Search

What is this summary about? This is a summary of a publication about Black participants of the GRIFFIN clinical study that was published in Blood Cancer Journal in April 2022. The GRIFFIN clinical study looked at the treatment combination of daratumumab plus a standard therapy for multiple myeloma (called RVd therapy, which stands for lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone) in adult patients who had not been treated before for multiple myeloma and so were considered to have newly diagnosed multiply myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer of plasma cells. Based on the participants' age, medical history, and indicators of good general health, the participants in the GRIFFIN study were also eligible to receive autologous stem cell transplant as part of their therapy. This summary describes results for the Black participants of the GRIFFIN clinical study who received daratumumab plus RVd therapy (called D-RVd) to see if D-RVd therapy is better than RVd therapy at reducing the amount of multiple myeloma cancer cells in a patient's body. Why did the researchers evaluate the results for Black patients in the GRIFFIN study? Due to racial disparities leading to historically low representation of minority groups in clinical studies, optimal treatments are not defined for Black patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Since previously published results from the overall population in the GRIFFIN study indicated that D-RVd therapy was better than RVd therapy, the researchers wanted to determine if this was also the case among Black participants. What were the results? Out of 207 participants in the GRIFFIN study, 15% (32 participants) were Black and 78% (161 participants) were White. In both Black and White participants, D-RVd therapy reduced the amount of myeloma cancer cells more than RVd therapy. Additionally, D-RVd and RVd therapy had similar safety results for Black and White participants. What do the results mean? This analysis of GRIFFIN by race shows that Black people benefit from the daratumumab-containing D-RVd therapy as much as White people. Additionally, D-RVd therapy had similar safety results to RVd therapy for both Black and White people. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02874742 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )

High-dose melphalan (HDM) with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) after induction chemotherapy is considered standard of care in transplant-eligible patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Alkeran melphalan has propylene glycol as a solvent (PG-mel) while Evomela utilizes a propylene glyclol-free formulation (PGF-mel). We evaluated the differences in efficacy and safety of the 2 formulations as there are no prospective head-to-head trials.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all 259 consecutive MM patients who received PGF-mel as part of HDM-AHCT at The Ohio State University (OSU). The comparator group was the preceding 255 patients who received PG-mel.Baseline patient characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Post-AHCT rates of relapse were comparable in the PG-mel and PGF-mel groups. Some adverse events were observed at a higher frequency in the PG-mel group compared to the PGF-mel group (grade ≥ 2 mucositis, febrile neutropenia, other infectious complications, and acute renal insufficiency). Time to neutrophil engraftment was slightly longer in the PG-mel group while time to platelet engraftment was longer in PGF-mel group. Red cell transfusion requirement was higher with the use of PG-mel but not platelet transfusion. Duration of hospitalization was slightly shorter with PGF-mel but readmission rates within 30 days of discharge were higher.Considering possible confounding factors could possibly account for observed differences in some adverse events, the comparable treatment responses, and difference in cost of the 2 formulation, The OSU reverted to PG-mel as the preferred formulation for HDM-AHCT in MM.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM), a clonal disorder of terminally differentiated plasma cells, is the second most common hematologic malignancy with ~57.9% 5-year survival rate. Current MM therapies are not curative and in most patients MM relapse. Aiming to restore antitumor immunity and counteract MM evolution, we have developed a personalized dendritic(DC)/MM cell fusion vaccine, whereby several tumor antigens are presented in the context of DC mediated co-stimulation. BMT CTN 1401 is a multicenter randomized phase II clinical trial (NCT02728102) evaluating the efficacy of the DC/MM vaccine combined with lenalidomide maintenance (Len) after autoHCT. 203 patients were enrolled from 18 centers. Aim: To evaluate the impact of the DC/MM vaccine on the establishment of anti-MM immune response we profiled the peripheral blood (PB) immune landscape at the single-cell level, with particular focus on the T cell compartment. Method: We performed single-cell immunoprofiling (gene expression + V(D)J sequencing) on 40 patients (3xDC/MM vaccine/Len/GM-CSF: N=20; Len/GM-CSF: N=10; Len: N=10). 160 PB mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples were collected at enrollment, prior to Len, after 1 and 3 vaccines and were processed using the 10x Genomics single cell 5' assay. Here we present the analysis relative to 52 PBMC samples from 13 vaccinated patients included in the initial study cohort. The remaining 108 PBMC samples have already been subjected to single-cell immunoprofiling and the analysis is ongoing. Results: 309,423 cells passed quality-check identifying 47 cell populations, corresponding to 20 major compartments. The T cell compartment (146,373 cells) was divided into 14 different cell populations including activated CD8, CD4, and NKT cells that exhibited a gradual increase during the course of the study. Relatively, TCR sequencing demonstrated a recovery of T cell clonal diversity and a progressive rise in the frequency of expanded clonotypes within the activated CD4 and cytotoxic T cell populations after vaccination. Consistently, we observed a progressively raised number of shared TCR clonotypes within the activated CD8 and CD4 T cell subsets. The identification of common epitope/paratope hotspots among the expanded clonotypes and the different patients revealed a higher proportion of shared TCR clonotype groups across patients after vaccination compared to the early post-transplant period, predominantly after 3 vaccinations. Conclusions: Assessment of PBMC samples from 13 vaccinated patients provided a detailed picture of the PBMC landscape. The constant T cell expansion in patients following vaccination coupled with the shared paratope/epitope hotspots and TCR signatures among patients indicated the TCR cross-reactivity and suggested for the establishment of an anti-MM immune response. Citation Format: Giulia Cheloni, Dimitra Karagkouni, Daniela Torres, David J. Chung, Nina Shah, Natalie S. Callander, Thinle Chodon, Yvonne Efebera, Nancy Geller, Peiman Hematti, Hillard Lazarus, Ehsan Malek, Philip L. McCarthy, Ajay K. Nooka, Jacalyn Rosenblatt, Aaron P. Rapoport, Robert J. Soiffer, Dina Stroopinsky, Edmund K. Waller, Marcelo C. Pasquini, Ioannis Vlachos, David Avigan. Dendritic cell/myeloma fusion vaccine with lenalidomide maintenance following autologous hematopoietic cell transplant induced T cell activation and expansion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6785.

