or without MRD, respectively, P=0.053) and DFS (28.52% in MRD-positive versus 59.74% in MRD-negative cases at 4 years, P=0.025, Figure 1). Presence of MRD correlated with higher incidence of relapse compared to MRD negativity (52.7% versus 15.8%, respectively, P=0.001) (Figure 2), but did not influence NRM. In multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards, backward stepwise selection), the parameters that remained independent adverse risk factors in terms of specific outcomes were: a) For OS: age and male gender of patient, alternative donor, unfavorable karyotype, CR≥2, and secondary AML, b) For DFS: presence of MRD (HR=3.2, P=0.009), CR≥2 (ÇR=3.1, P=0.005), reduced-intensity conditioning (HR=2.6, P=0.034), and unfavorable karyotype (HR=2.06, P=0.074), c) For relapse: presence of MRD (ÇR=3.83, P=0.003), and unfavorable karyotype (HR=3.55, P=0.007), and d) For NRM: age of recipient, CR≥2, and alternative donor. In conclusion, the presence of MRD by MFC before allo-SCT for AML is associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse and an inferior DFS, despite morphologic complete remission at transplant. Moreover, pre-transplantation MRD status has independent prognostic significance in addition to the disease phase, cytogenetic risk group, and intensity of the conditioning regimen. Prospective studies are warranted to examine if the adverse impact of MRD on the outcomes of allo-SCT can be reversed by immunologic manipulations aiming at augmenting graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 3052 The combination of bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (PAD) has shown efficacy in both relapsed/refractory and untreated, symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). The activity of this regimen is largely attributed to the recognized synergy between bortezomib and doxorubicin. Bortezomib is capable of reversing resistance to chemotherapy in MM with adverse prognostic features (high-risk myeloma), which has an unfavorable outcome with conventional chemotherapy followed by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In addition, disease status prior to ASCT has prognostic significance for survival, underscoring the need for highly efficient remission induction strategies. In a prospectively designed phase II trial, we focused on the efficacy and safety of the PAD combination as front-line treatment for high-risk myeloma. The study recruited patients aged ≤70 years with newly diagnosed, symptomatic MM with high-risk features (defined by at least one of the following criteria: ISS stage II/III according to serum albumin and beta2-microglobulin, and/or detection of 13q deletion by FISH or conventional karyotyping). Between 2005 and 2008, 40 patients were enrolled in the protocol. The median age of patients was 59 years (range: 41–70 years), and 27 (67.5%) were male. Each 21-day cycle of PAD included bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 plus doxorubicin 9 mg/m2 on days 1–4, and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1–4 and 8–11. According to protocol, patients received 4 induction cycles of PAD before proceeding to stem cell harvest and ASCT. Acyclovir and ciprofloxacin prophylaxis were routinely used. Patients were evaluated for toxicity at each cycle and for response after the end of the fourth cycle. The primary study endpoint was the response rate at the end of induction (assessed by the International Myeloma Working Group uniform response criteria, 2006). Secondary endpoints were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), ability to mobilize stem cells, and response after ASCT. ISS stage was I in 2 patients (5%), II in 18 (45%), and III in 20 (50%). Nine out of 40 patients (22.5%) presented with renal failure (creatinine >2mg/dl) due to myeloma at diagnosis. Deletion 13q was detected in 19 patients. Bone disease was present in 30 patients (75%) at diagnosis, and 19 (47.5%) had ≥3 lytic lesions on plain skeleton radiograms. Median patient follow-up time was 28.3 months (range, 1.4–49.3). All patients completed the 4 cycles of PAD, with the exception of one who died during the 2nd cycle. The overall response rate assessed after the 4th cycle of PAD was 95%. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 12/39 (31%), very good partial remission (VGPR) in 15/39 (38.5%), and PR in 10/39 (25.5%). Thirty-one patients were considered eligible for ASCT, and an adequate stem cell harvest was achieved in all. Following ASCT, CR rate reached 52% (16/31) with a CR+VGPR rate of 84% (26/31). PFS was 67% at 2.1 years, and calculated OS was 81.4% at 4 years (Figures 1 and 2). Factors associated with shorter OS were beta2-microglobulin ≥5.5 mg/L (p=0.03), and ISS stage III (p=0.03). By assessment of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a significant improvement in renal function was demonstrated after induction with PAD (median GFR pre- and post-induction: 59.7 versus 82.1 ml/min, respectively; p Disclosures: Baltathakis: Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding. Terpos:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Delimpasi:Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding. Dimopoulos:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Harhalakis:Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding.