Efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of neutropenic fever in patients with multiple myeloma receiving high-dose cyclophosphamide for stem cell mobilization.

High-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-Cy) (3 g/m2) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a very effective regimen for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization. Unfortunately, it is associated with an increased risk of neutropenic fever (NF). We analyzed the effect of NF on PBSC apheresis results and the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of NF associated with HD-Cy plus G-CSF for PBSC mobilization in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). First, patients were divided into NF ( +) and NF ( -) groups according to whether they suffered from NF during mobilization. Second, we divided patients into an antibiotic prophylaxis group and a nonantibiotic prophylaxis group according to whether antibiotic prophylaxis was used during the mobilization period. Our study showed that NF( +) patients (n = 44) had lower CD34 + cell dose collection (median 2.60 versus 5.34 × 106/kg, P < 0.001) and slower neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment (median 11 versus 10 days, P = 0.002, and median 13 versus 11 days, P = 0.043, respectively) than NF( -) patients (n = 234). Of note, the nonantibiotic prophylaxis group patients (n = 30) had a 26.7% incidence of NF. In the patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis (n = 227), the incidence was reduced to 9.3% (P = 0.01). The antibiotic prophylaxis patients had higher CD34 + cell collection (median 5.41 versus 2.27 × 106/kg, P < 0.001) and lower hospitalization cost of mobilization ($ median 3108.02 versus 3702.39, p = 0.012). Thus, our results demonstrate that NF is associated with lower CD34 + cell collection and that antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the incidence of NF and improve stem cell mobilization and collection outcomes, which reduces the hospitalization cost of mobilization.

On-demand plerixafor added to high-dose cyclophosphamide and pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the mobilization of patients with multiple myeloma: a treatment with high effectiveness, convenient, and affordable cost.

Objective: The combination of high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-Cy) (3g/m2) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and on-demand plerixafor (PXF) has been considered an effective mobilization regimen of patients with multiple myeloma(MM). However, the daily multi-injection regimen of G-CSF poses challenges. This study delves into the efficiency and cost implications of a novel approach, using HD-Cy alongside pegylated G-CSF (PEG G-CSF) and on-demand PXF. Unlike G-CSF, which necessitates daily injections, the half-life of PEG G-CSF extended allows for a single injection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 350 MM patients, which were categorized based on their mobilization regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF (n=66), Cy+PEG G-CSF (n=91), Cy+ G-CSF (n=169), and G-CSF+PXF (n=24). Results: Mobilization with Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF(8.79)yielded a notably higher median CD34+ cell count compared to the other regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF(4.96), Cy+G-CSF (4.65), and G-CSF+PXF (2.99) (P<0.001). The percentage of patients who achieved >6×106/kg CD34+ cells was significantly higher in the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF group (77.3%) than in the other mobilization regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF (41.8%), Cy+ G-CSF (37.3%), and G-CSF+PXF (8.3%) (P<0.001). From a cost perspective, the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF approach was more economical than the G-CSF+PXF strategy but was marginally costlier than the other two methods. A multivariate assessment highlighted that the combination of Cy+PEG G-CSF with on-demand PXF had a superior potential to achieve the desired harvest (6×106/kg) compared to the Cy+PEG G-CSF protocol without PXF. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each 1% increase in the probability of achieving a successful optimal harvest was $ 97.02 per patient. The incidence of neutropenic fever was 3.0% in the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF group. Conclusion: The combination of on-demand PXF with HD-Cy and PEG G-CSF offers a cost-effective approach with a high mobilization success rate, manageable side effects, and the convenience of fewer injections. It stands as a promising mobilization strategy for MM patients.

[The efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based induction regimen before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based induction regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed upon clinical data of 62 MM patients who received bortezomib-based induction regimen followed by ASCT from June 2006 to June 2011. All patients were followed up to September 30, 2011. RESULTS: Overall response rate [complete remission (CR) + near complete remission (nCR) + partial remission (PR)], ≥ nCR rate (CR/nCR) and CR rate of post-induction with bortezomib-based regimen were 88.7%, 66.1% and 24.2%, respectively. After ASCT, CR rate and CR/nCR rate were increased to 50.0% and 82.3%, respectively, with significant differences (P = 0.003 and P = 0.032). The median time of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 12.0 (9 - 43) days and 13.5 (0 - 120) days, respectively. Significances were found in neutrophil and platelet engraftment between MM patients with and without prior exposure to alkylating agents. Furthermore, engraftment of neutrophil and platelet in patients receiving peripheral blood stem cell transplantation were faster than those receiving bone marrow transplantation. No unexpected side effects occurred. The median time of follow-up was 26.5 (7-61) months. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 30 months. There were significant differences in OS and PFS between patients obtaining CR/nCR and those with ≤ PR before ASCT. CONCLUSIONS: Bortezomib-based induction regimen can improve the efficacy of ASCT in MM patients. The side effects are tolerant. Higher response quality before ASCT can translate to high rates of OS and PFS following high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation.

[The clinical features of infection in multiple myeloma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features of infection in multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with MM undergoing ASCT were retrospectively analyzed for type and time of infection, pathogen, and outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases of infectious complications occurred in 33 patients (89.2%) after ASCT, with 34 cases (57.6%) of bacterial infections in 30 patients, 15 cases (25.4%) of fungal infections in 12 patients, 4 cases (6.8%) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, 3 cases (5.1%) of herpes zoster virus infection and 3 cases (5.1%) of HBV reactivation. The proportion of bacterial infection, fungal infection and virus infection were 62.8%, 28.6% and 8.6% respectively in the early stage after ASCT, and 50.0%, 20.8% and 29.3% respectively in the median stage. Response to first-line antibiotic therapy was seen in 38 cases (64.4%). Infection-related mortality was 8.1% (3 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infection in MM patients undergoing ASCT is high and they are susceptible to all pathogens. It is important to choose the right antifungal agents as quickly as possible to reduce infection-related mortality.

The VAD Scheme versus Thalidomide plus VAD for Reduction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis.

The VAD (vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone) regimen has been used for decades to treat multiple myeloma (MM). Based on reports that vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) mediated angiogenesis is critical for MM pathogenesis, the antiangiogenic compound thalidomide has been added to VAD (T-VAD). However, it remains unclear whether T-VAD is more efficacious than VAD for serum VEGF reduction or if the difference influences clinical outcome. Pubmed, Cochrane library, China Biomedical Literature (CBM) database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Vip database, and Wanfang database were searched for relevant studies published up to June 2017. RevMan5.2 was used for methodological quality evaluation and data extraction. Thirteen trials (five randomized, seven nonrandomized, and one historically controlled) involving 815 cases were included. Serum VEGF was significantly higher in MM cases than non-MM controls (MD=353.01, [95%CI 187.52-518.51], P<0.01), and the overall efficacy of T-VAD was higher than that of VAD (RR=1.36, [1.21-1.53], P <0.01). Further, T-VAD reduced VEGF to a greater extent than VAD does ([MD=-49.85, [-66.28- -33.42], P<0.01). The T-VAD regimen also reduced VEGF to a greater extent in newly diagnosed MM patients than it did in recurrent patients ([MD=-120.20, [-164.60--39.80], P<0.01). There was no significant difference in VEGF between T-VAD patients (2 courses) and nontumor controls (MD=175.94, [-26.08-377.95], P=0.09). Greater serum VEGF reduction may be responsible for the superior efficacy of T-VAD compared to VAD.

[Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 Agonist Promotes Human CD34+ Cell Proliferation in vitro by Activating Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential signaling pathway that regulates the proliferation of human CD34+ cells stimulated by prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 agonist (EP4A) in vitro. METHODS: Twenty samples of peripheral blood containing stem cells were collected from the G-CSF mobilized healthy donors in our department of hematology. Human CD34+ cells were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) microbeads kit. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration and time of EP4A to promote human CD34+ cell proliferation in vitro. Under the optimal condition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA level of ß-catenin, and Western blot was used to assay protein expression of ß-catenin and P-GSK-3ß in human CD34+ cells treated with EP4A. RESULTS: Culturing with 10 µmol/L EP4A for 72 h, it was found that EP4A promoted human CD34+ cell proliferation significantly, and the proliferation rate of human CD34+ cells was 1.36 times higher than that of the control(P=0.002). Under the optimal condition, it was also found that EP4A enhanced the ß-catenin expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and up-regulated phosphorylation of GSK-3ß in human CD34+ cells, but these effects could be inhibited by the EP4A antagonist EP4AA. CONCLUSION: EP4A can enhance human CD34+ cell proliferation in vitro by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

