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PURPOSE With the initial analysis of POLLUX at a median follow-up of 13.5 months, daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We report updated efficacy and safety results at the time of final analysis for overall survival (OS). METHODS POLLUX was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study during which eligible patients with ≥ 1 line of prior therapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to D-Rd or Rd until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After positive primary analysis and protocol amendment, patients receiving Rd were offered daratumumab monotherapy after disease progression. RESULTS Significant OS benefit was observed with D-Rd (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91; P = .0044) at a median (range) follow-up of 79.7 months (0.0-86.5). The median OS was 67.6 months for D-Rd compared with 51.8 months for Rd. Prespecified analyses demonstrated an improved OS with D-Rd versus Rd in most subgroups, including patients age ≥ 65 years and patients with one, two, or three prior lines of therapy, International Staging System stage III disease, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, and refractoriness to their last prior line of therapy or a proteasome inhibitor. The most common (≥ 10%) grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events with D-Rd versus Rd were neutropenia (57.6% v 41.6%), anemia (19.8% v 22.4%), pneumonia (17.3% v 11.0%), thrombocytopenia (15.5% v 15.7%), and diarrhea (10.2% v 3.9%). CONCLUSION D-Rd significantly extended OS versus Rd alone in patients with RRMM. To our knowledge, for the first time, our findings, together with the OS benefit observed with daratumumab plus bortezomib and dexamethasone in the phase III CASTOR trial, demonstrate OS improvement with daratumumab-containing regimens in RRMM (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02076009 [POLLUX]).

BACKGROUND: Elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone has shown improved progression-free and overall survival versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We aimed to assess these regimens in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: ELOQUENT-1 is an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial conducted at 185 hospitals, oncology practices, and research centres in 19 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with newly diagnosed, untreated, symptomatic myeloma and not candidates for high-dose therapy plus HSCT, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or lower. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone or lenalidomide and dexamethasone using an interactive voice response system, stratified by the International Staging System (ISS; stage I-II vs III), age (

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is first line treatment for newly diagnosed patients with myeloma but often results in functional deficits and reduced quality of life (QOL). Physically active myeloma patients have better QOL, less fatigue and reduced morbidity. This trial aimed to investigate the feasibility of a physiotherapist-led exercise intervention delivered across the continuum of the myeloma ASCT pathway at a UK centre. Initially designed and delivered as a face-to-face trial, the study protocol was adapted to virtual delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot randomised controlled trial of a partly supervised exercise intervention with incorporated behaviour change techniques delivered before, during and for 3 months following ASCT compared to usual care. Face-to-face delivery of the pre-ASCT supervised intervention was adapted to virtually-supervised group classes via video conferencing. Primary outcomes related to feasibility; recruitment rate, attrition and adherence. Secondary outcomes included patient reported measures of QOL (EORTC C30, FACT-BMT, EQ5D), and fatigue (FACIT-F), measures of functional capacity (six-minute walk test (6MWT), timed sit-to-stand (TSTS), hand grip strength, self-reported and objective physical activity (PA). Over 11 months 50 participants were enrolled and randomised. Overall, uptake to the study was 46%. The attrition rate was 34%, mainly related to failure to undergo ASCT. Loss of follow-up for other reasons was low. Secondary outcomes demonstrate potential for the benefit of exercise prior to, during and after ASCT with improvements in QOL, fatigue, functional capacity and PA evident on admission for ASCT and 3 months post-ASCT. Results indicate acceptability and feasibility of delivering exercise prehabilitation, in person and virtually within the ASCT pathway in myeloma. The effects of prehabilitation and rehabilitation provision as a component of the ASCT pathway warrants further investigation.

Despite the dramatic improvement in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) continues to offer superior progression free and overall survi...

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK’s 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients’ treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients’ understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients’ priorities and expectations.

IntroductionMultiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer, which predominantly affects older people. The incidence is increasing in an ageing population.Over the last 10 years, patient outcomes have improved. However, this is less apparent in older, less fit patients, who are ineligible for stem cell transplant. Research is required in this patient group, taking into account frailty and aiming to improve: treatment tolerability, clinical outcomes and quality of life.Methods and analysisFrailty-adjusted therapy in Transplant Non-Eligible patients with newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma is a national, phase III, multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing standard (reactive) and frailty-adjusted (adaptive) induction therapy delivery with ixazomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRD), and to compare maintenance lenalidomide to lenalidomide+ixazomib, in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma not suitable for stem cell transplant. Overall, 740 participants will be registered into the trial to allow 720 and 478 to be randomised at induction and maintenance, respectively.All participants will receive IRD induction with the dosing strategy randomised (1:1) at trial entry. Patients randomised to the standard, reactive arm will commence at the full dose followed by toxicity dependent reactive modifications. Patients randomised to the adaptive arm will commence at a dose level determined by their International Myeloma Working Group frailty score. Following 12 cycles of induction treatment, participants alive and progression free will undergo a second (double-blind) randomisation on a 1:1 basis to maintenance treatment with lenalidomide+placebo versus lenalidomide+ixazomib until disease progression or intolerance.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the North East—Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee (19/NE/0125) and capacity and capability confirmed by local research and development departments for each participating centre prior to opening to recruitment. Participants are required to provide written informed consent prior to trial registration. Trial results will be disseminated by conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberISRCTN17973108, NCT03720041.

In the phase 3 POLLUX trial, daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) compared with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone. Here, we present patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from POLLUX, assessed using the validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-item (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EuroQol 5-dimensional descriptive system (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires. Changes from baseline are presented as least-squares mean changes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from a mixed-effects model. PRO assessment compliance rates were high and similar in both D-Rd and Rd groups through cycle 40 (week 156). In this on-treatment analysis, mean changes from baseline were significantly greater in EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status, physical functioning, and pain scores in the D-Rd group versus the Rd group at multiple time points; however, magnitude of changes was low, suggesting no meaningful impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Subgroup results were similar to those in the overall population. In the POLLUX study, baseline HRQoL was maintained with prolonged D-Rd treatment. These findings complement the sustained and significant improvement in progression-free survival observed with D-Rd and supports its use in patients with RRMM. Clinical trial registration: NCT02076009.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK’s 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients’ treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients’ understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: 1) beliefs about ASCT, 2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, 3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, 4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, 5) perceptions of care and 6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients’ priorities and expectations.

Depth of response is the critical determinant of prognosis in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Here, we aim to identify patients who are unlikely to improve response based on analysis of baseline characteristics and 1-month response. In a multivariate model, difference in involved amyloidogenic and uninvolved serum free light chains (dFLC) at diagnosis (dFLC400 mg/l, odds ratio [OR] 4.051, p 0.005) and no response at 1 month (OR 4.787, p 0.005) were significant predictors of no improvement in response. Only 5% of patients with a dFLC of400 mg/l and no response at 1 month improved their response (p 0.005). We suggest that these patients should switch treatment early, subject to their functional status.

Introduction and objectiveResearch activity was impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the PERCEPT myeloma trial was no exception. This pilot randomised trial delivered a face-to-face exercise intervention prior to and during autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in myeloma patients, as a consequence of COVID-19 it required significant adaptions to continue. This brief communication describes how the previously published study protocol was adapted for virtual delivery. In addition, we highlight the challenge of continuing the study which was embedded within a clinical pathway also impacted by the pandemic.SummaryThe original trial protocol was amended and continued to recruit and deliver an exercise prehabilitation intervention virtually. Continued delivery of the intervention was deemed important to participants already enrolled within the trial and the adapted virtual version of the trial was acceptable to the research ethics committee as well as participants. Development of effective, remotely delivered rehabilitation and physical activity programmes are likely to benefit people living with myeloma. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to explore the feasibility of a virtual programme for ASCT recipients, however, continued changes to the clinical pathway within which the study was embedded posed the greatest challenge and ultimately led to early termination of recruitment.Trial registration numberISRCTN15875290; pre-results

High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care for eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients with improved progression-free and overall survival. We reviewed the ambulatory care unit pathway for MM patients who underwent HDT/ASCT in a tertiary hospital to assess safety efficacy and outcomes. We concluded that the ambulatory care model offered for MM patients undergoing HDT/ASCT is a safe alternative pathway and highlighted further improvements.

Background: Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody, which targets CD38; an antigen expressed on malignant plasma cells in AL amyloidosis thus providing a rationale for its use.Method: Patients treated with daratumumab monotherapy (2016-2019) for relapsed/refractory systemic AL amyloidosis were identified from the database at the UK National Amyloidosis Centre.Results: Of 50 evaluable patients, haematological responses at 3 months were: CR - 19 (38%), VGPR - 14 (28%), PR - 9 (18%) and no response - 8 (16%). Median time to response was 1 (1-6) month. Of assessable patients, cardiac, renal and hepatic responses were seen in 43.8%, 25.0% and 0% of patients whilst progression occurred in 25.0%, 12.5% and 37.5% respectively. Patients achieving a CR had longer median OS (not reached vs. 22.7 months [95% CI 17.0-28.4 months]) (p = .036). Furthermore, patients achieving a rapid response (at 1 month) had a longer median PFS (not reached vs. 9 months [95% CI 5.8-12.2 months]) (p = .013).Conclusion: Daratumumab monotherapy is effective in multiply-relapsed systemic AL amyloidosis and should be considered, if available, in patients who have not received prior daratumumab therapy. Responses are achieved rapidly and overall response rate was 84%. CR predicts overall survival whilst speed of response is predictive of a longer PFS.

With improving outcomes in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, there is a need to study novel agents in this setting. We report outcomes of 40 patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis treated with ixazomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (IRd). Haematological responses were assessed on an intention-to-treat basis at three months: complete response (CR) - 8 (20·5%), very good partial response (VGPR) - 8 (20·5%), partial response (PR) - 7 (17·9%) and no response (NR) - 16 (41·0%). One patient had missing data. Six patients subsequently improved response. Best responses were: CR - 10 (25·6%), VGPR - 8 (20·5%), PR - 7 (17·9%), NR - 14 (35·9%). Cardiac and renal organ responses occurred in 5·6% and 13·3% respectively. Median progession-free survival (PFS) was 17·0 months (95% CI 7·3-20·7 months), improving to 28·8 months (95% CI 20·6-37·0 months) in those achieving CR/VGPR. Median overall survival was 29·1 months (95% CI 24-33 months). Serious adverse events were seen in 14 (35·0%) patients inclusive of 15 admissions due to: infection (6/15, 40·0%), fluid overload (5/15, 33·3%), cardiac arrhythmia (2/15, 13·3%), renal dysfunction (1/15, 6·6%) and anaemia (1/15, 6·6%). In summary, IRd is an oral treatment option with a manageable toxicity profile leading to deep responses in 47% of patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis.

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10% of haematological malignancies. Overall survival (OS) has improved in recent years due to increased use of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed MM and the advent of novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies. To assess trends in ASCT including patient selection, choice of induction regimen, depth of response and survival, we performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing first ASCT for MM in European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centres between 1995 and 2019. A total of 117 711 patients across 575 centres were included. The number of transplants performed increased sevenfold across the study period. The median age increased from 55 to 61 years, and the percentage of patients aged >65 years rose from 7% to 30%. Use of chemotherapy-based induction fell significantly, being largely replaced by bortezomib-based regimens. The two-year complete response rate increased from 22% to 42%. The five-year progression-free survival and OS rates increased from 28% to 31% and from 52% to 69%, respectively. Transplant mortality fell from 5.9% to 1.5%. Ongoing advances in MM treatment may challenge the future role of ASCT. However, at the current time, ASCT remains central to the MM treatment paradigm.

Summary Patients with haematological malignancies have a high risk of severe infection and death from SARS‐CoV‐2. In this prospective observational study, we investigated the impact of cancer type, disease activity, and treatment in 877 unvaccinated UK patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and active haematological cancer. The primary end‐point was all‐cause mortality. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities, the highest mortality was in patients with acute leukaemia [odds ratio (OR) = 1·73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1–2·72, P = 0·017] and myeloma (OR 1·3, 95% CI 0·96–1·76, P = 0·08). Having uncontrolled cancer (newly diagnosed awaiting treatment as well as relapsed or progressive disease) was associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 2·45, 95% CI 1·09–5·5, P = 0·03), as was receiving second or beyond line of treatment (OR = 1·7, 95% CI 1·08–2·67, P = 0·023). We found no association between recent cytotoxic chemotherapy or anti‐CD19/anti‐CD20 treatment and increased risk of death within the limitations of the cohort size. Therefore, disease control is an important factor predicting mortality in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection alongside the possible risks of therapies such as cytotoxic treatment or anti‐CD19/anti‐CD20 treatments.

