Nutritional status of patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasms before and after the first-line treatment.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional disorders in cancer patients, including lymphoproliferative neoplasms, occur with varying frequency. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the nutritional status of patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasms following first-line chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 46 patients, with a median age of 62 years, participated in a prospective single-center study. Their demographic, biochemical and clinical features were analyzed. The study consisted of several stages that were conducted at two time points. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study included patients with multiple myeloma (48%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (28%) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (24%). After the end of the first-line chemotherapy, a decrease in the concentration of albumin (p = 0.04), transferrin (p = 0.38) and total cholesterol (p = 0.76) were found. Statistically greater unintended weight loss occurred before treatment initiation (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant decrease in the mean values of the phase angle (p < 0.01) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients before the oncological therapy did not show clinical or biochemical symptoms of malnutrition. However, after the treatment was completed, the parameters of the nutritional status showed its deterioration.

Elotuzumab: a novel immune-stimulating therapy to treat multiple myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple myeloma (MM), constantly remains debilitating disease, consequently leading to death. Clinical trials involving drugs with different mechanisms of action, carry the expectancy for improvement of treatment outcomes. The results of the currently published studies on the monoclonal antibodies, in particular elotuzumab confirm previous expectations of improving treatment outcomes of such therapy in MM patients. AREAS COVERED: This humanized monoclonal antibody targeting surface glycoprotein CS1, expressed commonly on plasma cells and certain cells of the immune system, stimulates the immune system to fight against MM cells. Elotuzumab in the combination with len/dex has been approved by the FDA for treatment of relapsed/refractory MM patients who have received one to three prior therapies. Expert commentary: This review summarizes the chemistry, mechanism of action and preclinical and clinical studies, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicity of elotuzumab in terms of MM treatment and its potential application in the future.