Early autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) with post-transplant maintenance therapy is standard of care in multiple myeloma (MM). While short-term quality of life (QOL) deterioration after AHCT is known, the long-term trajectories and symptom burden after transplantation are largely unknown. Toward this goal, a secondary analysis of QOL data of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes of three treatment interventions after a single AHCT (N = 758), was conducted. FACT-BMT scores up to 4 years post-AHCT were analyzed. Symptom burden was studied using responses to 17 individual symptoms dichotomized as 'none/mild' for scores 0-2 and 'moderate/severe' for scores of 3 or 4. Patients with no moderate/severe symptom ratings were considered to have low symptom burden at 1-year. Mean age at enrollment was 55.5 years with 17% African Americans. Median follow-up was 6 years (range, 0.4-8.5 years). FACT-BMT scores improved between enrollment and 1-year and remained stable thereafter. Low symptom burden was reported by 27% of patients at baseline, 38% at 1-year, and 32% at 4 years post-AHCT. Predictors of low symptom burden at 1-year included low symptom burden at baseline: OR 2.7 (1.8-4.1), p 0.0001; older age: OR 2.1 (1.3-3.2), p = 0.0007; and was related to being employed: OR 2.1 (1.4-3.2), p = 0.0004). We conclude that MM survivors who achieve disease control after AHCT have excellent recovery of FACT-BMT and subscale scores to population norms by 1-year post-transplant, though many patients continue to report moderate to severe severity in some symptoms at 1-year and beyond.

The role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) followed by maintenance therapy in high-risk multiple myeloma (MM) remains controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of ixazomib maintenance therapy after reduced-intensity conditioning allo-HCT from HLA-matched donors in patients with high-risk MM. The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) postrandomization, treated as a time to event. Secondary endpoints were grade II-IV and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), chronic GVHD, best response, disease progression, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS), toxicity, infection, and health-related quality of life. In this phase 2, double-blinded, prospective multicenter trial, we randomized patients with high-risk MM (ie, those with poor-risk cytogenetics, plasma cell leukemia, or relapsing within 24 months after autologous HCT) to ixazomib (3 mg on days 1, 8, and 15) or placebo after allo-HCT. The conditioning regimen included fludarabine/melphalan/bortezomib with tacrolimus plus methotrexate for GVHD. Fifty-seven patients were enrolled, of whom 52 (91.2%) underwent allo-HCT and 43 (82.7%) were randomized to ixazomib versus placebo. At 21 months postrandomization, the ixazomib and placebo groups had similar PFS (55.3% versus 59.1%; P = 1.00) and OS (94.7% versus 86.4%; P = .17). The cumulative incidences of grade III-IV acute GVHD at 100 days (9.5% versus 0%) and chronic GVHD at 12 months (68.6% versus 63.6%) also were similar in the 2 groups. The secondary analysis showed that at 24 months post-allo-HCT, PFS and OS were 52% and 82%, respectively, with a corresponding NRM of 11.7%. These results demonstrate the safety and durable disease control with allo-HCT in high-risk MM patients. We could not adequately assess the efficacy of ixazomib maintenance because the trial terminated early owing to enrollment delays, but there was no indication of any impact on outcomes.

Graft-versus host disease is one of the major causes of death in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Major contributing factors to severity of graft-versus host disease include HLA mismatch, conditioning regimen intensity, age of donor and recipient, source of stem cell, and donor type. Strategies and clinical trials are ongoing to reduce the incidence of graft-versus host disease, and to improve on the survival outcome of patients with graft-versus host disease, Research efforts continue to develop new ways of identification, prevention, and treatment for graft versus host disease. In addition, efforts are also being made to incorporate biomarker for the early detection of graft versus host disease. In addition, strategies utilizing monoclonal antibodies and cytokines are being tested as potential therapeutic options. Here we provide evidence for recommended regimens for graft versus host disease, prophylaxis and treatment.

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents 1.8% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. While not curable, advances in treatment, including autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and maintenance therapy, have dramatically improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a retrospective survival analysis on newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients receiving ASCT from 1992–2016 at the Ohio State University. A total of 1001 consecutive NDMM patients were eligible. Patients were split into five groups based on historic changes in novel agents for the treatment of MM. Across the years (1992–2016), there was a statistically significant improvement in both PFS (p < 0.01) and OS (p < 0.01). Significant improvements in both PFS and OS were seen in patients ≤65 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002) and >65 years old (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), respectively. Improved PFS and OS were seen in both standard-risk (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) and high-risk patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019). The post-transplant response showed statistically significant improvement across the years (p < 0.01). Survival rates for NDMM patients have significantly improved primarily due to the inclusion of novel therapies and post-ASCT maintenance.

Despite the availability of new therapies that have led to improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, most patients will eventually relapse. With triplet and even quadruplet combination therapies becoming standard in the first and second line, many patients will have few treatment options after second-line treatment. Melflufen (melphalan flufenamide) is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) that targets aminopeptidases and rapidly releases alkylating agents into tumor cells. Once inside the tumor cells, melflufen is hydrolyzed by peptidases to release alkylator molecules, which become entrapped. Melflufen showed anti-myeloma activity in myeloma cells that were resistant to bortezomib and the alkylator melphalan. In early phase studies (O-12-M1 and HORIZON [OP-106]), melflufen plus dexamethasone has demonstrated encouraging clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including those with triple-class refractory disease and extramedullary disease. The Phase III OCEAN study (OP-104) is further evaluating melflufen plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The safety profile of melflufen is characterized primarily by clinically manageable hematologic adverse events. Melflufen, with its novel mechanism of action, has the potential to provide clinically meaningful benefits to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including those with high unmet needs. The authors received medical editorial support for the development of this manuscript, which was funded by Oncopeptides AB.

e20534 Background: Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody against CD38, is very effective in patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM). CD38 is expressed on MM cells but also on normal lymphocytes. Therapy-induced lymphopenia has been reported in 30-40% of patients; however its clinical significance is vastly unexplored. Methods: Here, we report the baseline characteristics and clinical course of 100 relapsed/refractory MM patients treated at the Ohio State University with Daratumumab as single agent or in combination. Data pertaining to patient demographics, MM characteristics, absolute lymphocyte count-ALC, infections, and hospital stays were collected. ALC of less or equal to 500 cells/µL is considered severe lymphopenia. Results: Fifty-nine percent of patients who completed treatment with Daratumumab (59%) developed severe lymphopenia. MM type (LLC and IgA), combination with immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs), and lower baseline ALC count were statistically associated with severe lymphopenia, while stage, age, cytogenetics, number of prior lines of treatment, and autologous stem cell transplant were not. Patients with severe lymphopenia had higher rates of infections (52.5% versus 41.4%) and required hospital stays more frequently (83.8% versus 52.9%) than patients without severe lymphopenia. Upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonias were the most common infections. Sixty-one percent of severely lymphopenic patients recovered to ALC > 500 lymphocyte/μL while on therapy. The median time to recover was 14 days (average 43 days). Older patients have longer ALC recovery time (average: 52 days versus 24 days). No statistically significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), or overall response rate (ORR) was noted between patients who did or did not develop severe lymphopenia. However, when the severe lymphopenic group was stratified based on ALC recovery, those with persistent lymphopenia had worst OS (p = 0.0019) and PFS (p < 0.0001), possibly due to better immune-mediated anti-tumoral effects. Conclusions: In our patient population, we discovered an elevated rate of severe lymphopenia, hospital utilization, and infections. Persistent severe lymphopenia is associated with shorter PFS and worst OS. Combination with IMIDs and low baseline ALC count are risk factors for severe lymphopenia while patients older than 65 has a longer ALC recovery time. These findings underline the importance of monitoring lymphocyte count and considering prophylactic measures in high-risk patients treated with Daratumumab.

8506 Background: STaMINA was a phase III trial comparing progression-free survival (PFS) among 758 pts randomized to: 1. second autoHCT then lenalidomide (Len) maintenance (Auto/Auto, n = 247); 2. consolidation with Len/bortezomib/ dexamethasone (RVD) followed by Len maintenance (Auto/RVD, 254); 3. Len maintenance (Auto/Len, 257). All three arms were similar (Stadtmauer JCO 2018). Len maintenance was designed to continue for 3 years and amended to allow continuation until disease progression through a follow up protocol (07LT, NCT#02322320). We report 6 yr follow up for STaMINA and the results of Len discontinuation beyond 3 years. Methods: 07LT was offered to pts who were progression-free at 38 mo; completed planned Len maintenance and were within 4 years of BMT CTN 0702 follow up. Among 431 07LT eligible patients, 273 enrolled and 179 opted to continue maintenance until disease progression. All patients enrolled in STaMINA were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) and long-term outcomes for patients not enrolled on 07LT (N = 166) were available through this mechanism. Before combining 07LT data and CIBMTR data for LTFU analysis, outcomes in both databases were analyzed separately and confirmed to be comparable. Results: Using intent-to-treat (ITT), 6yr PFS and overall survival (OS) was the same among Auto/Auto (43.9%; 73.1%), Auto/RVD (39.7%, 74.9%) and Auto/Len (40.9%, 76.4%)(p = 0.6; p = 0.8). Protocol defined high risk disease, (HR = 1.53, p < 0.0001) and age (p = 0.03) were adverse risks for PFS. In as treated analysis, 6yr PFS were 49.4%, 39.7% and 38.6% for Auto/auto (170), Auto/RVD (222) and Auto/Len (361), respectively (p = 0.01). 6yr PFS in high risk pts as treated analysis were 43.6% and 26% for Auto/auto and Auto/Len, respectively (p = 0.03). Landmark analysis at 38 mo included 215 pts who continued Len maintenance (either on 07LT study or commercial Len) vs. 207 who stopped. Baseline demographics; study arm on 0702, induction pre-autoHCT were similar. Len discontinuation after 38 mo was associated with inferior PFS (79.5% vs. 61% at 5yr; HR = 1.91, p = 0.0004) but similar OS. Incidence of all second primary malignancies (SPM)(81 cases with 43 heme-malignancies) was associated with age. Conclusions: Long term outcomes are similar using ITT, but as treated analysis suggested a PFS benefit for tandem autoHCT, driven mainly by pts with high risk MM. Len discontinuation even at 38 mo was associated with inferior PFS. Clinical trial information: NCT02322320 .

The ascertainment of serum free light chain (sFLC) levels has been shown to be valuable in screening for the presence of plasma cell dyscrasia as well as for baseline prognosis in newly diagnosed patients. For patients with amyloidosis and those with oligo-secretory or non-secretory multiple myeloma (MM), serial measurement of sFLC has also been shown to be valuable in monitoring disease status. However, in patients with a measureable, intact monoclonal protein by immunofixation (M protein), the serial measurement of sFLC remains undefined and is currently not recommended in professional guidelines. Herein, we provide data comparing sFLC with M protein as biomarkers of response in newly diagnosed patients with MM undergoing induction therapy with the novel agents thalidomide, lenalidomide and/or bortezomib. We show that although M protein appears to outperform sFLC comparatively over the course of induction therapy, the addition of FLC to M protein further informs the characterization of residual disease status post-induction. Moreover, sFLC at the time of stem cell mobilization appears to hold prognostic power for survival endpoints following high-dose chemotherapy/autologous stem cell transplant (HDC/SCT). These findings suggest potentially novel roles for sFLC in patients with MM with an intact M protein receiving novel agent-based induction strategies followed by HDC/SCT.