BackgroundThe treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma (MM) continues to evolve with the development of novel therapies and the earlier adoption of continuous treatments into the treatment pathway. Lenalidomide-refractory patients now represent a challenge with inferior progression free survival (PFS) reported to subsequent treatments. We therefore sought to describe the natural history of MM patients following lenalidomide in the real world.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort review of patients with relapsed MM who received lenalidomide-based treatments in the U.K. Data were collected for demographics, subsequent therapies, treatment responses, survival outcomes and clinical trial enrollment.Results198 patients received lenalidomide-based treatments at a median of 2 prior lines of therapy at a median of 41 months (range 0.5-210) from diagnosis. 114 patients (72% of 158 evaluable) became refractory to lenalidomide. The overall survival (OS) after lenalidomide failure was 14.7 months having received between 0-6 subsequent lines of therapy. Few deep responses were observed with subsequent treatments and the PFS to each further line was < 7 months. There was a steep reduction in numbers of patients able to receive further treatment, with an associated increase in number of deaths. The OS of patients progressing on lenalidomide who did not enter a clinical trial incorporating novel agents was very poor (8.8 months versus 30 months, p 0.0002), although the trials group were a biologically fitter group.ConclusionThese data demonstrate the poor outcomes of patients failing lenalidomide-based treatments in the real world, the highlight need for more effective treatments.

The proteasome inhibitors, carfilzomib and bortezomib, are widely used to treat myeloma but head-to-head comparisons have produced conflicting results. We compared the activity of these proteasome inhibitors in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (KCd vs. VCd) in second-line treatment using fixed duration therapy and evaluated the efficacy of carfilzomib maintenance. MUKfive was a phase II controlled, parallel group trial that randomized patients (2:1) to KCd (n=201) or VCd (n=99); responding patients on carfilzomib were randomized to maintenance carfilzomib (n=69) or no further treatment (n=72). Primary endpoints were: (i) very good partial response (non-inferiority, odds ratio [OR] 0.8) at 24 weeks, and (ii) progression-free survival. More participants achieved a very good partial response or better with carfilzomib than with bortezomib (40.2% vs. 31.9%, OR=1.48, 90% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95, 2.31; non-inferior), with a trend for particular benefit in patients with adverse-risk disease. KCd was associated with higher overall response (partial response or better, 84.0% vs. 68.1%, OR=2.72, 90% CI: 1.62, 4.55, P=0.001). Neuropathy (grade ≥3 or ≥2 with pain) was more common with bortezomib (19.8% vs. 1.5%, P

Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System recently published provides a framework for the standardised interpretation of DW-WBMRI in response assessment of multiple myeloma (MM) based on expert opinion. However, there is a lack of meta-analysis providing higher-level evidence to support the recommendations. In addition, some disagreement exists in the literature regarding the effect of timing and lesion subtypes on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value changes post-treatment.Medline, Cochrane and Embase were searched from inception to 20th July 2021, using terms reflecting multiple myeloma and DW-WBMRI. Using PRISMA reporting guidelines, data were extracted by two investigators. Quality was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 method.Of the 74 papers screened, 10 studies were included comprising 259 patients (127 males and 102 females) and 1744 reported lesions. Responders showed a significant absolute ADC change of 0.21×10This meta-analysis supports the use of the DW-WBMRI as an imaging biomarker for response assessment. More evidence is needed to further characterise ADC changes by lesion subtypes over time.• In multiple myeloma patients who received chemotherapy, responders have a significant absolute increase in ADC values that is not seen in non-responders. • A 35% increase in ADC from baseline values is found to classify response post-induction chemotherapy which corroborates with expert opinion from the Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System. • More evidence is needed to further characterise ADC changes by lesion subtypes over time after induction of therapy.

Background Achieving minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity during treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) is prognostic for disease free and overall survival. There is limited testing of MRD outside clinical trials, and the need to process fresh samples for multicolour flow cytometry (MCF) assays presents a challenge to laboratories. We set up an 8-colour MCF assay, in collaboration with a reference centre (Leeds HMDS), to identify and quantify malignant plasma cells in bone marrow (to limit of detection 10-5), using a BD LSRFortessaTM Flow Cytometer. We developed a fixation protocol, removing the need for immediate flow cytometer access and carried out a pilot study of MRD status in patients treated with standard non-trial protocols. Methods Initially, 43 fresh samples were processed in parallel with duplicate samples sent to Leeds, with 100% concordance in MRD result. We optimised a novel fixation technique, processing and staining samples within 24 hours, before using 0.4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) to fix, and storing at 4°C, permitting data acquisition up to 6 days later. We tested this on 24 samples and confirmed concordance between fresh and fixed samples, with good correlation in MRD level (Pearson’s correlation co-efficient; r=0.95 (95% CI 0.89-09.8); r2= 0.91; p= Results Between July 2020 and June 2021, MRD was performed on 76 samples, with 24% (18/76) fixed to facilitate processing. All samples were from transplant eligible MM patients, with 58 post-induction therapy, on aspirates performed for restaging prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This cohort represents a UK real-world snapshot, with complete response in 28% (16/58) post-induction with NICE-approved bortezomib-based triplet regimens. 17% (10/58) of samples were MRD negative, with no difference in post-induction MRD level between patients with or without R-ISS-defined high-risk cytogenetics (p=0.72). 18 post-ASCT samples were analysed, and 8 (44.4%) were MRD negative; in 8 of these with matched pre-ASCT samples (all MRD positive), 4 were MRD negative post-ASCT. The number of MRD negative samples was significantly higher post-ASCT (p=0.02). Conclusions In summary, we describe an adaptation of the Leeds HMDS 8-colour MRD assay to include a novel fixation step, permitting batching for flow cytometric analysis, without affecting sample validity. This real-world snapshot suggests that less than 20% of patients are MRD negative post standard UK induction therapy, but this increases post-ASCT. Further work on larger cohorts and longer follow up will confirm the prognostic value of MRD assessments outside the trial setting and establish its utility in real world practice.

A number of new treatments have been approved for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and the survival of patients continues to improve. However, discrepancies in outcomes of clinical trials and th...

Routine use of novel agents to treat newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) produces high response rates and improved survival. However, 15–20% of patients have suboptimal responses and their management remains challenging.1 Traditional regimens, such as DT‐PACE (dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) and ESHAP (etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, cisplatin) are employed in patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) disease, and may bridge patients to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).2-4 Originally developed to improve responses to traditional chemotherapy regimens, and enable stem cell mobilization,5-7 the role of infusional regimens in the context of novel agents is unclear, especially as recently reported series indicate relatively poor outcomes.8, 9 These regimens can be associated with significant toxicity,2 placing a burden on healthcare resources.10 We undertook a single‐centre retrospective analysis to assess the role of infusional regimens in RR MM patients to explore and identify features associated with clinical benefit. Relevant clinical information was obtained from electronic records. Overall response rate (ORR) and cytogenetic risk were assessed as per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria (Table I).11 [Progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods (time‐dependent where appropriate)].

High-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can induce durable haematological and organ responses in systemic AL amyloidosis (AL). Stringent selection criteria have improved safety of ASCT in AL but most patients are transplant-ineligible. We report our experience of deferred ASCT in AL patients who were transplant-ineligible at presentation but had improvements in organ function after induction chemotherapy, enabling them to undergo ASCT. Twenty-two AL patients underwent deferred ASCT from 2011 to 2017. All had serial organ function and clonal response assessment. Organ involvement and responses were defined by amyloidosis consensus criteria. All patients were transplant-ineligible at presentation, predominantly due to advanced cardiac involvement. All received bortezomib-based therapy, with 100% haematologic response (86% complete response (CR)/very good partial response (VGPR)), enabling reversal of ASCT exclusion criteria. Patients underwent deferred ASCT for haematologic progression (45%) or consolidation (55%). There was no transplant-related mortality. Haematologic responses post-ASCT: CR 50%, VGPR 27%, PR 18%, non-response 5%. In all, 85.7% achieved cardiac responses. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 54 months. This selected cohort achieved excellent haematologic responses, organ responses, PFS and OS with deferred ASCT. If larger studies confirm these findings, this may widen the applicability of ASCT in AL.

Background Although the median age of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) is 70-74 years, recruitment of frail older patients to clinical trials is poor. The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) frailty score predicts survival, adverse events and treatment tolerability using age, the Katz Activity of Daily Living, the Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index, rather than age alone. Despite IMWG score prognostic biomarker capability, to date no evidence exists of its predictive biomarker potential. The UK-MRA Myeloma Risk Profile (MRP) has also been shown in both clinical trial and real-world populations to be a prognostic biomarker in transplant ineligible patients but prospective comparisons of the two scores have not been previously conducted. Study Design/Methods The FiTNEss trial (Myeloma XIV, NCT03720041, Figure 1A) is a UK-MRA phase III, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial for newly diagnosed MM patients not suitable for stem cell transplant. The primary objectives are 1) to compare early treatment cessation ( 2) to compare progression free survival for maintenance lenalidomide plus placebo (R) and lenalidomide plus ixazomib (IR). The FiTNEss trial is designed as an all-comers study with few exclusion criteria other than necessary for safety including some haematological and biochemical parameters, but there is no exclusion based on renal function. Patients with grade 2 or greater baseline peripheral neuropathy, current systemic infection or recent surgery or other cancer are excluded. Here we report the demographics for the first patients recruited, including IMWG frailty assessments and MRP to demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting frail patients to randomised phase III clinical trials. Results The FiTNEss trial opened on 04/08/2020 during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. At the time of data cut off (14/07/2021) recruitment is active at 84 sites, with 180 patients randomised. Baseline characteristics for the randomised patients are shown in Figure 1B. The median age of patients is 77 years (range 64, 93) with 36.1% aged 76-80 and 26.1% over 80. In keeping with the older patient population 26.6% have an ECOG performance status of 2 or 3 and 31.7% ISS stage III. The IMWG frailty classification at baseline is FIT 43/180 (23.9%), UNFIT 53/180 (29.4%) and FRAIL 84/180 (46.7%). The effect of using age groups on the definition of patient frailty was explored. The IMWG frailty score defines all patients over 80 as FRAIL whilst an age of 76-80 contributes one point to the score. An analysis of patients' frailty was repeated with the contribution of age removed. For those aged over 80 years (n=47, 100% FRAIL) we found that 20 (42.6%) would have been re-classified as FIT and 18 (38.3%) as UNFIT, with only 9 (19.2%) retaining the FRAIL category. For those aged 76-80 (n=65, 53.8% UNFIT, 46.2% FRAIL) all 35 patients previously classified as UNFIT became FIT (53.8%) whilst 19 (29.2%) classed as FRAIL became UNFIT with 11 (16.9%) remaining FRAIL. The MRP classification, using age as a continuous variable, was Low-risk 45/180 (25.0%), Medium-risk 46/180 (25.6%), High-risk 75/180 (41.7%) and not available for 14/180 (7.8%) patients. Concordance between the IMWG frailty score and the MRP occurred in 48.9% of patients (88/180). 37.2% of FIT patients were classified as MRP Low-risk, 32.1% of UNFIT patients as MRP Medium-risk and 65.5% of FRAIL patients as MRP High-risk. Discussion The FiTNEss trial demonstrates the feasibility of recruiting older, less fit patients to clinical trials. Recruitment of patients classified as FRAIL was very high despite the COVID pandemic, likely due to the all-oral nature of the regimen under investigation enabling patients to avoid attendance at hospital day units for treatment and associated exposure risk. In the population recruited to date we found age to be a key contributor to the FRAIL category of the IMWG frailty score. Concordance between IMWG frailty score and MRP was highest in FRAIL/High-risk patients. The first interim analysis of the primary objectives is planned when 50% of required participants for R1 have reached 60 days post R1, which is anticipated in Q2 of 2022. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Cook: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Pawlyn: Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene / BMS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria. Royle: BMS: Research Funding; Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Coulson: BMS / Celgene: Honoraria; Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Jenner: BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Kishore: Sanofi: Other: Attending fees; Celgene: Other: Attending fees; Takeda: Other: Attending fees; Jannsen: Other: Attending fees. Rabin: BMS / Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support for meetings; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support for meetings; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support for meetings. Best: BMS/Celgene: Research Funding; Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Gillson: BMS / Celgene: Research Funding; Meck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Henderson: Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; BMS / Celgene: Research Funding. Olivier: Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene / BMS: Research Funding. Kaiser: AbbVie: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Amgen: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Educational support; Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Educational support, Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel support, Research Funding. Drayson: Abingdon Health: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Jones: Janssen: Honoraria; BMS/Celgene: Other: Conference fees. Cairns: Merck Sharpe and Dohme: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene / BMS: Other: travel support, Research Funding. Jackson: celgene BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; J and J: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; oncopeptides: Consultancy; Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: Frailty-score adapted dosing strategies

Background Concerns have been raised about the ability of patients with plasma cell disorders (PCD) to mount adequate immune responses to vaccination, particularly considering the initial extension to vaccination intervals in the United Kingdom to up to 12 weeks in December 2020, the start of the vaccination roll-out. Protecting this vulnerable patient group with anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is critical. Methods We measured the humoral responses in PCD patients after the first dose of the BNT162b2 and ChAdOx-1 nCOV-19 vaccines. Antibody levels were measured using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2S assay for quantitative detection of IgG Abs, specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein receptor binding domain. Positive cut-off of ≥0.80 U/mL defined serologic response. Testing was performed at (or closest to) 4 and 8 weeks post-dose. Baseline nucleocapsid Ab results were available from previous screening in a subset of patients. Clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Results 198 PCD patients (178 multiple myeloma, 15 amyloid, 3 SMM/MGUS, other 2 PCD), median age 63 (range 35-84), had serologic assessment after one vaccine dose against SARS-CoV-2. 69% (138) were on chemo-immunotherapy treatment (CIT) within 4 weeks of first dose. Previous COVID-19 infection and exposure was defined as a positive COVID-19 PCR swab or positive N-antibody at baseline and were excluded from analysis. Patients were tested at median 42 days (range 11-90) after their first dose. After one dose, 68% (135/198) were seropositive, with median Ab titres 21 U/mL (IQR 3.92-133.5). In those with negative baseline Ab test, seroconversion to one dose was 67% (64/96). Forty-one patients were tested more than once after one dose, at median 33 days (12-62) and again at 67 days (38-91). 22 were seronegative at first testing, of these, 6 seroconverted on second testing, prior to second dose. Age ≥70, light chain (LC) disease, disease status less than VGPR, CIT within 4 weeks, low IgM and ASCT more than 12m were statistically significant seronegative predictors on univariate analyses. LC disease, less than VGPR and IgM less than 0.4g/L, retained statistical significance on multivariate analyses. On linear regression analysis in seropositive patients, more lines of treatment and CIT within 4 weeks were significantly associated with lower antibody titres. Conclusion Serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is lower in PCD patients than reported healthy controls at 68% after one dose. Further work in PCD is needed to understand how Ab levels correlate to neutralisation capability, cellular responses, protection from infection and how long seroconversion lasts to better define correlates of protection. Nearly a third do not respond to a single vaccine dose causing concerns that PCD patients are left vulnerable with a delayed vaccination strategy and should be prioritised to receiving the second dose at the recommended manufacturers time scale of 3 or 4 weeks.

To evaluate whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) parameters significantly associated with treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM). Twenty-one MM patients underwent WB-MRI at diagnosis and after two cycles of chemotherapy. Scans acquired at 3.0 T included T2, diffusion-weighted-imaging (DWI) and mDixon pre- and post-contrast. Twenty focal lesions (FLs) matched on DWI and post-contrast mDixon were selected for each time point. Estimated tumour volume (eTV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), enhancement ratio (ER) and signal fat fraction (sFF) were derived. Clinical treatment response to chemotherapy was assessed using conventional criteria. Significance of temporal parameter change was assessed by the paired t test and receiver operating characteristics/area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed. Parameter repeatability was assessed by interclass correlation (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis of 10 healthy volunteers scanned at two time points. Fifteen of 21 patients responded to treatment. Of 254 FLs analysed, sFF (p

Introduction: The randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase 3 CANDOR study compared carfilzomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab (KdD) to carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) in patients with multiple myeloma who have relapsed after 1-3 prior lines of therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03158688). In the previously reported primary analysis (Dimopoulos et al, Lancet 2020), a significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit was demonstrated in patients treated with KdD vs patients treated with Kd (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63 [95% CI, 0.46-0.85]; two-sided P=0.0027). However, after a median follow-up of 16.9 months, median PFS was not reached in the KdD arm. Here, we report updated efficacy and safety outcomes from the CANDOR study. Methods: Adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) received 28-day cycles of KdD or Kd (randomized 2:1). In the primary analysis, PFS was the primary endpoint and overall survival (OS) a key secondary endpoint. In this prespecified interim OS analysis, statistical testing was based on the actual number of OS events observed by the data cutoff (approximately 36 months after enrollment of the first patient); PFS was summarized descriptively. Disease progression was determined locally by investigators in an unblinded manner and centrally by the sponsor using a validated computer algorithm (Onyx Response Computer Algorithm [ORCA]) in a blinded manner. PFS and OS were compared between the KdD and Kd arms using a stratified log-rank test, and HRs were estimated by a stratified Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: Patients were randomized to KdD (n = 312) and Kd (n = 154). Of all randomized patients, median age was approximately 64 years; 42% received previous lenalidomide, and 33% were lenalidomide refractory; 90% received previous bortezomib, and 29% were bortezomib refractory. At the data cutoff date of June 15, 2020, 199 (63.8%) patients in the KdD arm and 88 (57.1%) in the Kd arm remained on study. Among patients treated with KdD and Kd, 140 (44.9%) and 85 (55.2%) had PFS events, respectively; median follow-up was 27.8 months (KdD) and 27.0 months (Kd). Median PFS by ORCA was 28.6 months for the KdD arm versus 15.2 months for the Kd arm (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.45-0.78]; Figure). OS data were not mature and will be updated at a future prespecified analysis. Median treatment duration was 79.3 weeks with KdD versus 40.3 weeks with Kd. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 87.0% and 75.8% of patients in the KdD and Kd arms, respectively, and fatal AEs occurred in 8.8% and 4.6%; one fatal AE in the KdD arm (due to arrhythmia) and one fatal AE in the Kd arm (due to COVID-19 pneumonia) had occurred since the primary analysis. Carfilzomib treatment discontinuation rates due to AEs were 26.0% with KdD and 22.2% with Kd. Exposure-adjusted AE rates per 100 patient years were: 171.2 and 151.9 for grade ≥3 AEs and 6.9 and 5.6 for fatal AEs in the KdD and Kd arms, respectively. Updated data by key subgroups will be presented. Conclusion: With approximately 11 months of additional follow-up, a 13.4-month improvement in median PFS was observed in patients treated with KdD (28.6 months) versus patients treated with Kd (15.2 months; HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.45-0.78]). Safety was consistent with previously reported results. KdD continues to show a favorable benefit-risk profile and represents an efficacious treatment option for patients with RRMM. Figure 1 Disclosures Dimopoulos: Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees, Speakers Bureau. Quach:GlaxoSmithKline, Karyopharm, Amgen, Celgene, Janssen Cilag: Consultancy; Amgen, Celgene, karyopharm, GSK, Janssen Cilag, Sanofi.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen, sanofi, celgene, Karyopharm, GSK: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline, Karyopharm, Amgen, Celgene, Janssen Cilag: Honoraria. Mateos:EDOMundipharma: Consultancy; Adaptive: Consultancy; Pharmamar: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Landgren:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck: Other; Cellectis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria; Glenmark: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Binding Site: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharma: Research Funding; Merck: Other; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Independent Data Monitoring Committees for clinical trials, Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Independent Data Monitoring Committees for clinical trials, Research Funding; Glenmark: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Cellectis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Independent Data Monitoring Committees for clinical trials, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Independent Data Monitoring Committees for clinical trials, Research Funding; Karyopharma: Research Funding. Leleu:Incyte: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; BMS-celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Oncopeptide: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria; Carsgen: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria. Siegel:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celulatiry: Consultancy; Karyopharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Weisel:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gavriatopoulou:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genesis Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Oriol:Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Rabin:Janssen, BMS/Celgene, Takeda, Karyopharm, Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen, BMS/Celgene, Takeda: Other: Travel; Jansse, BMS/Celgene, Takeda: Speakers Bureau. Nooka:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal Fees: Travel/accomodations/expenses, Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics, Adaptive technologies: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive Technologies: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ding:Amgen: Current Employment. Zahlten-Kumeli:Amgen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Usmani:Celgene: Other; GSK: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; SkylineDX: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; BMS, Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding.