Isatuximab in combination with cemiplimab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A phase 1/2 study.

BACKGROUND: Given the incurable nature of multiple myeloma (MM), efforts are made to improve the efficacy of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies via combinations with other potentially synergistic therapies. This Phase 1/2 trial (NCT03194867) was designed to determine whether cemiplimab (anti-PD-1) enhances the anti-myeloma activity of isatuximab (anti-CD38) in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), to confirm the feasibility of the combination, determine its efficacy, and further evaluate its safety. METHODS: Patients received isatuximab 10 mg/kg once weekly for 4 weeks followed by every 2 weeks (Isa), or isatuximab 10 mg/kg plus cemiplimab 250 mg every 2 (Isa + CemiQ2W) or every 4 weeks (Isa + CemiQ4W). RESULTS: Overall, 106 patients with RRMM treated with a median of 4 prior lines were included; 25.5% had high-risk cytogenetics, 63.2% were refractory to proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, 26.4% were previously exposed to daratumumab, and 84.0% were refractory to their last treatment line. There were no major changes in the safety or pharmacokinetic profile of isatuximab with the addition of cemiplimab. As assessed by investigators, four patients (11.8%) in the Isa arm, nine patients (25.0%) in the Isa + CemiQ2W arm, and eight patients (22.2%) in the Isa + CemiQ4W arm were responders. Though response rates were numerically higher in cemiplimab-containing arms, differences were not statistically significant and did not translate to improved progression-free or overall survival after a median follow-up of 9.99 months. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a marginal benefit by adding cemiplimab to isatuximab, despite demonstration of target engagement, without additional observed safety issues.

Relapse pattern and long-term outcomes in subjects with acquired haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by neutralizing antibodies against factor VIII (FVIII). Despite significant initial morbidity and mortality, most patients achieve remission with immunosuppressive therapy. AIM: Long-term follow-up data from the Quebec Reference Centre for Inhibitors (QRCI) were analysed to identify factors predictive of AHA relapse and the influence of relapse on survival. METHODS: Criteria used to define AHA were levels of FVIII <0.3 IU/mL and FVIII inhibitor titres ≥0.6 Bethesda Units (BU). Complete remission was defined as FVIII >0.5 IU/mL and/or FVIII inhibitor titres <0.6 BU while not on immunosuppression. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2012, 111 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a median of 25.6 months. Ninety per cent of them reached remission on immunosuppression in a median time of 45 days. Fourteen patients presented one or more relapses in a median time of 13.4 months. Most relapse episodes were successfully treated. Associated lymphoproliferative syndromes (LPS) were predictive of relapse, whereas FVIII activity and inhibitor titres at initial diagnosis or immunosuppressive regimens were not. The overall survival (OS) was the same, with or without relapse. CONCLUSION: Among the recognized potential risk factors for relapse, only LPS was statistically significant. The long-term follow-up of our patients also showed that late or multiple relapses may occur, but that relapse is not associated with a worse OS. Thus, long-term follow-up is important for optimal management of AHA.

Retrospective Study of High Hemoglobin Levels in 56 Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocytosis is a frequent request for consultation in the hematologic field. The diagnostic approach is well established in the general population but in a young adult, finding the etiology of erythrocytosis can be a real diagnostic challenge. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective unicentric study made at the Sherbrooke University Hospital Center, over a period of 20 years (1995 - 2015). Every patient aged between 16 and 35 years old with a significant elevation of hemoglobin or hematocrit was included (hemoglobin > 185 g/L and/or hematocrit > 0.52 in men; hemoglobin > 165 g/L and/or hematocrit > 0.48 in women). RESULTS: Totally, 426 patients met the inclusion criteria (over a total of 113,453 complete blood counts) but only 56 entered the study for investigations. The majority of patients were of male gender, 43% of the patients were obese, 59% were smokers and 38% used excess alcohol or recreational drugs. Twenty-five patients had the diagnosis of absolute erythrocytosis. Seven patients had the diagnosis of relative erythrocytosis and no cause could be identified in 24 patients. No primary erythrocytosis was found in this cohort. Among the 25 patients with secondary erythrocytosis, hypoxia was the most frequent etiology identified. Less than half of the patients in the cohort had long term follow-up. Search for JAK2 mutation and serum EPO dosage were performed in 17.9% and 23.2% of cases respectively. Seven patients were treated with aspirin and five patients had phlebotomies. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study reveals an actual clinical management that is often discordant with the current recommendations and a frequent lack of follow-up after initial investigations. Harmonization of management of erythrocytosis appears to be highly desirable.

A classic clinical case: neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) is a rare condition described mostly in adult patients receiving chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia. When it affects the facial region, it can mimic cellulitis and delay the diagnostic, thus proper recognition is essential. OBJECTIVE: This article describes a classic case of NEH. We will review the diagnostic, the differential diagnostic (mostly cellulitis) and the management of this condition. METHODS: After a literature review, the patient's file was properly studied in order to portray a clear picture of this condition. Medical photographs and appropriate physical examination upon presentation are also included. RESULTS: The diagnostic for NEH was suggested by the clinical presentation and confirmed histopathologically (skin biopsy). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic of NEH is essential in order to prevent multiple unnecessary antibiotics.

A prospective cohort study of light transmission platelet aggregometry for bleeding disorders: is testing native platelet-rich plasma non-inferior to testing platelet count adjusted samples?

Light transmission platelet aggregometry (LTA) is important to diagnose bleeding disorders. Experts recommend testing LTA with native (N) rather than platelet count adjusted (A) platelet-rich plasma (PRP), although it is unclear if this provides non-inferior, or superior, detection of bleeding disorders. Our goal was to determine if LTA with NPRP is non-inferior to LTA with APRP for bleeding disorder assessments. A prospective cohort of patients, referred for bleeding disorder testing, and healthy controls, were evaluated by LTA using common agonists, NPRP and APRP (adjusted to 250 x 109 platelets/l). Recruitment continued until 40 controls and 40 patients with definite bleeding disorders were tested. Maximal aggregation (MA) data were assessed for the detection of abnormalities from bleeding disorders (all causes combined to limit bias), using sample-type specific reference intervals. Areas under receiver-operator curves (AUROC) were evaluated using pre-defined criteria (area differences: < 0.15 for non-inferiority, > 0 for superiority). Forty-four controls and 209 patients were evaluated. Chart reviews for 169 patients indicated 67 had bleeding disorders, 28 from inherited platelet secretion defects. Mean MA differences between NPRP and APRP were small for most agonists (ranges, controls: -3.3 to 5.8; patients: -3.0 to 13.7). With both samples, reduced MA with two or more agonists was associated with a bleeding disorder. AUROC differences between NPRP and APRP were small and indicated that NPRP were non-inferior to APRP for detecting bleeding disorders by LTA, whereas APRP met superiority criteria. Our study validates using either NPRP or APRP for LTA assessments of bleeding disorders.