Abstract 3964 Background: Bortezomib in combination with dexamethsone is administered twice a week for 2 weeks with excellent therapeutic outcome. However, in a proportion of patients it is associated with toxicities such as neuropathy and twice a week regimen is inconvenient especially in older patients. To improve convenience and compliance, we have investigated the efficacy and safety of a weekly bortezomib regimen. Methods: We conducted a phase II multi-center single-arm study in participating Veterans Hospitals (VA) nationwide evaluating bortezomib administered at 1.6 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 weeks with 1 week off with dexamethasone 40mg PO on the day of and day after bortezomib for upto 6 cycles in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients not considered for autologous stem cell transplant. The objective is to evaluate overall response rate (ORR) and toxicity of this regimen. Results: We have enrolled all planned 50 patients (median age-71; range 50–89) at 12 VA Hospitals. Patients had significant co-morbidities including 86% with cardiovascular problems, 67% with diabetes and/or hyperlipidemia, 54% with renal dysfunction, 37% with respiratory problems, and 18% with history of cancer. All patients were on at least 5 daily medications. Of the 50 patients enrolled, 42 patients have received at least 1 cycle of therapy and were evaluable for toxicity and efficacy. With a median of 4 cycles administered, this regimen was very well tolerated. Ten patients experienced neuropathy: 6 patients experienced grade 1, two patients developed grade 2 neuropathy, while two patients who had grade 1 neuropathy at diagnosis increased to grade 2 neuropathy with pain, and the other patient increased to grade 3 neuropathy with pain, with an overall Grade 3 neuropathy rate of 2.4%.Dexamethasone dose was reduced in 30% while bortezomib dose was reduced in 10% of the patients. Additionally, grade ≥1 asthenia was observed in 52%, constipation in 38%, diarrhea in 34%, anemia in 64%, vomiting/nausea in 26%, and thrombocytopenia in 54%. Four patients have died of co-morbidities which were considered unrelated or probably unrelated to the treatment with bortezomib. Of the patients who received at least 1 cycle of therapy, 62% patients achieved ≥PR; 12% CR/nCR and an additional 14% achieved VGPR. Including MR in the analysis, ORR was observed in 90% of the evaluable patients. On intent to treat analysis including all 50 patients, ORR was observed in 76% patients and ≥ PR in 52% patients. Conclusions: Once a week bortezomib with dexamethasone regimen is effective and well tolerated even in older patients with significant co-morbidities and should be considered as an important option in multiple myeloma. Disclosures: Munshi: Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Yellapragada:Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding. Roodman:Amgen: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy.

