The Evolving Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by production of abnormal levels of a monoclonal immunoglobulin or plasma cell deposition that leads to end organ destruction. The disease remains incurable despite advances in combination treatments with classes of medications that include proteosome inhibitors, immunomodulating agents, monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, alkylating agents, T-cell-based immunotherapies, and others. Checkpoint inhibitors (CKP-I), though showing robust efficacy in solid tumor and lymphoma, have had limited success as single agents in the treatment of MM. Furthermore, early FDA holds on trials involving CKP-I in myeloma led to diminished enrollment and data on its potential use. Nevertheless, clearer understanding of the mechanisms of immune dysregulation and unique bone marrow biology in the pathophysiology of MM have opened the opportunity for future uses of CKP-I in multiple myeloma. Herein we provide a comprehensive review of the immunologic basis of multiple myeloma, preclinical and published data from trials utilizing CKP-I in MM patients, and future targets in CKP-I development that may provide promising opportunities in the treatment of MM.

Renal Artery Thrombosis Leading to Renal Infarct in a Patient With Recurrent Nephrolithiasis.

Renal infarction is a rare entity that presents similarly to other common renal conditions such as nephrolithiasis, which can often result in a missed or delayed diagnosis. As a result, a high degree of suspicion for this diagnosis is warranted in patients presenting with flank pain. We present a patient with recurrent nephrolithiasis who presented with flank pain. A subsequent workup revealed a renal infarct due to underlying renal artery thrombosis. We also explore if there was a possible mechanism between this event and his history of recurrent nephrolithiasis.

Diagnostic and Management Considerations in a Patient With Primary Pulmonary Meningioma With Associated Micro-Solid Nodules.

Primary pulmonary meningiomas (PPMs) are rare mesodermal tumors that arise in the lung and are most often incidentally identified as single pulmonary nodules. Most cases of PPM are benign, and surgical resection remains the primary curative treatment. We describe the case of a 65-year-old asymptomatic female who presented with an incidentally identified 2.5 x 1.7-cm lobulated, non-calcified mass in the right lower lobe of the lung, which was diagnosed as PPM that had low fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avidity and associated sub-centimeter nodules present in the same lobe. The patient was closely monitored and the nodules showed essentially no interval enlargement over several months. Given the disparate locations and small sizes of the nodules, no surgical resection was planned. The patient remained clinically stable, and close medical monitoring was determined to be the best course of action. Our case highlights the viability of medical monitoring as an alternative to surgery in asymptomatic patients with benign PPMs that have associated micronodules.

Adverse Events After Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Lessons Learned From the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices are alternative treatments recently approved for patients with atrial fibrillation. Due to the novelty of these devices, limited postapproval surveillance data on LAA closure devices have been published. Thus, we analyzed the United States Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database to report these findings. The primary endpoint was final event outcome, and secondary endpoints included management strategies of reported events.