Use of potentially inappropriate medications and medications of concern in older adults with multiple myeloma / Utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e medicamentos que requerem cautela em idosos com mieloma múltiplo

Objetivo: Analisar o uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPIs) e o uso de medicamentos usados em terapia de suporte que requerem cautela em idosos com câncer (MTSRCICs), determinando os fatores associados. Visou-se também determinar a concordância entre os critérios explícitos empregados na identificação de MPI. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com indivíduos com mieloma múltiplo (MM), idade ≥ 60 anos em tratamento ambulatorial. Os MPI foram identificados de acordo com os critérios AGS Beers 2019, PRISCUS 2.0 e o Consenso Brasileiro de Medicamentos Potencialmente Inapropriados (CBMPI). Os MTSRCIC foram definidos de acordo com a National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Os fatores associados ao uso de MPI e MTSRCIC foram identificados por regressão logística múltipla. O grau de concordância entre os três critérios explícitos empregados no estudo foi mensurado pelo coeficiente kappa Cohen. Resultados: As frequências de MPI foram 52,29% (AGS Beers 2019), 62,74% (CBMPI), 65,36% (PRISCUS 2.0) e 52,29% (MTSRCICs). As concordâncias entre AGS Beers 2019 com PRISCUS 2,0 e com CBMPI foram altas, enquanto a concordância entre CBMPI e PRISCUS 2.0 foi excelente. No modelo final de regressão logística polifarmácia foi associada positivamente ao uso de MPI por idosos para os três critérios explícitos utilizados, além de associado à utilização de MTSRCICs. Conclusões: A frequência do uso de MPI e de MTSRCIC foi elevada. A concordância em relação ao uso de MPI entre os critérios AGS Beers 2019, CBMPI e PRISCUS 2.0 foi alta ou excelente. A polifarmácia apresentou associação independente e positiva com uso de MPIs e de MTSRCICs por pacientes idosos com MM. (AU)

Objectives: To analyze the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and medications used in supportive therapy that require caution in older adults with cancer, in addition to determining associated factors the agreement between criteria sets used to identify PIMs. Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals with multiple myeloma aged ≥ 60 years who were undergoing outpatient treatment. PIMs were identified according to American Geriatric Society Beers 2019, PRISCUS 2.0, and Brazilian Consensus on Potentially Inappropriate Medicines criteria. Medications of concern were defined according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. Factors associated with the use of PIMs and medications of concern were identified using multiple logistic regression. The degree of agreement between the 3 criteria sets was measured using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: The frequency of PIM use was 52.29% according to American Geriatric Society Beers criteria, 62.74% according to Brazilian Consensus criteria, and 65.36% according to PRISCUS criteria, while 52.29% of the patients were using medications of concern. Agreement between American Geriatric Society Beers, PRISCUS, and Brazilian Consensus criteria was high, while it was excellent between Brazilian Consensus and PRISCUS criteria. In the final logistic regression model, polypharmacy was associated with PIM use according to each criteria set, as well as the use of medications of concern. Conclusions: The frequency of PIMs and medications of concern was high. Agreement about PIM use between the American Geriatric Society Beers, Brazilian Consensus, and PRISCUS criteria was high or excellent. There was an independent association between polypharmacy and the use of PIMs and medications of concern by older patients with multiple myeloma. (AU)

Use of CAR-T cells for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: a systematic review / Uso de células CAR-T no tratamento de mieloma múltiplo recidivado e refratário: uma revisão sistemática

A systematic review of published articles based on randomized clinical trials was conducted to ascertain the efficacy or perspective of using CAR-T cell therapy for refractory multiple myeloma. The PubMed database was searched with the combination of terms "multiple myeloma", "refractory multiple myeloma", "CAR T-cell", and the PRISMA criteria were followed. Of the 78 articles found, only 5 were selected. The studies used different treatment protocols and four different types of CAR-T cells. All studies obtained interesting results in terms of increased progression-free survival and negative minimal residual disease responses. Some authors detected an expansion of CAR-T cells and noted dose-dependent relationship between treatment effectiveness and serum BCMA levels. Although the results were promising, a small number of patients still relapsed a few months after CAR-T cell infusion. Therefore, this new line of therapy should be further investigated, as it significantly increases progression-free survival and improves quality of life.

Uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados com base em ensaios clínicos randomizados foi realizada para verificar a eficácia ou perspectiva do uso da terapia com células CAR-T para mieloma múltiplo refratário. Foi pesquisada a base de dados PubMed com a combinação dos termos "multiple myeloma", "refratory multiple myeloma", "CAR T-cell" e foram seguidos os critérios PRISMA. Dos 78 artigos encontrados, apenas 5 foram selecionados. Os estudos utilizaram diferentes protocolos de tratamento e quatro tipos diferentes de células CAR-T. Todos os estudos obtiveram resultados interessantes em termos de aumento da sobrevida livre de progressão e respostas negativas à doença residual mínima. Alguns autores detectaram uma expansão das células CAR-T e observaram uma relação dose-dependente entre a eficácia do tratamento e os níveis séricos de BCMA. Embora os resultados tenham sido promissores, um pequeno número de pacientes ainda apresentou recaída alguns meses após a infusão de células CAR-T. Portanto, esta nova linha de terapia deve ser mais investigada, pois aumenta significativamente a sobrevida livre de progressão e melhora a qualidade de vida.

