Using protein turnover assay to explore the drug mechanism of Carfilzomib.

Carfilzomib (CFZ) is the second-generation proteasome inhibitor that is approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Although the preclinical and clinical efficacy of CFZ is obvious, the mechanism by which CFZ leads to cell death has not been fully elucidated. Since CFZ primarily functions as a proteasome inhibitor, profiling CFZ-induced changes in protein turnover at the systematic level is sufficient and necessary. In this study, we characterize the effects of CFZ on the stability of 15,000 human proteins using Protein Turnover Assay (ProTA). CFZ affects fundamental cellular glycolysis, nitric oxide production and proteasome subunit homeostasis in multiple myeloma cells. In addition, LY294002 or KU-0063794 has synergistic effects with CFZ in multiple myeloma treatment. A profound understanding of how cells respond to chemotherapeutic agents provides insights into the basic mechanism of drug function and the rationale for CFZ combination therapy.

Differential Expression of Circulating miRNAs and Carfilzomib-Related Cardiovascular Adverse Events in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

This study investigates the association between circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression and cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with a carfilzomib (CFZ)-based regimen. A cohort of 60 MM patients from the Prospective Observation of Cardiac Safety with Proteasome Inhibitor (PROTECT) study was analyzed. Among these, 31 patients (51.6%) developed CVAE post-CFZ treatment. The Taqman OpenArray Human microRNA panels were used for miRNA profiling. We identified 13 differentially expressed miRNAs at baseline, with higher expressions of miR-125a-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-18a-3p, and miR-152-3p and lower expression of miR-140-3p in patients who later developed CVAE compared to those free of CVAE, adjusting for age, gender, race, and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels. We also identified three miRNAs, including miR-150-5p, that were differentially expressed in patients with and without CVAE post-treatment. Additionally, five miRNAs responded differently to CFZ treatment in CVAE vs. non-CVAE patients, including significantly elevated post-treatment expression of miR-140-3p and lower expressions of miR-598, miR-152, miR-21, and miR-323a in CVAE patients. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of these miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases and vascular processes. These findings suggest that specific miRNAs could serve as predictive biomarkers for CVAE and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of CFZ-CVAE. Further investigation is warranted before these findings can be applied in clinical settings.

Gastrointestinal toxicities of proteasome inhibitor therapy.

PURPOSE: Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), which cause cell death via tumor suppressor and pro-apoptotic proteins, are integral to treatment of many hematologic malignancies but are limited by their gastrointestinal adverse effects. Evidence regarding these PI-related adverse effects is scant. In this study, we evaluated gastrointestinal adverse events caused by PIs and compared gastrointestinal toxicities between bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of cancer patients treated with PIs at a tertiary care cancer center to investigate the clinical characteristics of PI-related gastrointestinal adverse events. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 973 patients with PI exposure and stool studies ordered between January 2017 and December 2022. Of these, 193 patients (20%) had PI-related gastrointestinal toxicity based on clinical symptoms and stool study results. The most common symptom was diarrhea, present in 169 (88% of those with gastrointestinal toxicity). Twenty-two (11%) required hospitalization, and 71 (37%) developed recurrence of symptoms. Compared to bortezomib or carfilzomib, ixazomib had a longer interval from PI initiation to the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms (313 days vs 58 days vs 89 days, p = 0.002) and a significantly lower percentage of diarrhea-predominant presentation of gastrointestinal toxicity (71% vs 96% vs 91%, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: While PI-related gastrointestinal toxicities have various presentations and courses based on different regimens, the vast majority of patients presented with milder disease behavior. Despite a considerably high rate of hospitalization and recurrence after treatment necessitating optimization of clinical management, our cohort demonstrates favorable outcomes without long-term consequences.

Carfilzomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (KRD) in BTKi relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma: A phase II study from Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm considered incurable, with a median survival of 3-5 years. In recent years, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) have been introduced, demonstrating high therapeutic activity. However, the prognosis for MCL patients failing ibrutinib therapy is particularly poor, with a survival expectation of a few months. In this phase II trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of the carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRD) combination in MCL patients who were relapsed/refractory (R/R) or intolerant to BTKi and in need of treatment. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of the KRD combination in terms of 12-month overall survival (12-month OS). From September 2019 to December 2020, 16 patients were enrolled from 11 Italian centers. After a median follow-up of 2.37 months (95% CI 0.92-6.47), the 12-month OS was 13%. The rate of grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) was 35%, and the overall response rate (ORR) was 19%. These results led to the premature termination of enrollment, as defined in the protocol stopping rules. The efficacy of the KRD combination in advanced-stage MCL patients who are R/R to BTKi is unsatisfactory and too toxic.

Anti-tumor efficacy of HRS-4642 and its potential combination with proteasome inhibition in KRAS G12D-mutant cancer.

KRAS G12D is the most frequently mutated oncogenic KRAS subtype in solid tumors and remains undruggable in clinical settings. Here, we developed a high affinity, selective, long-acting, and non-covalent KRAS G12D inhibitor, HRS-4642, with an affinity constant of 0.083 nM. HRS-4642 demonstrated robust efficacy against KRAS G12D-mutant cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, in a phase 1 clinical trial, HRS-4642 exhibited promising anti-tumor activity in the escalating dosing cohorts. Furthermore, the sensitization and resistance spectrum for HRS-4642 was deciphered through genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, which unveiled proteasome as a sensitization target. We further observed that the proteasome inhibitor, carfilzomib, improved the anti-tumor efficacy of HRS-4642. Additionally, HRS-4642, either as a single agent or in combination with carfilzomib, reshaped the tumor microenvironment toward an immune-permissive one. In summary, this study provides potential therapies for patients with KRAS G12D-mutant cancers, for whom effective treatments are currently lacking.

Functional Investigation of IGF1R Mutations in Multiple Myeloma.

High expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) and RTK mutations are associated with high-risk/worse prognosis in multiple myeloma (MM). Combining the pIGF1R/pINSR inhibitor linsitinib with the proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib seemed promising in a clinical trial, but IGF1R expression was not associated with therapy response. Because the oncogenic impact of IGF1R mutations is so far unknown, we investigated the functional impact of IGF1R mutations on survival signaling, viability/proliferation and survival response to therapy. We transfected four human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) with IGF1RWT, IGF1RD1146N and IGF1RN1129S (Sleeping Beauty), generated CRISPR-Cas9 IGF1R knockouts in the HMCLs U-266 (IGF1RWT) and L-363 (IGF1RD1146N) and tested the anti-MM activity of linsitinib alone and in combination with the second-generation PI carfilzomib in seven HMCLs. IGF1R knockout entailed reduced proliferation. Upon IGF1R overexpression, survival signaling was moderately increased in all HCMLs and slightly affected by IGF1RN1129S in one HMCL, whereby the viability remained unaffected. Expression of IGF1RD1146N reduced pIGF1R-Y1135, especially under serum reduction, but did not impact downstream signaling. Linsitinib and carfilzomib showed enhanced anti-myeloma activity in six out of seven HMCL irrespective of the IGF1R mutation status. In conclusion, IGF1R mutations can impact IGF1R activation and/or downstream signaling, and a combination of linsitinib with carfilzomib might be a suitable therapeutic approach for MM patients potentially responsive to IGF1R blockade.

QoL during KTd or KRd induction followed by K maintenance or observation in transplant noneligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of the randomized AGMT 02 study.

Understanding the impact of induction and maintenance therapy on patients' quality of life (QoL) is important for treatment selection. This study aims to compare patient-reported QoL between patients treated with KTd or KRd induction therapy and K maintenance therapy or observation. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QOL-C 30 and QOL-MY20 questionnaires in the AGMT-02 study, in which 123 patients with newly diagnosed transplant ineligible multiple myeloma were randomized to nine cycles of either KTd or KRd induction therapy, followed by 12 cycles of K maintenance therapy, or observation. Longitudinal assessments showed statistically significant improvements in global health-related QoL, various disease symptoms and pain for both treatment regimens. KTd improved insomnia and fatigue, and KRd improved physical functioning. Cross-sectional comparisons indicated a "slight" superiority of KTd over KRd in several scales, with the exception of higher neuropathy scores with KTd. During maintenance, longitudinal comparisons showed no statistically significant changes. Cross-sectional comparisons revealed a "slight" improvement in cognitive functioning during carfilzomib therapy, but a worsening in most other QoL scales. Induction therapy led to improvements in most QoL items, while maintenance therapy with K maintenance was associated with "slight" or "moderate" impairments in several QoL scales compared with the observation group.

Empagliflozin Alleviates Carfilzomib-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Autophagy.

Carfilzomib is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor used for multiple myeloma patients. However, carfilzomib treatment is associated with cardiovascular complications. Empagliflozin, an Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2) inhibitor, is an oral antidiabetic drug with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the cardioprotective effects of empagliflozin against carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, empagliflozin, carfilzomib, and carfilzomib + empagliflozin. Empagliflozin prevented carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity by ameliorating histological alterations, CK-MB, and troponin-I. Moreover, it inhibited carfilzomib-induced oxidative damage and inflammation via its action on catalase activity, reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced nuclear factor-κB (p65) and cytokine levels. Mechanistically, empagliflozin abrogated endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by carfilzomib, as evidenced by the effect on the Glucose Regulated Protein-78 (GRP-78)/Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) axis. Intriguingly, carfilzomib significantly induced autophagy, an effect that was further enhanced by empagliflozin, evidenced by increased LC3B and beclin-1 mRNA expression and reduced p62 expression. The effect of empagliflozin on apoptosis was confirmed by reduced expression of active caspase-3. Importantly, empagliflozin did not alter the cytotoxic effect of carfilzomib on human U266B1 multiple myeloma cells. our findings suggest that empagliflozin may provide a new therapeutic strategy to mitigate carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity in multiple myeloma patients.

Toll-like receptor signaling in multiple myeloma cells promotes the expression of pro-survival genes B-cell lymphoma 2 and MYC and modulates the expression of B-cell maturation antigen.

Infections are common in plasma cell cancer multiple myeloma (MM) due to disease-related immune deficiencies and cancer treatment. Myeloma cells express Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and TLR activation has been shown to induce proliferative and pro-survival signals in cancer cells. MM is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and expression levels of TLRs as well as downstream signaling components are likely to differ between patients. Here, we show that in a large cohort of patients, TLR1, TLR4, TLR6, TLR9, and TLR10 are the most highly expressed in primary CD138+ cells. Using an MM cell line expressing TLR4 and TLR9 as a model, we demonstrate that TLR4 and TLR9 activation promoted the expression of well-established pro-survival and oncogenes in MM such as MYC, IRF4, NFKB, and BCL2. TLR4 and TLR9 activation inhibited the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib, drugs used in the treatment of MM. Inhibiting the autophagosome-lysosome protein degradation pathway by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) diminished the protective effect of TLR activation on proteasome inhibitor-induced cytotoxicity. We also found that TLR signaling downregulated the expression of TNFRSF17, the gene encoding for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). MYC, BCL2, and BCL2L1 were upregulated in approximately 50% of primary cells, while the response to TLR signaling in terms of TNFRSF17 expression was dichotomous, as an equal fraction of patients showed upregulation and downregulation of the gene. While proteasome inhibitors are part of first-line MM treatment, several of the new anti-MM immune therapeutic drugs target BCMA. Thus, TLR activation may render MM cells less responsive to commonly used anti-myeloma drugs.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of patients with carfilzomib induced thrombotic microangiopathy.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is associated with carfilzomib, and knowledge of carfilzomib-induced TMA is based mainly on case reports. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with carfilzomib-induced TMA and provided a reference for the rational use of carfilzomib. METHODS: Reports of carfilzomib-induced TMA were collected for retrospective analysis by searching the Chinese and English databases from inception to January 31, 2024. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included, with a median age of 63 years (range 39, 85). The median time to onset of TMA was 42 days (range 1, 1825) from initial administration, and the median number of cycles was 3 cycles (range 1, 15). Hemolytic anemia was recorded in 64 patients, with a median of 8.3 g/dL (range 4.6, 13). Sixty-three patients had thrombocytopenia with a median of 18 × 109/L (range 1, 139). The median value of increased LDH was 1192 IU/L (range 141, 5378). ADAMTS13 activity was normal in 41 (62.1 %) of the 42 patients. Mutations were found in 9 (13.6 %) of the 15 patients. Fifty-seven patients achieved a clinical response after discontinuing carfilzomib and receiving therapeutic plasma exchange (53.0 %), eculizumab (24.2 %), or hemodialysis (39.4 %). CONCLUSION: Carfilzomib-induced TMA is an important adverse event that should be considered in patients receiving carfilzomib for multiple myeloma with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Withdrawal of carfilzomib and treatment with eculizumab have proven successful in some patients.

Serum Free Light Chain Kinetics Is Predictive of Renal Response in Myeloma Patients With Renal Impairment-An ALLG Trial of Carfilzomib-Dexamethasone Therapy in Frontline and Relapse.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal impairment (RI) confers adverse prognosis in myeloma; its reversal and avoidance of dialysis are crucial. We investigated whether serum free light chain (SFLC) measurements can predict renal outcome, to enable change in therapy to optimize prognosis and avoid dialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated 36 myeloma patients (17 newly diagnosed [ND]; 19 relapsed refractory [RR]; with median of 5 prior lines) with eGFR 15-40 ml/min treated with carfilzomib (Cfz)-dexamethasone to determine whether SFLC kinetics can predict renal outcomes, and assess efficacy and tolerability. RESULTS: The change in involved SFLC at Cycle 2 Day 1 was significantly correlated with renal function; for every one log10 reduction in involved SFLC, eGFR increased by 9.0-15.0 mL/min at cycles 2-4, with SFLC reduction of 54%-78%. At a median follow-up of 30.6 months, renal outcomes were favorable-CRrenal 25%, MRrenal 36%. Disease responses (ND 100%, RR 75%), progression-free survival (ND 32.2 months, RR 11.1 months) and overall survival (ND not reached, RR 42.0 months) were comparable to patients without RI. There was significant toxicity, including Cfz-related cardiac impairment of 20% within a cohort with high co-morbidity, and a high incidence of infections. CONCLUSION: We propose that one log10 reduction in involved SFLC at Cycle 2 Day 1 is an appropriate target for reducing the risk of dialysis in myeloma patients with RI; below this threshold patients may benefit from a change in therapy. While Cfz-dexamethasone achieved favorable renal and disease outcomes, toxicity can be significant in this vulnerable cohort.

Co-operation of MCL-1 and BCL-XL anti-apoptotic proteins in stromal protection of MM cells from carfilzomib mediated cytotoxicity.

Introduction: BCL-2 family proteins are important for tumour cell survival and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Although proteasome inhibitors are effective anti-myeloma drugs, some patients are resistant and almost all eventually relapse. We examined the function of BCL-2 family proteins in stromal-mediated resistance to carfilzomib-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells. Methods: Co-cultures employing HS5 stromal cells were used to model the interaction with stroma. MM cells were exposed to CFZ in a 1-hour pulse method. The expression of BCL-2 family proteins was assessed by flow cytometry and WB. Pro-survival proteins: MCL-1, BCL-2 and BCL-XL were inhibited using S63845, ABT-199 and A-1331852 respectively. Changes in BIM binding partners were examined by immunoprecipitation and WB. Results: CFZ induced dose-dependent cell death of MM cells, primarily mediated by apoptosis. Culture of MM cells on HS-5 stromal cells resulted in reduced cytotoxicity to CFZ in a cell contact-dependent manner, upregulated expression of MCL-1 and increased dependency on BCL-XL. Inhibiting BCL-XL or MCL-1 with BH-3 mimetics abrogated stromal-mediated protection only at high doses, which may not be achievable in vivo. However, combining BH-3 mimetics at sub-therapeutic doses, which alone were without effect, significantly enhanced CFZ-mediated cytotoxicity even in the presence of stroma. Furthermore, MCL-1 inhibition led to enhanced binding between BCL-XL and BIM, while blocking BCL-XL increased MCL-1/BIM complex formation, indicating the cooperative role of these proteins. Conclusion: Stromal interactions alter the dependence on BCL-2 family members, providing a rationale for dual inhibition to abrogate the protective effect of stroma and restore sensitivity to CFZ.

Carfilzomib-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: clinical features and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Carfilzomib, a new proteasome inhibitor indicated for patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma, has been associated with cases of thrombotic microangiopathy (CFZ-TMA). The role of variants in the complement alternative pathway and therapeutic potential of complement blockade with eculizumab remain to be determined. METHODS: We report 37 cases of CFZ-TMA recorded in the French reference center for TMA with their clinical characteristics, genetic analysis and outcome according to treatments. RESULTS: A trigger was identified in more than half of cases, including 8 influenza and 5 SARS-CoV-2 cases. All patients presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) (KDIGO stage 3 in 31 (84%) patients) while neurological (n=13, 36%) and cardiac damage (n=7, 19%) were less frequent. ADAMTS13 and complement activity were normal (n= 28 and 18 patients tested) and no pathogenic variant in the alternative complement pathway was found in 7 patients tested.TMA resolved in most (n=34, 94%) patients but 12 (44%) still displayed stage 3 AKI at discharge. Nineteen (51%) patients were treated with therapeutic plasma exchange, 14 (38%) patients received corticosteroids and 18 (50%) were treated with eculizumab. However none of these treatments demonstrated a significant impact on outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study is the largest case series of CFZ-TMA since its approval in 2012. Patients present with severe AKI and experience frequent sequelae. Complement variants and blockade therapy do not seem to play a role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of the disease.

The Efficacy of Carfilzomib Treatment in Bortezomib-Refractory Patients-Real Life Experience in a Tertiary Romanian Hospital.

Background: Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) represent one of the most effective classes of therapy for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and are incorporated in many of the current treatment regimens. The first-generation PI, bortezomib, has shown impressive results in patients with either newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory MM, but once patients become resistant, treatment is increasingly challenging. Although the existing data show that the second-generation PI, carfilzomib, is highly efficient, there is still limited knowledge regarding the response to carfilzomib-based therapy in bortezomib-resistant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate carfilzomib treatment performance in bortezomib-sensitive versus -refractory patients, in a real-life eastern European country setting. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 127 adult patients exposed to bortezomib with relapsed or refractory MM, that subsequently received a carfilzomib-based therapy. We investigated the differences in the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) after carfilzomib-based therapy between the two patient groups. Results: The ORR in the bortezomib-sensitive group was significantly higher than that in the refractory group, leading to a superior PFS in this category of patients. For patients presenting with a high cytogenetic risk, we observed a significant difference in PFS between the bortezomib-sensitive and -refractory group, while standard cytogenetic risk patients presented a similar PFS regardless of the bortezomib sensitivity status. In addition, in patients with ISS (International Staging System) stage I or II, the previous sensitivity to bortezomib correlated with an improved PFS, while for patients with ISS stage III, both groups had a comparable PFS. No significant differences in OS were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: In countries where novel or experimental therapies are not readily available, carfilzomib-based therapy can still be a viable therapy option for patients presenting with bortezomib-refractory status, an ISS stage III, and standard cytogenetic risk.

Implications and hidden toxicity of cardiometabolic syndrome and early-stage heart failure in carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cancer therapy-related cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs) in presence of comorbidities, are in the spotlight of the cardio-oncology guidelines. Carfilzomib (Cfz), indicated for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), presents with serious CAEs. MM is often accompanied with co-existing comorbidities. However, Cfz use in MM patients with cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) or in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), is questionable. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: ApoE-/- and C57BL6/J male mice received 14 weeks Western Diet (WD) (CMS models). C57BL6/J male mice underwent permanent LAD ligation for 14 days (early-stage HFrEF model). CMS- and HFrEF-burdened mice received Cfz for two consecutive or six alternate days. Daily metformin and atorvastatin administrations were performed additionally to Cfz, as prophylactic interventions. Mice underwent echocardiography, while proteasome activity, biochemical and molecular analyses were conducted. KEY RESULTS: CMS did not exacerbate Cfz left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, whereas Cfz led to metabolic complications in both CMS models. Cfz induced autophagy and Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulation, whereas metformin and atorvastatin prevented Cfz-mediated LV dysfunction and molecular deficits in the CMS-burdened myocardium. Early-stage HFrEF led to depressed LV function and increased protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity. Cfz further increased myocardial PP2A activity, inflammation and Ca2+-cycling dysregulation. Metformin co-administration exerted an anti-inflammatory potential on the myocardium without improving LV function. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: CMS and HFrEF seem to exacerbate Cfz-induced CAEs, by presenting metabolism-related hidden toxicity and PP2A-related cardiac inflammation, respectively. Metformin retains its prophylactic potential in the presence of CMS, while mitigating inflammation and Ca2+ signalling dysregulation in the HFrEF myocardium.

Carfilzomib activates ER stress and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling to promote apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the world, which is frequently diagnosed at a late stage. HCC patients have a poor prognosis due to the lack of an efficacious therapeutic strategy. Approved drug repurposing is a way for accelerating drug discovery and can significantly reduce the cost of drug development. Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, which is highly efficacious against multiple myeloma and has been reported to possess potential antitumor activities against multiple cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of CFZ on HCC is still unclear. Here, we show that CFZ inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells through cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and suppresses the migration and invasion of HCC cells by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also find that CFZ promotes reactive oxygen species production to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activate JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in HCC cells, thus inducing cell death in HCC cells. Moreover, CFZ significantly inhibits HCC cell growth in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, our study elucidates that CFZ impairs mitochondrial function and activates ER stress and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling, thus inhibiting HCC cell and tumor growth. This indicates that CFZ has the potential as a therapeutic drug for HCC.

An open-label phase 2 study treating patients with first or second relapse of multiple myeloma with carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (KPd): SELECT study.

Once-weekly carfilzomib at 56 mg/m2 plus immunomodulatory drugs and dexamethasone has shown efficacy and tolerability treating early relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The phase 2 SELECT study (NCT04191616) evaluated efficacy/safety of weekly carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (KPd) in early RRMM patients refractory to lenalidomide. All 52 treated patients were refractory to prior treatment, and 19 (37%) were triple-class refractory. Overall response rate (ORR; primary endpoint) was 58% (35% ≥ very good partial response, 6% ≥ complete response); median response duration was 20.3 months. Minimal residual disease negativity (10-5) was achieved in 10% of patients. Median progression-free survival was 11.1 months; median overall survival was 18.8 months. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with the known safety profile including grade ≥3 treatment-emergent AEs reported in 67% of patients. Although the primary endpoint of ORR was not met, KPd showed meaningful clinical benefits in lenalidomide-refractory RRMM patients, including those who were daratumumab-refractory and/or triple-class refractory.

Factors determining the sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors of multiple myeloma cells.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer that originates from antibody-producing plasma cells. It is characterized by an intrinsic ability to produce large amounts of immunoglobulin-like proteins. The high rate of synthesis makes myeloma cells dependent on protein processing mechanisms related to the proteasome. This dependence made proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib and carfilzomib one of the most important classes of drugs used in multiple myeloma treatment. Inhibition of the proteasome is associated with alteration of a number of important biological processes leading, in consequence, to inhibition of angiogenesis. The effect of drugs in this group and the degree of patient response to the treatment used is itself an extremely complex process that depends on many factors. At cellular level the change in sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors may be related to differences in the expression level of proteasome subunits, the degree of proteasome loading, metabolic adaptation, transcriptional or epigenetic factors. These are just some of the possibilities that may influence differences in response to proteasome inhibitors. This review describes the main cellular factors that determine the degree of response to proteasome inhibitor drugs, as well as information on the key role of the proteasome and the performance characteristics of the inhibitors that are the mainstay of multiple myeloma treatment.

Health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted progression free survival for carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Decisions regarding maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma should be based on both treatment efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL) consequences. In the CARFI trial, patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma underwent salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) before randomization to carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance therapy (Kd) or observation. The primary clinical endpoint was time to progression, which was extended by 8 months by Kd. The aim of this paper is to present the all HRQL endpoints of the CARFI trial including the HRQL effect of Kd maintenance therapy relative to observation. The primary HRQL endpoint was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 Summary score (QLQ-C30-sum) at 8 months follow-up. A key secondary HRQL endpoint was quality-adjusted progression-free-survival (QAPFS). METHODS: HRQL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-MY20 and FACT/GOG-Ntx at randomization and every second month during follow-up. HRQL data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models until 8 months follow-up. QAPFS per individual was calculated by multiplying progression-free survival (PFS) by two quality-adjustment metrics, the QLQ-C30-sum and EORTC Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLU-C10D). The QAPFS per treatment group was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. P < 0.05 was used for statistical significance, and a between-group minimal important difference of 10 points was interpreted as clinically relevant for the QLQ-C30-sum. RESULTS: 168 patients were randomized. HRQL questionnaire compliance was 93%. For the QLQ-C30-sum, the difference of 4.62 points (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.9: -0.4, p = 0.032) was not clinically relevant. PFS was 19.3 months for the Kd maintenance group and 16.8 months for the observation group; difference = 2.5 months (95% CI 0.5; 4.5). QAPFS based on the QLQ-C30-sum for the Kd maintenance group was 18.0 months (95% CI 16.4; 19.6) and for the observation group 15.0 months (95% CI 13.5; 16.5); difference = 3.0 months (95% CI 0.8-5.3). QAPFS based on the QLU-C10D for the Kd maintenance group was 17.5 months (95% CI 15.9; 19.2) and 14.0 months (95% CI 12.4; 15.5) for the observation group; difference = 3.5 months (95% CI 1.1-5.9). CONCLUSIONS: Kd maintenance therapy after salvage ASCT did not adversely affect overall HRQL, but adjustment for HRQL reduced the PFS compared to unadjusted PFS. PFS of maintenance therapy should be quality-adjusted to balance the benefits and HRQL impact.

Carfilzomib, daratumumab, and dexamethasone (KdD) vs. lenalidomide-sparing pomalidomide-containing triplet regimens for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: an indirect treatment comparison.

Nearly all patients with multiple myeloma eventually relapse or become refractory to treatment. Lenalidomide is increasingly administered in the frontline until disease progression or intolerance to therapy, resulting in the need for highly effective, lenalidomide-sparing options. In this study, carfilzomib plus daratumumab and dexamethasone were evaluated against lenalidomide-sparing, pomalidomide-containing triplets using matching-adjusted indirect comparison in the absence of head-to-head data. The analyses utilized long-term follow-up data from the CANDOR study (NCT03158688). Treatment with carfilzomib, daratumumab, and dexamethasone resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.60 [95% confidence interval: 0.37, 0.88])vs. pomalidomide plus bortezomib and dexamethasone, and numerically longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.77 [95% confidence interval: 0.50, 1.08]) vs. daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and previous lenalidomide exposure, the majority of whom were lenalidomide refractory. Carfilzomib plus daratumumab and dexamethasone offers a highly effective, lenalidomide-sparing treatment option for this population.