Abstract 3061 The current bortezomib schedule involves administration of the drug twice a week at 1.3 mg/m2 for 2 weeks every 21 days. This regimen although effective is inconvenient and associated with side effects including neuropathy and gastrointestinal toxicities that limits its use in a proportion of patients. Therefore, to improve convenience and compliance, we have investigated efficacy and safety of a weekly regimen of bortezomib. In this one-stage phase II multi-center, open-label single-arm study bortezomib is administered once a week at 1.6 mg/m2 in combination with dexamethasone in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients not considered for autologous stem cell transplant in participating Veterans Hospitals nationwide. The objective is to evaluate overall response rate and toxicity of this regimen. Patients received bortezomib at 1.6 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 weeks followed by 1 week off and dexamethasone 40mg PO on the day of and day after each dose of bortezomib. Patients may receive 6 such 5-week cycles. At the current time 32 patients (median age - 73; range 50–88) have been enrolled at 11 Veterans Administration Hospital across the U.S. Patients had significant co-morbidities including 61% with cardiovascular problems, 58% with diabetes and/or hyperlipidemia, 58% with elevation of serum creatinine, 26% with respiratory problems and 23% with previous history of cancer. All patients were at least on 5 daily medications. Of the 32 patients enrolled, 25 patients have received at least one cycle of therapy and were evaluable for toxicity and efficacy, while 6 patients have received less than one cycle of therapy and one patient has inadequate data. With a median of 4 cycles administered, this regimen was well tolerated. None of the patients have developed grade 3 neuropathy, while grade 1 neuropathy was observed only in 2 patients and one patient with grade 1 neuropathy at diagnosis had increase to grade 2. Dexamethasone dose was reduced in 29% patients while 6% required reduction in bortezomib dose to 1.3 mg/m2. Additionally, Grade ≥1 asthenia was observed in 42%, diarrhea in 35%, and thrombocytopenia in 26%. Four patients have died of co-morbidities which were considered unrelated or probably unrelated to the treatment with bortezomib. The partial response or better was achieved in 68% patients receiving at least 1 cycle of therapy; 20% patients achieved CR/nCR and additional 12% achieved VGPR. Including MR in the analysis, overall response was observed in all evaluable patients. On intent to treat analysis including all 32 patients, overall response rate (≥ MR) was observed in 78% patients and PR or better in 53% patients. These preliminary results suggest that the once a week bortezomib regimen is effective and tolerable with reduced toxicity even in this older patient population with significant co-morbidities. Disclosures: Munshi: Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roodman:Millennium: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with significant immune dysfunction. Although various mechanisms mediating immune dysregulation in MM have been studied, its molecular and cellular basis is ill defined. IL-6, TGF-β and IL-1β have been implicated in this process, but their mechanism of effects on immune function have not been studied in MM. Together, IL-6 and TGF-β enhance the generation of TH17 cells, important in the development of immunity and auto-immunity. Additionally, TH17 cells are differentiated by number of inflammatory cytokines including, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-27. Therefore, we evaluated the immune dysfunction and the role of TH17 cells and associated pro-inflammatory cytokines in myeloma. We have previously characterized that the production of TH1 mediated cytokines including IFN-γ following anti-CD3-mediated activation is significantly lower in myeloma PBMC compared to normal PBMC. We hypothesize that this may be regulated via skewing the immune system towards TH17 pathway. We observed that TH17 cells, measured by intra-cellular flow cytometry, are significantly increased in number in myeloma (16.9%) and MGUS (6.2%) compared to normal (3.3%). Furthermore, we analysed supporting pro-inflammatory cytokine network for the generation of TH17 cells in myeloma, which may be responsible for the observed TH17 skewing of T cell subsets. Sera from MGUS (n=12) and myeloma (n=17) patients were evaluated for the presence of these pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with normal sera (n=6) using ELISA. We observed significant increase in serum IL-21, IL-22 and IL-23 in MGUS (373 pg/ml, 14 pg/ml and 147 pg/ml respectively; p

In contrast to the upfront setting in which the role of high-dose therapy with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as consolidation of a first remission in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is well established, the role of high-dose therapy with autologous or allogeneic HCT has not been extensively studied in MM patients relapsing after primary therapy. The International Myeloma Working Group together with the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation convened a meeting of MM experts to: (1) summarize current knowledge regarding the role of autologous or allogeneic HCT in MM patients progressing after primary therapy, (2) propose guidelines for the use of salvage HCT in MM, (3) identify knowledge gaps, (4) propose a research agenda, and (5) develop a collaborative initiative to move the research agenda forward. After reviewing the available data, the expert committee came to the following consensus statement for salvage autologous HCT: (1) In transplantation-eligible patients relapsing after primary therapy that did NOT include an autologous HCT, high-dose therapy with HCT as part of salvage therapy should be considered standard; (2) High-dose therapy and autologous HCT should be considered appropriate therapy for any patients relapsing after primary therapy that includes an autologous HCT with initial remission duration of more than 18 months; (3) High-dose therapy and autologous HCT can be used as a bridging strategy to allogeneic HCT; (4) The role of postsalvage HCT maintenance needs to be explored in the context of well-designed prospective trials that should include new agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune-modulating agents, and oral proteasome inhibitors; (5) Autologous Ha consolidation should be explored as a strategy to develop novel conditioning regimens or post-HCT strategies in patients with short (less than 18 months remissions) after primary therapy; and (6) Prospective randomized trials need to be performed to define the role of salvage autologous HCT in patients with MM relapsing after primary therapy comparing it to "best non-HCT therapy. The expert committee also underscored the importance of collecting enough hematopoietic stem cells to perform 2 transplantations early in the course of the disease. Regarding allogeneic Ha, the expert committee agreed on the following consensus statements: (1) Allogeneic HCT should be considered appropriate therapy for any eligible patient with early relapse (less than 24 months) after primary therapy that included an autologous HCT and/or high-risk features (ie, cytogenetics, extramedullary disease, plasma cell leukemia, or high lactate dehydrogenase); (2) Allogeneic HCT should be performed in the context of a clinical trial if possible; (3) The role of postallogeneic Ha maintenance therapy needs to be explored in the context of well-designed prospective trials; and (4) Prospective randomized trials need to be performed to define the role salvage allogeneic HCT in patients with MM relapsing after primary therapy. (c) 2015 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.