Progress of bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

In recent years, bispecific antibodies (BsAb), including targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) ×CD3 and G protein-coupled orphan receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) ×CD3, have been extensively studied for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. Teclistamab (BCMA×CD3) was the first BsAb approved for RRMM in 2022 by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and elranatamab was approved in 2023. BsAb targeting BCMA×CD3 including alnuctamab, WVT078, ABBV-383, linvoseltamab, and F182112, as well as talquetamab and LBL-034 targeting GPRC5D×CD3 are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Combining with the reports in the 65th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), this paper reviews the progress of BsAb in treatment of RRMM.

Efficacy and safety of daratumumab-based combined regimens for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of daratumumab-based combined regimens for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 38 patients with RRMM in Jining NO.1 People's Hospital from Janunary 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with daratumumab-based combined regimens. The Dd regimen (12 cases) was treated with daratumumab and dexamethasone, the DPD regimen (20 cases) was treated with pomalodomide based on the Dd regimen, the DVD regimen (6 cases) was treated with bortezomib based on the Dd regimen. The therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions of all groups were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Results:The median follow-up time was 9.5 months (1.0 months, 32.5 months) and the median treatmemt time was 6.2 months (3.2 months, 25.6 months). Among 38 patients, 7 cases (18.7%) achieved complete remission, 9 cases (23.6%) achieved very good partial remission, 10 cases (26.3%) achieved partial remission, 4 cases (10.5%) achieved minimal remission, 5 cases (13.1%) achieved stable disease, 3 cases (7.9%) had the progression of the disease. The overall response rate (ORR) was 78.9% (30/38). The ORR was 66.7%(8/12), 83.3%(5/6), 85.0%(17/20), respectively in the Dd group, DVD group and DPD group. There was no statistically significant difference in the ORR between the DVD group and DPD group ( χ2 = 0.01, P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the ORR between the DVD group and Dd group ( χ2 = 0.55, P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the ORR between the DPD group and Dd group ( χ2 = 1.47, P>0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 12.5 months (95% CI: 8.5-24.2 months),the median overall survival (OS) time was not reached, and the 1-year OS rate was 89.4%. Among 38 patients, the main adverse reactions during treatment were infusion-related adverse reactions in 5 cases, grade 3 neutropenia in 7 cases, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 9 cases, severe anemia in 12 cases; no one had drug discontinuation or drug reduction due to the intolerance of adverse reactions. Conclusions:Daratumumab-based combined regimens in the treatment of RRMM show a favorable efficacy and safety.

Efficacy observation of daratumumab-combination regimens for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab (Dara) - combination regimens for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 34 patients with NDMM receiving treatment regimen including Dara from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Huangdao Branch of Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Taian City Central Hospital between April 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively collected. The efficacy, survival and adverse reactions of patients were analyzed. Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the factors affecting overall survival (OS) and minimal residual disease (MRD) turning negative.Results:Among 34 patients with NDMM, there were 19 males and 15 females, with 21 cases aged < 65 years and 13 cases aged ≥65 years. The median follow-up duration [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 22 months (19 months, 26 months), the median of Dara treatment cycles was 7 (5, 11), and the overall response rate (ORR) reached 97.1% (33/34). There were statistically significant differences in the optimal efficacy of patients stratified by receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or not and receiving different treatment cycles (all P ≤ 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in patients stratified by other clinical features (all P > 0.05). The 1-year progression-free survival rate was 79.4% and the 1-year OS rate was 94.1%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the cycle number of treatment regimens containing Dara was an independent influencing factor of MRD turning negative (6 cycles vs. 2 cycles, HR = 0.267, 95% CI: 0.076-0.935, P = 0.039); age ≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for OS ( HR = 35.313, 95% CI: 1.709-729.669, P = 0.021). The incidence of hematological adverse reactions grade 3 or above was 20.6% (7/34), and the non-hematological adverse reactions primarily included infection [44.1% (15/34)] and edema of extremity and trunk [41.2% (14/34)]. Conclusions:The Dara-based regimens for NDMM exhibit a high ORR. The remission depth accelerated with the increasing number of treatment cycle, and the adverse reactions are mild.

Effects and mechanisms of dihydroartemisinin combined with carfilzomib on the activity, proliferation, and apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To study the effects and potential mechanisms of the combination of dihydroartemisinin and carfilzomib on the activity, proliferation, and apoptosis of multiple myeloma ARD cell lines.Methods:In vitro cultivation of multiple myeloma ARD cells involved treating the cells with dihydroartemisinin at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/ml, and with carfilzomib at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 nmol/L. The ARD cells were divided into a control group (no treatment) , a dihydroartemisinin group (2 μg/ml) , a carfizomib group (8 nmol/L) , and a combination group (dihydroartemisinin 2 μg/ml + carfizomib 8 nmol/L) . Cell activity and proliferation were assessed by MTT assay and EdU-488 assay; cell apoptosis was evaluated using live cell/dead cell dual staining and flow cytometry. The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were examined using Western blotting analysis. Results:The cell survival rates of ARD cells treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/ml dihydroartemisinin were (100.00±2.18) %, (50.22±3.09) %, (37.39±2.34) %, (30.42±1.79) %, (23.80±1.12) %, and (18.04±0.79) %, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=653.30, P<0.001) . With the increase of drug concentration, ARD cell activity decreased gradually (all P<0.05) . The cell survival rates of ARD cells treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 nmol/L carfilzomib were (100.00±1.12) %, (83.98±2.95) %, (67.27±2.10) %, (58.24±2.02) %, (46.34±1.14) %, and (37.47±1.36) %, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=227.40, P<0.001) . With the increase of drug concentration, ARD cell activity decreased gradually (all P<0.05) . The cell survival rates for the control group, dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group were (100.00±2.67) %, (67.23±0.57) %, (76.23±2.83) %, and (27.06±1.09) %, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=655.60, P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group compared with control group (all P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group and carfilzomib group compared with combined group (both P<0.001) . The EdU-488 experiment showed that the EdU-positive rates of ARD cells in the control group, dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group were (100.00±8.17) %, (68.07±6.14) %, (85.04±2.78) %, and (19.62±3.83) %, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=115.20, P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group compared with control group ( P<0.001; P=0.047; P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group and carfilzomib group compared with combined group (both P<0.001) . The live cell/dead cell dual staining experiment showed, under bright-field observation, the cell morphology was intact in the control group. In all the drug groups, the cell morphology became irregular, reduced in size with condensed cytoplasmic, and apoptotic vesicles with irregular morphology were seen around the cells, among which the most obvious changes were seen in the combination group. Under fluorescence observation, the cells in the control group only displayed green fluorescence. In all drug-treated groups, cells with red fluorescence were observed, with the combination group having the highest percentage of cells with red fluorescence among the total cell population. The apoptosis rates for the control group, dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group were (9.06±2.95) %, (29.50±1.34) %, (20.77±3.00) %, and (58.23±5.13) %, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=115.80, P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group compared with control group ( P<0.001; P=0.012; P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group and carfilzomib group compared with combined group (both P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the relative expression levels of P53, Cleaved-Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins among the control group, dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group ( F=21.76, P<0.001; F=42.87, P<0.001; F=44.27, P<0.001; F=163.50, P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group, carfilzomib group, and combination group compared with control group (all P<0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in the dihydroartemisinin group and carfilzomib group compared with combined group (both P<0.05) . Conclusion:The combination of dihydroartemisinin and carfilzomib can synergistically inhibit the activity and proliferation of multiple myeloma ARD cells, and promote apoptosis, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

CircRERE promotes proliferation,migration and invasion of human multiple myeloma cell lines by regulating miR-128-3p/WEE1 axis / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the impacts of circular RNA RERE(circRERE)on proliferation,migration and invasion of human multiple myeloma(MM)cell lines by regulating microRNA(miR)-128-3p/serine/threo-nine protein kinase(WEE1)axis.Methods Normal plasma cells(nPCs)isolated from peripheral blood of healthy subjects and human MM cell lines(U266,RPMI-8226,NCI-H929,LP-1)were cultured.The expressions of circRERE and miR-128-3p were detected by RT-qPCR.The expression of WEE1 was detected by Western blot.After transfection,RPMI-8226 cells were divided into control group(without transfection),sh-circRERE group,sh-NC group,miR-128-3p inhibitor group,inhibitor-NC group,sh-circRERE+inhibitor-NC group and sh-circRERE+miR-128-3p inhibitor group.MTT assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)im-munofluorescence staining microscopy were used to detect the proliferation.Migration and invasion were exam-ined by scratch healing experiment as well as Transwell chamber assay.The targeting relationship between miR-128-3p and circRERE or WEE1 was verified though dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Com-pared with nPCs,the expressions of circRERE and WEE1 in MM cells(RPMI-8226,U266,NCI-H929,LP-1)were increased,and the expression of miR-128-3p was decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the con-trol group,the proliferation rate,proportion of EdU positive cells,the healing rate of the scratch trauma and the number of invasion of the RPMI-8226 cells in sh-circRERE group were decreased(P＜0.05).However,miR-128-3p inhibitor group showed an opposite result and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).miR-128-3p inhibitor significantly inhibited the effects of sh-circRERE on the proliferation,mi-gration and invasion of RPMI-8226 cells(P＜0.05).Dual luciferase reporter gene experiments showed that circRERE/miR-128-3p and miR-128-3p/WEE1 had a targeting relationship.Conclusions CircRERE may promote proliferation,migration and invasion of RPMI-8226 cells,potentially with a mechanism of regulating miR-128-3p/WEE1 axis.

Efficacy and safety of denosemab versus zoledronic acid in patients with solid tumors bone metastases and multiple myeloma:a meta-analysis / 药物流行病学杂志

Objective To systematically review the efficacy and safety of denosemab and zoledronic acid in patients with solid tumors bone metastases and multiple myeloma.Methods Pubmed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)related to denosemab and zoledronic acid in the solid tumors bone metastases and multiple myeloma from inception to November 21,2023.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies,and Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.Results A total of 5 RCTs,involving 8 957 patients were included.The results of Meta-analysis showed that denosumab was effective in delaying the time to first bone-related event(SRE)(HR=0.85,95％CI 0.80 to 0.92,P＜0.001)and the time to first and subsequent SRE time(HR=0.87,95％CI 0.79 to 0.96,P=0.004)were superior to zoledronic acid.Denosumab had lower incidence of nephrotoxicity(RR=0.70,95％CI 0.58 to 0.85,P＜0.001),acute phase response(RR=0.46,95％CI 0.40 to 0.51,P＜0.001),anemia(RR=0.91,95％CI 0.85 to 0.98,P=0.008)and appetite decreased/anorexia(RR=0.89,95％CI 0.81 to 0.98,P=0.02),but the incidence of hypocalcemia was higher(RR=1.72,95％CI 1.49 to 1.99,P＜0.001).There were no significant differences between denosumab and zoledronic acid in terms of overall survival,time to disease progression,incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events(P＞0.05).Conclusion Current evidence shows that compared with zoledronic acid,denosemab can significantly delay SREs induced by solid tumors bone metastases and multiple myeloma.In terms of safety,the risk of denosemab-induced nephrotoxicity,acute phase reactions,anemia and decreased appetite/anorexia are lower,but the risk of denosemab-induced hypocalcemia is higher.

Removing the interference of daratumumab on transfusion compatibility testing and transfusion efficacy comparison / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the feasibility of blood transfusion compatibility testing for multiple myeloma(MM) patients treated with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab (DARA) after DARA-Fab fragment blocking, and to evaluate the transfusion efficacy by comparing with dithiothreitol(DTT) method. 【Methods】 After DARA was prepared into DARA-Fab fragments using PierceFab preparation kit, the neutralization effects of different volumes (5, 10, 15, 30 μL) on screening cells and panel cells were confirmed. DARA-Fab fragments and screening cells with specific antigens and corresponding monoclonal antibody reagents were used as the experimental group and the control group with the same volume of saline for incubating and centrifugin.Twenty MM patients treated with DARA were selected for cross-matching with DARA-Fab and DTT respectively, and the laboratory indexes before and after transfusion were statistically analyzed, and the two blood matching methods were compared. 【Results】 After incubating and centrifuging, the results of DARA-Fab fragments(15, 30 μL) with screening cells and serum mixed with DARA were negative, while those of DARA-Fab(5, 10 μL) were positive. 15μL DARA-Fab treated antibody identification cells (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11) were negative, antibody identification cells (1, 6, 8, 10, 12) were negative after 30 μL DARA-Fab fragments treatment; the results of MNS, Duffy, Kidd, Kell, Lewis, Rh blood group system of the experimental group were consistent with those of the control group; the hemoglobin (Hb) (g/L) of 20 patients after infusion of RBC (73.90±1.90) was significantly higher than that before transfusion (63.60±1.58), P0.05).And no statistical difference was noticed in Hb (10.75±1.04 vs 10.30±0.98), TBil (3.31±1.47 vs 3.31±0.55), DBIL(2.76±1.24 vs 2.60±0.83), and I-Bil(1.97±0.40 vs 2.82±0.53) between the DTT treatment method and the DARA Fab fragment treatment before and after transfusion(P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 DARA-Fab can remove the interference of RBC on cross matching by blocking CD38 antigen. This method has no effect on the antigens of common RBC blood group systems, and shows significant blood transfusion efficacy as that of DTT method.

Research progress of selinexor in the treatment of recurrent and refractory multiple myeloma / 中国医师杂志

Multiple myeloma is an incurable hematological malignancy. Although the continuous development of therapeutic drugs such as proteasome inhibitors and immune modulators, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, has improved the prognosis in recent years, some patients are still drug-resistant, presenting as refractory and recurrent disease with limited treatment options. Selinexor, a first-in-class oral selective nuclear export protein inhibitor, binds to and inhibits nuclear export protein XPO-1 to function, leading to the accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins in the nucleus and selective apoptosis of cancer cells. It has shown controllable toxicity and good efficacy in the treatment of recurrent and refractory multiple myeloma. This article discusses the anti-tumor mechanism of selinexor, its clinical research progress, and adverse reactions.

A novel agent for myeloma causing toxic keratopathy, belantamab mafodotin: a case report and literature review / Belantamabe-mafodotina, um novo agente para mieloma, causando ceratopatia tóxica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT A 60-year-old-male with refractory relapsed multiple myeloma presented with redness, pain, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision in both eyes that gradually increased after his third belantamab mafotodin infusion. Biomicroscopy revealed bilateral microcyst-like epithelial changes and epithelial crystal-like deposits, whereas in vivo confocal microscopy revealed intraepithelial and subepithelial hyperreflective deposits in corneal epithelium. Belantamab mafodotin therapy was discontinued for seven weeks due to corneal toxicity, which cleared progressively. We aim to demonstrate belantamab mafodotin-related corneal toxicity that may be detected using slit lamp and in vivo confocal biomicroscopy.

RESUMO Um homem de 60 anos, diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo recidivante refratário, apresentou vermelhidão, dor, sensação de corpo estranho e visão turva em ambos os olhos, aumentando gradualmente após sua terceira infusão de belantamabe mafodotina. À biomicroscopia, foram observadas alterações epiteliais bilaterais semelhantes a microcistos e depósitos epiteliais semelhantes a cristais. A microscopia confocal in vivo revelou depósitos hiper-refletivos intraepiteliais e subepiteliais na córnea. Devido à toxicidade corneana, a terapia com belantamabe mafodotina foi interrompida por sete semanas e a toxicidade foi gradualmente resolvida. Nosso objetivo é demonstrar os achados à biomicroscopia confocal in vivo e à lâmpada de fenda da toxicidade corneana relacionada ao belantamabe mafodotina.

Multiple myeloma and Chagas disease: qPCR as a marker for preemptive antiparasitic therapy: a case reports series and review

ABSTRACT Multiple myeloma (MM) associated with Chagas disease is rarely described. This disease and its therapy suppress T cell and macrophage functions and increase regulatory T cell function, allowing the increase of parasitemia and the risk of Chagas Disease Reactivation (CDR). We aimed to analyze the role of conventional (cPCR) and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for prospective monitoring of T. cruzi parasitemia, searching for markers of preemptive antiparasitic therapy in MM patients with Chagas disease. Moreover, we investigated the incidence and management of hematological diseases and CDR both inside and outside the transplant setting in the MEDLINE database. We found 293 studies and included 31 of them. Around 1.9-2.0% of patients with Chagas disease were reported in patients undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation. One case of CDR was described in eight cases of MM and Chagas disease. We monitored nine MM and Chagas disease patients, seven under Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT), during 44.56±32.10 months (mean±SD) using parasitological methods, cPCR, and qPCR. From these patients, three had parasitemia. In the first, up to 256 par Eq/mL were detected, starting from 28 months after ASCT. The second patient dropped out and died soon after the detection of 161.0 par Eq/mL. The third patient had a positive blood culture. Benznidazole induced fast negativity in two cases; followed by notably lower levels in one of them. Increased T. cruzi parasitemia was related to the severity of the underlying disease. We recommend parasitemia monitoring by qPCR for early introduction of preemptive antiparasitic therapy to avoid CDR.

COVID-19 in multiple myeloma patients: frequencies and risk factors for hospitalization, ventilatory support, intensive care admission and mortality -cooperative registry from the Grupo Brasileiro de Mieloma Multiplo (GBRAM)

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study evaluated outcomes and risk factors for COVID-19 in 91 Brazilian multiple myeloma (MM) patients between April 2020 and January 2022. Results: Of the 91 MM patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 64% had comorbidities and 66% required hospitalization due to COVID-19, with 44% needing ventilatory support and 37% intensive care. Age (OR 2.02; 95%CI 1.02 - 7.7) and hypertension OR 4.5; 95%CI 1.3 - 15.5) were independently associated with hospitalization and certain MM therapies (corticosteroids and monoclonal drugs) were associated with ventilatory support (OR 4.3; 95%CI 1.3 - 14 and OR 5.7; 95%CI 1.8 - 18, respectively), while corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs were linked to ICU admission (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.4 - 18 and OR 3.4; 95%CI 1.1 - 10, respectively). The overall mortality rate was 30%, with the highest rate observed in the ICU (73%). Additionally, the ECOG performance status was linked to increased mortality (OR 11.5; 95%CI 1.9 - 69). The MM treatment was delayed in 63% of patients who recovered from COVID-19. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for preventing COVID-19 and prioritizing vaccination among MM patients, as they have high rates of severe outcomes in the event of COVID-19. It is also essential to monitor the potential clinical impacts of COVID-19 on MM patients in the long-term. Given the limited resources available in treating MM patients in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, outcomes might be worse in this population.

Lumbalgia cronica como presentacion de mieloma múltiple de cadenas ligeras

El mieloma múltiple es un cáncer de células plasmáticas que producen una inmunoglobulina monoclonal, las manifestaciones incluyen lesiones líticas óseas, insuficiencia renal, hipercalcemia anemia; el diagnostico exige demostrar la proteína M y/o proteinuria de cadenas ligeras y exceso de células plasmáticas en medula ósea, el tratamiento a menudo es una combinación de la quimioterapia convencional, corticoides y uno o más de los agentes nuevos. Paciente femenina de 48 años con un cuadro clínico de siete meses de evolución caracterizado por dolor en región lumbar irradiado a región sacra, el cual fue exacerbándose en el transcurso de los meses y recibió tratamiento con corticoides y analgésicos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, catalogada como lumbalgia crónica. Se realizó TAC de columna lumbar con lesión expansiva osteolítica en el por lo cual se realiza biopsia guiada por tac, encontrándose tejido friable, con una anatomía patológica e inmunohistoquímico el cual reporta plasmocitoma óseo. En base a las normas de diagnósticos y tratamiento de la ASSUS se estratifica a la paciente con el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple EC IIA *Durie y Salmon/IPS Esta paciente es elegible para trasplante antólogo de células madre hematopoyéticas, por el grupo etario se inicia protocolo CYBORD* y radioterapia coadyuvante para las lesiones más representativas, actualmente paciente ha cumplido 5to ciclo alcanzando una muy buena respuesta parcial, a la espera del trasplante autólogo. En la literatura médica existen pocos reportes en cuanto a la asociación entre lumbalgia como síntoma sospechoso de MM y el de cadenas ligeras es de hecho un desafío diagnóstico.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin, manifestations include lytic bone lesions, renal failure, hypercalcemia, anemia; Diagnosis requires demonstration of M protein and/or light chain proteinuria and excess bone marrow plasma cells. Treatment is often a combination of conventional chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and one or more of the newer agents. A 48-year-old female patient with a clinical picture of seven months of evolution characterized by pain in the lumbar region radiating to the sacral region, which was exacerbated over the months and received treatment with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, classified as chronic low back pain. Scan of the lumbar spine was performed with an expansive osteolytic lesion in which a CT-guided biopsy was performed, finding friable tissue, with a pathological and immunohistochemical anatomy which reported bone plasmacytoma. Based on the ASSUS diagnosis and treatment standards, the patient was stratified with the diagnosis of multiple myeloma CD IIA *Durie and Salmon/IPS This patient is eligible for an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Due to the age group, the CYBORD* protocol and adjuvant radiotherapy are started for the most representative lesions. Currently, the patient has completed the 5th cycle, achieving a very good partial response, waiting for the autologous transplant. There are few reports in the medical literature regarding the association between low back pain as a suspicious symptom of MM and that of light chains, which is in fact a diagnostic challenge.

Psychometric properties of the Chilean version of the quality of life questionnaire for multiple myeloma / Propriedades psicométricas da versão chilena do questionário de qualidade de vida para mieloma múltiplo / Propiedades psicométricas de la versión chilena del cuestionario de calidad de vida para mieloma múltiple

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the internal consistency and construct validity of the QLQ-MY20 for assessing the quality of life in multiple myeloma survivors in Chile. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and December 2022. It involved 118 individuals from two public hospitals. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 questionnaires were used. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha(α), and construct validity was evaluated through hypothesis testing (Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation). Results: The average age of participants was 67.2 years (SD=9.2). Internal consistency for the complete scale was α=0.779, for the "disease symptoms" dimension α=0.671, for the "side effects of treatments" dimension α=0.538, and for the "future perspective" dimension α=0.670. Four of the five construct validity hypotheses were confirmed: women, individuals with worse performance status, those with pain, and those with worse fatigue showed more symptoms. Conclusions: The Chilean version of the QLQ-MY20 demonstrates adequate internal consistency and construct validity.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar consistência interna e validade de construto do QLQ-MY20 para avaliação da qualidade de vida em sobreviventes de mieloma múltiplo no Chile. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado entre março de 2020 e dezembro de 2022. Participaram 118 pessoas de dois hospitais públicos. Foram utilizados questionários QLQ-C30 e QLQ-MY20. A consistência interna foi avaliada com alfa de Cronbach(α) e a validade de construto através de testes de hipóteses (Mann Whitney e correlação de Spearman). Resultados: A idade média dos participantes era de 67,2 (DP=9,2) anos. Consistência interna para escala completa (α=0,779), dimensão "sintomas da doença" (α=0,671), dimensão "efeitos colaterais dos tratamentos" (α=0,538) e dimensão "perspectiva de futuro" (α=0,670). Quatro das cinco hipóteses de validade de construto foram confirmadas: as mulheres apresentaram mais sintomas, assim como pessoas com pior estado de desempenho, com dor e com maior fadiga. Conclusões: A versão chilena do QLQ-MY20 apresenta consistência interna adequada e validade de construto.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar consistencia interna y validez de constructo del QLQ-MY20 para valoración de calidad de vida en sobrevivientes de mieloma múltiple en Chile. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado entre marzo 2020 y diciembre 2022. Participaron 118 personas de dos hospitales públicos. Se utilizaron los cuestionarios QLQ-C30 y QLQ-MY20. Fueron evaluadas la consistencia interna con alfa de Cronbach (α) y validez de constructo mediante pruebas de hipótesis (Mann Whitney y correlación de Spearman). Resultados: El promedio de edad de los participantes era 67,2 (DE=9,2) años. Consistencia interna para escala completa (α=0,779), dimensión "síntomas de la enfermedad" (α=0,671), dimensión "efectos secundarios de los tratamientos" (α=0,538) y dimensión "perspectiva de futuro" (α=0,670). Se comprobaron cuatro de las cinco hipótesis de la validez de constructo: presentaron más síntomas las mujeres, personas con peor performance estatus, con dolor y con peor fatiga. Conclusiones: La versión chilena del QLQ-MY20 presenta adecuada consistencia interna y validez de constructo.

Expression of optineurin in multiple myeloma and its clinical significance / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the expression of optineurin (OPTN) in multiple myeloma (MM) and explore the mechanism and clinical value of OPTN gene in the occurrence and development of MM. 【Methods】 In this study, three gene expression omnibus (GEO) data sets were used to analyze the expression level of OPTN in MM. Clinical bone marrow samples of MM patients were collected. qRT-PCR was used to further verify the expression of OPTN in MM patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the value of OPTN in the prognosis and diagnosis of MM. At the same time, MM transcriptome data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. According to the median boundary of OPTN mRNA expression level, the MM patients were divided into OPTN high- and low-expression groups. In order to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of OPTN in MM, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was made after the differentially expressed genes were filtered using the limma package of the R language. 【Results】 The expression level of OPTN was significantly lower in MM tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). OPTN expression level was significantly correlated with International Staging System (ISS) in MM patients (P<0.05). ROC results showed that the expression level of OPTN could distinguish between normal and MM patients. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) of patients with low OPTN expression was significantly lower than that of patients with high OPTN expression (P<0.05). GO, KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyses indicated that OPTN might affect apoptosis and autophagy, and regulate cellular immune response by regulating Nod-like receptors, NF-κB, TNF and RAS/MAPK pathways. 【Conclusion】 Low expression of OPTN in MM is associated with poor prognosis of patients, and thus may be an important potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of MM.

The clinical application value of METTL16 in patients with multiple myeloma / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To investigate the value of methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) in the clinical di- agnosis and prognostic prediction of multiple myeloma (MM) patients . @*Methods @#The expression level and prog- nostic potential of each gene involved in N6 -methyladenosine ( m6A) modification in MM were respectively ana- lyzed in the databases of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Proj ect (GTEx ) . Bone marrow specimens from 26 patients with initial diagnosis of MM and 19 patients with MM af- ter treatment with standard regimens and peripheral blood specimens from 24 normal subjects were collected respec- tively , and the expression levels of m6A genes were determined by qRT-PCR. The correlation between METTL16 expression and various laboratory and clinical indexes was analyzed: hemoglobin ( Hb) , white blood cell count ( WBC) , platelet count (PLT) , blood creatinine (Scr ) , serum calcium (Ca2 + ) , β-microglobulin ( β-MG) , bone destruction , ISS stage , type , and overall survival (OS) in the patients with primary diagnosis . The expression lev- els of interleukin (IL) -4 , IL-6 , IL-10 , IL-18 and chemokine ligand 2 ( CCL2) , CCL3 , CCL4 in the specimens were further examined and their correlation with the expression of METTL16 was investigated . @*Results @#Database analysis suggested that METTL16 expression was significantly higher in MM patient samples compared with normal controls , which was associated with poor prognosis and had certain diagnostic value . qRT-PCR results showed that the expression level of METTL16 in the bone marrow of patients with initial diagnosis of MM was significantly higher than that of treated patients and normal controls . Its expression was positively correlated with hemoglobin , leuko- cytes and stage , and its expression was positively correlated with CCL4 expression .@*Conclusion @#METTL16 expres- sion was significantly elevated in patients with MM , and its expression level was correlated with anemia , more bone destruction and worse stage , which might indicate a poor prognosis . The significant correlation between the expres- sion of METTL16 and CCL4 suggests that METTL16 may play a corresponding pathogenic role through the relevant pathway. METTL16 will have significant clinical value in the management of MM .

Predictive value of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators in patients with new-diagnosed multiple myeloma / 中国现代医生

Objective To explore the predictive value of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)on the prognosis of patients with primary diagnosis of multiple myeloma(MM).Methods Using a retrospective method,77 patients with first diagnosis of MM admitted to the Department of Hematology of Baise People's Hospital and 77 healthy medical checkups with peripheral blood NLR,MLR and PLR were collected and compared the differences.Then the patients with primary diagnosis of MM were categorized into high NLR group,low NLR group,high MLR group,low MLR group,high PLR group,low PLR group using the mean value as the critical value,and the prognosis of the patients in each group as well as the relationship with overall survival time(OS)were compared.Results The NLR,MLR,and PLR of patients with initial diagnosis of MM were significantly higher than those of healthy controls,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Serum β2-microglobulin(β2-MG)levels were higher in patients with high NLR and high MLR than in the low NLR and low MLR groups,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Patients in the high NLR,high MLR and high PLR groups had less OS and poorer prognosis than those in the low NLR,low MLR and low PLR groups,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that international staging system(ISS)stage,creatinine(Cr),β2-MG,albumin(ALB),NLR,MLR and PLR were associated with overall survival(P<0.05);multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that NLR,MLR,and PLR were not independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with primary diagnosis of MM,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).According to the number of inflammatory indexes(high NLR,high MLR,high PLR)that affected the prognosis,the patients were divided into 0 or 1 risk factor group,2 risk factor groups and 3 risk factor groups,and the comparison of OS between the three groups was statistically significant(P=0.001).The greater the number of concomitant risk factors for prognosis,the shorter the OS.Conclusion Elevated inflammatory indicators(NLR,MLR,PLR)in patients with primary diagnosis of MM were associated with less OS and poorer prognosis of the patients,and they may be used as indicators to assess the condition and prognosis of patients with primary diagnosis of MM.

Cinobufagin Combined with Thalidomide/Dexamethasone Regimen in the Treatment of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma of Phlegm and Stasis Obstruction： A Retrospective Study / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of cinobufagin tablets combined with thalidomide/dexamethasone （TD） regimen in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma （NDMM） with phlegm and stasis obstruction. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with NDMM of phlegm and stasis obstruction who were hospitalized at the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from June 1st， 2015 to July 31th， 2019 were retrospectively analyzed， and they were divided into a control group （bortezomib/dexamethasone-containing regimen， 27 cases） and an observation group （cinobufagin tablets combined with TD regimen， 23 cases）. The clinical efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups after two or three courses of treatment. The primary outcomes were clinical remission rate including overall response rate and deep remission rate， one-year and two-year overall survival rate， and adverse effects. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of plasma cells in bone marrow， hemoglobin， β2-microglobulin， lactate dehydrogenase， serum creatinine， blood urea nitrogen， bone pain score， and KPS functional status score （KPS score） before and after treatment. ResultsIn terms of clinical efficacy， there was no statistically significant difference （P＞0.05） in the overall response rate ［the observation group 69.57%（16/23） vs the control group 70.37% （19/27）］ and deep remission rate ［the observation group 56.52% （13/23） vs the control group 55.56% （15/27）］ between groups after the treatment. The one-year overall survival rates of the observation group and the control group were 90.9% and 92.4%， and the two-year overall survival rates were 81.8% and 80.9% respectively， with no statistically significant differences between groups （P＞0.05）. During the treatment， no renal function injury occurred in both groups. The incidence of peripheral nerve injury in the observation group was 8.70%， which was lower than 48.15% in the control group （P＜0.01）. After the treatment， the proportion of myeloma plasma cells， β2-microglobulin， serum creatinine level， and bone pain score decreased， while the hemoglobin level and KPS score increased in both groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared between groups after treatment， the bone pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group， while the KPS score was higher than that of the control group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of cinobufagin tablets combined with TD in the treatment of NDMM is equivalent to bortezomib/dexamethasone-containing regimen， but the former is more helpful in relieving the pain and improving the quality of life， and has better safety.

Risk assessment of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma in the first hospitalization / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To assess the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma during their first hospitalization. Methods Totally 480 patients with multiple myeloma who were hospitalized for the first time in department of hematology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from August 2021 to August 2022 were included, and the nosocomial infection during treatment was statistically analyzed. The patients were divided into infected group and uninfected group. The independent influencing factors of nosocomial infection were analyzed and a prediction model was established. The reliability of the prediction model was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results The incidence rate of nosocomial infection was 31.2% among 480 patients hospitalized for the first time. There were statistically significant differences in age, ISS staging, controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, agranulocytosis, hemoglobin, and albumin between the infected group and the uninfected group (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, ISS staging, CONUT score, agranulocytosis, hemoglobin level, and albumin level were all independent correlated factors of nosocomial infection in patients with multiple myeloma hospitalized for the first time (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of multivariate logistic regression prediction model were 0.88 (95%CI: 0.840-0.920), 85.00% and 76.36%, respectively. Conclusion The incidence rate of nosocomial infection is high among patients with multiple myeloma in the first hospitalization. The prediction model established according to independent correlated factors of nosocomial infection has high predictive value on the occurrence of nosocomial infection.