[Effects and prognostic factors of HLA-matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the curative effects and prognostic factors of HLA-matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia patients (CML). METHODS: Of the 35 CML patients, 26 were males and 9 were females, with a median age of 32 (12 - 50) years. 30 patients were in chronic phase of CML, 5 patients were in accelerated phase. Allo-HSCT from HLA identical siblings was performed for 35 patients, of whom 11 received bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 24 peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Conditioning regimens was TBI (total-body irradiation) + CY (CTX) protocol in 8 patients and BU/CY protocol in 27 patients. The average follow-up was 48 months (range 7 - 108 months). RESULTS: 34 (97.1%) patients were successfully engrafted. Among them, 21 patients (60.0%) had three years disease-free (DFS) survival. The overall 5-year survival (OS) was 57.1%. Two patients (5.7%) relapsed. Transplant-related mortality occurred in 12 patients. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) occurred in 5 patients and HVOD was observed in 1 patient. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) occurred in 18 patients (51.4%), among them 7 patients (20.0%) were of grade III-IV. Chronic GVHD was in 17 patients (48.5%). There was no significant difference in 3-years DFS between BMT group and PBSCT group (54.5% vs. 62.5%, P > 0.05). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 42.9% in TBI/CY group and 55.6% in BU/CY group (P > 0.05). In univariate prognostic analysis model, the DFS at 3 years is 75% and 47.4% for < or =30 years patients and >30 years patients, respectively, P < 0.05. The 3-year DFS of patients with first chronic phase is higher than patients with advanced diseases (61.3% vs. 40%, P < 0. 05). The 3-year DFS in patients of grade I - II GVHD was higher than that in patients of grade III-IV GVHD (81.8% vs. 14.3%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients who had transplantation done within 1 year after diagnosis during their first chronic phase of disease and who had low-grade GVHD have better prognosis. Those patients who had III-IV acute GVHD are prone to incorporate severe infection, which was a worse prognostic factor of allo-HSCT for chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Prophylactic antiviral therapy in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in hepatitis B virus patients.

AIM: To investigate the timing, safety and efficacy of prophylactic antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). METHODS: This prospective study recruited a total of 57 patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases and HBV infection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 2006 and 2013. The patients were classified as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive or HBsAg-negative/ antiHBc-positive. Patients were treated with chemotherapy followed by antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogues. Patients underwent allo-HSCT when serum HBV DNA was < 10(3) IU/mL. Following allo-HSCT, antiviral therapy was continued for 1 year after the discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy. A total of 105 patients who underwent allo-HSCT and had no HBV infection were recruited as controls. The three groups were compared for incidence of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), drug-induced liver injury, hepatic veno-occlusive disease, death and survival time. RESULTS: A total of 29 of the 41 subjects with chronic GVHD exhibited extensive involvement and 12 exhibited focal involvement. Ten of the 13 subjects with chronic GVHD in the HBsAg(-)/hepatitis B core antibody(+) group exhibited extensive involvement and 3 exhibited focal involvement. Five of the 10 subjects with chronic GVHD in the HBsAg(+) group exhibited extensive involvement and 5 exhibited focal involvement. The non HBV-infected group did not differ significantly from the HBsAg-negative/antiHBc-positive and the HBsAg-positive groups which were treated with nucleoside analogues in the incidence of graft-vs-host disease (acute GVHD; 37.1%, 46.9% and 40%, respectively; P = 0.614; chronic GVHD; 39%, 40.6% and 40%, respectively; P = 0.98), drug-induced liver injury (25.7%, 18.7% and 28%, respectively; P = 0.7), death (37.1%, 40.6% and 52%, respectively; P = 0.4) and survival times (P = 0.516). One patient developed HBV reactivation (HBsAg-positivity) due to early discontinuation of antiviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Suppression of HBV DNA to < 10(3) IU/mL before transplantation, continued antiviral therapy and close monitoring of immune markers and HBV DNA after transplantation may assure the safety of allo-HSCT.

[Values of soluble thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor judging reject reaction in liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To find sensitive and specific laboratory examination items for early diagnosing and monitoring liver transplantation reject reaction. METHODS: Randomly investigate 41 liver transplantation patients, among them there were 16 patients with reject reaction (including 12 with acute rejection, 4 with chronic rejection). Plasma soluble thrombomodulin (STM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels were measured before operation and every other day after operation. RESULTS: Plasma STM level increased significantly after operation, two days before rejection and after acute rejection (5.58 ng/ml +/- 0.42 ng/ml, 5.93 ng/ml +/- 0.45 ng/ml, and 7.88 ng/ml +/- 0.29 ng/ml, respectively), so did vWF level (101.2% +/- 4.68%, 104.3% +/- 5.78%, and 127.7% +/- 5.74%, respectively). STM level was much higher in acute rejection than that in chronic rejection (7.88 ng/ml +/- 0.29 ng/ml vs. 6.35 ng/ml +/- 0.54 ng/ml, t = 2.46, P < 0.05), in no reaction group after impacting therapy than in effective group (8.30 ng/ml +/- 0.19 ng/ml vs. 3.82 ng/ml +/- 0.22 ng/ml, t = 12.98, P < 0.01), and in dead group after treatment than in living group (7.98 ng/ml +/- 0.18 ng/ml vs. 6.51 ng/ml +/- 0.41 ng/ml, t = 3.39, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma STM and vWF can be taken as laboratory items for monitoring liver transplantation rejection. Plasma STM can act as not only an early prognosticating marker, but also suitable to distinguish acute from chronic reject reaction, and as a marker for monitoring impacting therapy effect and judging prognosis.

[Observation of humoral immunity reconstitution and its relationship with infection after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the humoral immunity reconstitution and its relationship with infection in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) after undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). METHODS: Forty-two MM patients undergoing auto-HSCT were included in this study. Peripheral blood were obtained for immunoglobulin detection, including IgG, IgA and IgM before transplantation and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation. The time, type, pathogen of infection between 1 and 24 month after transplantation were analyzed. RESULTS: The level of IgA at 6 month [(0.75±0.59) g/L] after auto-HSCT was lower than that of pre-auto-HSCT [(1.04±0.70) g/L], and reached the level of pre-auto-HSCT at 9 months [(0.99±0.52) g/L] after auto-HSCT. The level of IgM reached the level of pre-auto-HSCT [(0.45±0.26) g/L] at 3 months after auto-ASCT [(0.50±0.26) g/L]. The level of IgG reached the level of pre-auto-HSCT [(9.80±2.98) g/L] at 1 month after auto-HSCT [(11.09±2.69) g/L], and higher than that of pre-auto-HSCT at 9 months after auto-HSCT [(12.07±3.57) g/L]. The level of IgG with IgG-type MM was higher than that of patients with light-chain type and IgD-type MM at 6, 9 and 12 months after auto-HSCT. The IgA level of patients who obtained complete remission (CR) is much higher than that of patients who obtained nCR in IgG-type patients. The incidence of infection in 6 month after auto-HSCT was higher than that of (6-12) month and >12 month after auto-HSCT. The incidence of infection was strongly negative correlated with IgA (r =-0.943, P=0.005) and IgG (r=-0.943, P=0.005) level. The frequency of viral infection was also negatively correlated with IgA and IgG. CONCLUSION: The reconstitution time of IgG, IgA and IgM was different in MM patients after auto-HSCT. IgG recovered first, then IgM, and IgM the last. The incidence of infection was negatively correlated with IgA and IgG. With the recovery of IgG and IgA, the incidence of infection was decreased accordingly.

[Clinical significance of abnormal protein bands in multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib-based induction regimen and autologous stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of abnormal protein bands (APB) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with bortezomib-based induction regimen and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: Sixty-eight MM patients submitted to bortezomib-based induction therapy and ASCT from January 2007 to July 2012 were retrospectively studied. Monoclonal protein was detected by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). RESULTS: Of all 68 patients, 33 (48.5%) patients had APB. At the first emergence of an APB, two patients with light chain type achieved CR and before transplantation, and thirty-one patients were after transplantation with median time of 104 (ranged 33-404) days. The median duration of APB appearance was 105 (ranged 35-801) days. Patients who developed APB compared with those without APB, had a significantly higher CR plus very good partial response (VGPR) rates (100.0% vs 85.7%%, P=0.017) and CR rates (87.9% vs 62.9%) (P=0.03). There were no significant differences in gender, age, HGB, ALB, ß2-microglobulin, M protein type, Durie-Salmon and ISS stages, the case number of first line or second line treatment, induction courses of bortezomib-based regimen, and the mode of ASCT. With a median follow-up of 33.4 (ranged 7.0-71.7) months, patients with APB tended to have a longer overall survival (OS) versus non-APB patients, although no significant difference obtained (P＞0.05). Among APB patients, OS was longer in patients whose appearance of APB occurred ＜6 months after transplantation than those ≥ 6 months, but the significant difference was not obtained yet (P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed APB had a significantly better response to bortezomib-based induction regimen followed ASCT. APB emergence has a good prognostic significance.

Sequential treatment with bortezomib plus dexamethasone followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Whether the sequential treatment with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BD) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) could extend the overall survival period in multiple myeloma patients is still not clear. Few large case studies about this therapeutics in multiple myeloma were reported in China. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of sequential treatment with BD chemotherapy and ASCT in patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma received BD as induction therapy before ASCT. Stem-cell mobilization was undertaken with cyclophosphamide 3 - 5 g/m(2) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 300 µg/d. Target yield was 2.0×10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg. Conditioning for ASCT consisted of melphalan 200 mg/m(2). Thalidomide and/or a-interferon was used as post-transplantation maintenance treatment. RESULTS: The BD chemotherapy before transplantation was effective in 86.7% of the 53 patients, including 22.6% with complete remission (CR), 39.6% with near complete remission (nCR), and 24.5% with partial remission (PR). The best effect was achieved after two treatment courses. Most bortezomib-related adverse effects were classes 1 - 2. All patients were successfully mobilized after BD for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The ASCT was effective in 96.3% of patients, including 49.1% with CR, 32.1% with nCR, and 15.1% with PR. The CR rate was significantly increased (49.1% vs. 22.6%, P < 0.05) by sequential ASCT. Within 27 (range, 6 - 53) months of follow-up, the efficacy of ASCT was maintained in 29 patients and further enhanced by post-transplantation maintenance treatment in four patients. Eleven patients died after transplantation. Among the patients undergoing BD/ASCT treatment, overall survival (OS) was significantly better in newly diagnosed patients in comparison to relapsed/refractory patients (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: BD chemotherapy can be used as an induction therapy prior to ASCT in patients with multiple myeloma. Its rate of effectiveness is high and it alleviates symptoms quickly without affecting peripheral blood stem cell collection. The majority of adverse effects are mild (tolerable). Sequential BD with ASCT is the preferred option for transplant patients. First-line ASCT could prolong survival of newly diagnosed patients rather than delayed ASCT.

New targets of PS-341: BAFF and APRIL.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B-cell malignancy, characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF, also known as BlyS or B-lymphocyte stimulator) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), the two members of the tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily, enhance the production of antibodies and regulate and promote proliferation and survival. Both BAFF and APRIL have an important role in B cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell survival. This study evaluates the expression of BAFF, APRIL, and their three receptors in two human MM cell lines (KM3 and PRMI 8226) and ten primary MM cell lines, and their effects on the growth of MM cells in vivo. MM cells were found to express BAFF, APRIL, and their three receptor genes both at the gene and protein levels. ELISA found high concentrations of BAFF and APRIL in the supernatants of these cultured cells. Treatment with PS-341 decreased the concentration of BAFF and APRIL. The WST-1 analysis of growth found that BAFF and APRIL stimulated the proliferation of MM cells. PS-341 inhibited this enhanced proliferation and induced apoptosis. Making use of the rhTACI-Fc to block the BAFF- and APRIL-induced activation of NF-kappaB2, we demonstrated that the NF-kappaB2-p52/RelB signal contributes to MM cell survival. In summary, PS-341 was shown to block this pathway. PS-341 inhibits the autocrine secretion of BAFF and APRIL and thereby MM cell proliferation by the alterative NF-kappaB2 pathway. BAFF and APRIL appear to be the targets of PS-341.

[Significance of sRANKL/OPG ratio in diagnosis of multiple myeloma bone disease].

This study was purposed to investigate the relationship between the levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in serum of the patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and multiple myeloma bone disease (MBD). The serum levels of sRANKL, OPG, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP-5b) and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (CTP-I) which both are indexes for metabolism of osteoclast (OC) in newly diagnosed MM patients (n=42, experimental group) and healthy persons (n=25, control group) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The roentgenography was used to determine bone damage in MM patients at the same time. According to these results acquired, the correlation of sRANKL/OPG ratio with levels of TRAP-5b/CTP-I, the incidence and degree of bone destruction were analyzed. The results indicated that the level of sRANKL (median value 9.33 microg/L) increased and level of OPG (median value 4.93 microg/L) decreased and the sRANKL/OPG ratio (2.65) increased significantly in experimental group. Compared with control group, the differences in all the corresponding indicators were statistically significant (p<0.05). The sRANKL/OPG ratio was closely related to levels of TRAP-5b (r=0.512, p<0.05) and CTP-I (r=0.481, p<0.05) in MM patients. After all patients in experimental groups were divided into group with bone destruction (n=29) and without bone destruction (n=13), the sRANKL/OPG ratio in the group with bone destruction was 5.13 and much higher than that in group without bone destruction (1.12) (p<0.05). A close correlation between the sRANKL/OPG ratio and degree of bone destruction (r=0.445, p<0.05) was acquired when all MM patients were divided into three groups according to degree of bone destruction, but no difference between the ratio and clinical classification and International Staging System (ISS) in MM patients was found. It is concluded that the sRANKL/OPG ratio in serum of MM patients is significantly elevated, which may be closely related to increase metabolism of OC along with the incidence and degree of bone destruction. In short, the sRANKL/OPG ratio can be used as a reference index for the diagnosis of MBD.

[Dynamic observations of beta-catenin in chronic myeloid leukemia and its relationship with cytogenetic response].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in the expression of beta-catenin in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in different phases, and explore the relationship between beta-catenin and the cytogenetic response to imatinib mesylate. METHODS: Beta-catenin mRNA and protein expressions were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting in the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from 99 CML patients. The expressions of BCR-ABL fusion gene at both the mRNA and protein levels were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 94 patients before and during the one-year treatment with imatinib mesylate at the interval of 3 months, and the relationship between beta-catenin and cytogenetic response to imatinib mesylate was analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of beta-catenin increased significantly in patients with blast crisis and accelerated phase (P<0.001), but showed no significant difference between normal subjects and CML patients in the chronic phase (P>0.05). The main cytogenetic remission rate was significantly higher in patients who were consistently negative for beta-catenin than in those consistently positive for beta-catenin or those with a positive transformation (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Beta-catenin overexpression in the progression of CML, consistent high level of beta-catenin or a positive transformation may indicate a poor response to imatinib, and early measures should be taken to increase the remission rate.

[Therapeutic effects of imatinib on chronic myeloid leukemia in different phases and the factors affecting the effects].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of imatinib on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in different phases and analyze the factors that may affect the effects. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with CML in chronic phase, 24 in accelerated phase and 19 in blastic phase patients were treated with imitinib. The hematologic response, cytogenetic response, molecular response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events were analyzed in these groups. RESULTS: The rates of complete hematologic response (CHR), complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and complete molecular response (CMoR) of the patients in chronic phase were 100%, 82.4% and 21.2%, respectively, and the 5-year OS and PFS of these patients were 92.1% and 84.7%. All these rates were significantly higher than those in patients in accelerated and blastic phases (P<0.0001). The CCyR, CMoR, 5-year OS and PFS in the 42 newly diagnosed patients in chronic phase were 92.9%, 26.3%, 100% and 95.2%, respectively, all significantly higher than those in patients with interferon therapy failure (P<0.001). Severe leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred at greater frequencey in AP and BP patients than in chronic phase patients (P<0.0001). Non-hematologic toxicity was rarer and milder in patients in chronic phase. Multivariate analysis showed that interferon therapy prior to imitinib treatment and prolonged drug cessation were the independent factors that affected the achievement of cytogenetic response and PFS. CONCLUSION: Early imitinib therapy can be effective and safe, and should be used as the first line drug for CML.

[Efficacy and toxicity of intravenous busulfan-based conditioning before allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for leukemia].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Busulfan (Bu) is commonly used as a component of conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Erratic gastrointestinal absorption as a result of oral administration of Bu not only affects the efficacy, but also increases the risk of toxicity. This study was to analyze the efficacy and toxicity of intravenous Bu and cyclophosphamide (Cy) conditioning before allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) for leukemia. METHODS: Fifteen leukemia patients received intravenous Bu/Cy conditioning before allo-PBSCT, while 20 patients received oral Bu/Cy conditioning. The responses and adverse events of the 2 groups were assessed. RESULTS: All 15 patients in intravenous Bu/Cy group had hematopoietic engraftment. The median time of engraftment was 12 (9-15) days for neutrophils and 15 (11-24) days for platelets. Of the 15 patients, 6 (40.0%) developed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), including 4 cases of grade I-II aGVHD and 2 cases of grade III-IV aGVHD; during conditioning, 7 (46.6%) had vomiting, 1 (6.7%) had oral mucositis, 1 (6.7%) had hemorrhagic cystitis, 2 (13.3%) had hepatic damage, none developed seizure. With a median follow-up of 180 days (range, 35-420 days), 14 (93.3%) patients were alive, 1 died of severe aGVHD accompanied fungal infection of the lung and central nerve system. The occurrence rates of hepatic damage and oral mucositis were significantly lower in intravenous Bu/Cy group than in oral Bu/Cy group (13.3% vs. 60.0%, 6.7% vs. 80.0%, P<0.01). There were no significant differences in hematopoietic reconstruction, aGVHD, stomatitis, gastrointestinal reaction, and hemorrhagic cystitis between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The intravenous Bu/Cy conditioning before allo-PBSCT for leukemia has clear efficacy with low extramedullary toxicity.

[Influence of thalidomide on bone marrow microenvironment in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: More and more studies indicated that microenvironment plays a major role in growth, survival, and drug resistance of myeloma cells. Thalidomide is one of agents targeting the bone marrow microenvironment. This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of thalidomide by observation of influence of thalidomide on bone marrow microenvironment in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma. METHODS: The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) membrane of refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma was measured using flow cytometry. The expression of IL-1beta(m)RNA, IL-6mRNA, and TNF-alpha(m)RNA in myeloma BMSC was measured by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The average values of fluorescence of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the myeloma BMSC membrane were 13.28+/-4.26 and 10.35+/-2.47, respectively; while the average values of fluorescence after treatment effectively with thalidomide were both lower (4.29+/-0.98 and 3.54+/-0.62) (P< 0.01, P< 0.05). The ratios of IL-1beta(m)RNA, IL-6(m)RNA, and TNF-alpha mRNA to beta-actin of the myeloma BMSC were 1.83+/-0.64, 24.52+/-11.46, and 3.42+/-1.83, respectively; while the ratios after treatment effectively with thalidomide were all lower (0.58+/-0.11, 13.47+/-14.31, and 1.25+/-0.76)(P< 0.05,P< 0.05,P< 0.01). There was no significant difference between the values of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 or among the ratios of IL-1beta(m)RNA, IL-6(m)RNA, and TNF-amRNA to beta-actin of the myeloma BMSC before and after treatment ineffectively with thalidomide (all P >0.05). The serum levels of VEGF and bFGF of the patients were (150.26+/-19.33) ng/L and (23.78+/-13.63) ng/L, respectively. The serum levels of VEGF and bFGF were higher after treatment (effectively and ineffectively) than those before treatment (P< 0.002, P< 0.005). CONCLUSION: Thalidomide can not only inhibit angiogenesis, but also abrogate the adhesion of multiple myeloma cells to bone marrow stromal cells.