Carfilzomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone are safe and effective in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma: final report of the single-arm, multicenter, phase II ALLG MM018/AMN002 study.

This multicenter, phase II study of the Australasian Lymphoma and Leukemia Group and the Asian Myeloma Network investigated fixed-duration (18-month) treatment with carfilzomib (K), thalidomide (T), and dexamethasone (d) (KTd) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma who had received one to three prior lines of therapy. Patients received induction with up to 12 28-day cycles of carfilzomib (20 mg/m2 intravenously in cycle 1 on days 1 and 2, then 56 mg/m2 [36 mg/m2 for patients ≥75 years] from day 8 onwards), thalidomide 100 mg orally in the evening and weekly dexamethasone 40 mg (20 mg for patients ≥75 years). During maintenance, thalidomide was omitted, while carfilzomib was continued on days 1, 2, 15, and 16 with fortnightly dexamethasone. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints were overall response rate, overall survival, duration of response, safety, and tolerability. Ninety-three patients (median age 66.3 years [range, 41.9-84.5]) were enrolled and followed up for a median of 26.4 months (range, 1.6-54.6). The median progression-free survival was 22.3 months (95% confidence interval: 15.7-25.6) and the 2-year progression-free survival was 46.3% (95% confidence interval: 35.1-52.8). The median overall survival was not reached and the 2-year overall survival was 73.8% (95% confidence interval: 62.9-81.9). The overall response rate was 88% (73% had a very good partial response or better). There was no difference in the depth of response, progression-free survival or overall survival comparing Asian and non-Asian cohorts (P=0.61). The safety profile of KTd was consistent with that of each individual drug. KTd is well tolerated and effective in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma irrespective of Asian or non-Asian ethnicity and provides an alternative treatment option, particularly in circumstances in which the use of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) is limited by access, cost, or renal impairment.

Multiplex immunohistochemistry elucidates increased distance between cytotoxic T cells and plasma cells in relapsed myeloma, and identifies Lag-3 as the most common checkpoint receptor on cytotoxic T cells of myeloma patients.

A dysfunctional immune tumour microenvironment facilitates disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM). Using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), we described the quantitative and qualitative changes in CD3+ CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and assess their proximity to malignant plasma cells (PCs) in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), newly diagnosed (ND) and relapsed/refractory (RR) MM. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded trephine sections from patients with MGUS (n=32), NDMM (n=65) and RRMM (n=59) were sequentially stained for CD138, CD3, CD8, and checkpoint receptors (CPR) Tim-3, Lag-3, and PD-1. Halo® image analysis platform was used for cell segmentation and phenotyping, facilitating enumeration of cytotoxic T-cells and analysis of proximity to PCs. The percentage of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells in proximity to PCs is greater in patients with NDMM than patients with RRMM (at 50gm distance 90.8% vs. 81.5%, p=0.038). There is a trend for more CD3+ T-cells in MGUS (p=0.08) but no difference was observed in the prevalence of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (p=0.48). Lag-3 is the most common CPR expressed on cytotoxic T-cells in myeloma (p.

Induction therapy with the MATRix regimen in patients with newly diagnosed primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system - an international study of feasibility and efficacy in routine clinical practice.

The MATRix chemoimmunotherapy regimen is highly effective in patients with newly diagnosed primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL). However, nothing is known about its feasibility and efficacy in everyday practice, where patients are more often older/frailer than those enrolled in clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective study addressing tolerability/efficacy of MATRix in 156 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL treated outside a clinical trial. Median age and ECOG Performance Status of considered patients were 62 years (range 28-78) and 2 (range 0-4). The overall response rate after MATRix was 79%. Nine (6%) treatment-related deaths were recorded. After a median follow-up of 27.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.4-31.9%), the two-year progression-free and overall survival were 56% (95% CI 48.4-64.9%) and 64.1% (95% CI 56.7-72.5%) respectively. Patients not eligible for the IELSG32 trial were treated with lower dose intensity and had substantially worse outcomes than those fulfilling inclusion criteria. This is the largest series of PCNSL patients treated with MATRix outside a trial and recapitulates the IELSG32 trial outcomes in the non-trial setting for patients who fit the trial criteria. These data underscore the feasibility and efficacy of MATRix as induction treatment for fit patients in routine practice.

Platelet transfusion is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of platelets is common in cardiac surgery, and while there are guidelines for their use, there are concerns about potential risks. We aimed to assess the impact of platelet transfusion on mortality, thrombosis, and infection in this patient group. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patients at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne who underwent a first cardiac surgery procedure from June 2001 to June 2014 was conducted. A propensity-weighted analysis was performed to examine the association between intraoperative platelet transfusion and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5233 patients met inclusion criteria, and 531 (10.15%) received intraoperative platelet transfusion (median two platelet doses, interquartile range, 1-17). Patients receiving platelets were older, had higher body mass index, lower rates of diabetes and dyslipidemia, higher rates of infective endocarditis, recent myocardial infarction and unstable angina, and exposure to aspirin or clopidogrel. On univariable analysis, platelet transfusion was associated with increased 30-day mortality (2.4% vs. 10.55%, p < 0.001), return to theatre for bleeding (3.23% vs. 13.37%, p < 0.001), and rates of any infection (9.26% vs. 19.17%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, platelet transfusion was not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality or infective complications. Platelet transfusion was associated with higher rates of return to theatre (relative risk [RR], 2.46; confidence interval [CI], 1.42, 4.04; p = 0.001) and decreased risk of thromboembolic events (RR, 0.28; CI, 0.15, 0.51; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Platelet transfusion was not associated with increased mortality or infective complications following first cardiac surgery. Further prospective studies are required to identify patients most likely to benefit from platelet transfusion.

The prognostic impact of t(11;14) in multiple myeloma: A real-world analysis from the Australian Lymphoma Leukaemia Group (ALLG) and the Australian Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR).

The prognostic impact of t(11;14) in multiple myeloma (MM) needs to be better understood to inform future treatment decisions. The Australian Lymphoma Leukaemia Group embarked on a retrospective, observational cohort study using real-world data to interrogate treatment patterns and outcomes in 74 MM patients with t(11;14) [t(11;14)-MM] diagnosed over 10 years. This was compared to 159 and 111 MM patients with high-risk IgH translocations (IgH HR-MM) and hyperdiploidy (Hyperdiploid-MM), respectively, from the Australian Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry. No appreciable differences in age, gender, ISS, LDH levels, 1q21 or del(17p) status, or treatment patterns were observed between groups. Median PFS-1 was not different between groups but both t(11;14)-MM and IgH HR-MM had an inferior PFS-2 vs. Hyperdiploid-MM: median PFS-2 8.2 months, 10.0 months, and 19.8 months (p = 0.002), respectively. The 3-year OS were 69%, 71%, and 82% (p = 0.026), respectively. In the t(11;14)-MM group, gain or amplification of 1q21 at diagnosis predicted for poorer OS (HR 3.46, p = 0.002). Eleven patients had received venetoclax with 45% achieving better than a very good partial response. Results suggest that t(11;14) MM may confer an unfavorable risk profile and that the use of targeted therapies such as venetoclax earlier in the treatment algorithm should be explored.

Shaping the Treatment Paradigm Based on the Current Understanding of the Pathobiology of Multiple Myeloma: An Overview.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignancy which despite progressive improvements in overall survival over the last decade remains characterised by recurrent relapse with progressively shorter duration of response and treatment-free intervals with each subsequent treatment. Efforts to unravel the complex and heterogeneous genomic alterations, the marked dysregulation of the immune system and the multifarious interplay between malignant plasma cells and those of the tumour microenvironment have not only led to improved understanding of myelomagenesis and disease progression but have facilitated the rapid development of novel therapeutics including immunotherapies and small molecules bringing us a step closer to therapies that no doubt will extend survival. Novel therapeutic combinations both in the upfront and relapsed setting as well as novel methods to assess response and guide management are rapidly transforming the management of myeloma.

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) as a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a stress-inducible molecular chaperone expressed within the endoplasmic reticulum where it acts as a master regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. At times of ER stress, activation of the UPR, a multimolecular pathway, limits proteotoxicity induced by misfolded proteins. In malignancies, including multiple myeloma which is characterized by an accumulation of misfolded immunoglobulins, GRP78 expression is increased, with notable translocation of GRP78 to the cell surface. Studies suggest cell-surface GRP78 (csGRP78) to be of prognostic significance with emerging evidence that it interacts with a myriad of co-ligands to activate signaling pathways promoting cell proliferation and survival or apoptosis. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the role of ER and csGRP78 in physiology and oncogenesis in multiple myeloma, addressing factors that shift the balance in GRP78 signaling from survival to apoptosis. The role of GRP78 as a potential prognostic biomarker is explored and current therapeutics in development aimed at targeting csGRP78 are addressed. We conducted a PubMed literature search using the keywords 'GRP78,' 'multiple myeloma' reviewing studies prior to 2020. EXPERT OPINION: Cell-surface GRP78 expression is a potential novel prognostic biomarker in myeloma and targeting of csGRP78 is promising and requires further investigation.

An antisense oligonucleotide targeting the growth hormone receptor inhibits neovascularization in a mouse model of retinopathy.

PURPOSE: We have demonstrated that a 2'-O-methoxyethyl modified antisense oligonucleotide against the mouse growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHr) reduces GH binding and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 in normal mice. We tested whether this systemically delivered antisense oligonucleotide could inhibit neovascularization in mice with oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR). METHODS: OIR was induced in C57BL/6 mice by housing them in 75% oxygen across postnatal days (P)7 to 12 followed by five days in room air. Shams were in room air from P0-17. GHr antisense oligonucleotide, ATL 227446, was administered by early (P7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17) or late (P12-16) intervention at doses of 5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg. Other mice were treated with either vehicle (saline), the somatostatin analog octreotide (20 mg/kg/bi-daily), or control oligonucleotides ATL 261303 (at 20 mg/kg by late and early intervention) or ATL 260120 (at 20 and 30 mg/kg by early intervention only). Blood vessel profiles were counted in 3 mm paraffin sections of inner retina. RESULTS: OIR increased blood vessel profiles by 2.5 fold compared to shams. In OIR, early intervention GHr antisense oligonucleotide ATL 227446 reduced blood vessel profiles at higher doses including 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg resulted in the greatest reduction (38%). In OIR, late intervention with all doses of GHr antisense oligonucleotide ATL 227446 reduced blood vessel profiles to a similar extent, and the highest dose resulted in a 26% reduction compared to OIR. Octreotide reduced blood vessel profiles in OIR mice by 26%. In OIR, ATL 261303 had no effect on blood vessel profiles, while 30 mg/kg ATL 260120 reduced blood vessel profiles by 18%. CONCLUSIONS: Systemically delivered antisense oligonucleotides directed against the GHr are a potential novel treatment for ocular neovascularization related disorders.

Valsartan but not atenolol improves vascular pathology in diabetic Ren-2 rat retina.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether angiotensin type 1 receptor blockade (AT1-RB) or antihypertensive therapy per se, attenuates acellular capillaries and proliferating endothelial cells in the retina of diabetic Ren-2 rats. METHODS: Eight-week-old hypertensive Ren-2 rats were made diabetic (streptozotocin, 55 mg/kg) or nondiabetic (0.1 mol/L citrate buffer) and studied for 20 weeks. Diabetic Ren-2 rats received by gavage the AT1-RB valsartan at 4, 10, or 40 mg/kg/d or the beta1-adrenergic receptor blocker atenolol at 30 mg/kg/d. Systolic blood pressure (BP) was measured every 4 weeks. Acellular capillaries (devoid of pericytes and endothelial cells) were counted on trypsin digests. Proliferating endothelial cells were evaluated using double immunolabeling for isolectin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. RESULTS: Systolic BP was unchanged in control Ren-2 rats throughout the study (186.6 +/- 3.5 mm Hg, nondiabetic; 185.0 +/- 0.7 mm Hg, diabetic; week 20). In diabetic Ren-2 rats, 4 and 10 mg of valsartan and atenolol reduced systolic BP to a similar extent, and at 20 weeks were comparable to diabetic Sprague Dawley rats (123.0 +/- 1.4 mm Hg). In diabetic Ren-2 rats, 40 mg of valsartan reduced systolic BP (110.9 +/- 1.1 mm Hg, 20 weeks) below that of Sprague Dawley rats. Acellular capillaries and proliferating endothelial cells were increased by 3- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in diabetic Ren-2 controls and reduced with 4 and 10 mg of valsartan and further reduced with 40 mg of valsartan. Atenolol had no effect on retinal pathology in diabetic Ren-2 rats. CONCLUSIONS: Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system but not antihypertensive therapy with atenolol reduces vascular pathology in diabetic Ren-2 retina, suggesting that angiotensin II is a causative factor and therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy.