Spatial transcriptomics reveals profound subclonal heterogeneity and T-cell dysfunction in extramedullary myeloma.

Extramedullary disease (EMD) is a high-risk feature of multiple myeloma (MM) and remains a poor prognostic factor even in the era of novel immunotherapies. Here we applied spatial transcriptomics (tomo-seq [n=2] and 10X Visium [n=12]), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq [n=3]) to a set of 14 EMD biopsies to dissect the three-dimensional architecture of tumor cells and their microenvironment. Overall, the infiltrating immune and stromal cells showed both intra- and inter-patient variation with no uniform distribution over the lesion. We observed substantial heterogeneity at the copy number level within plasma cells, including the emergence of new subclones in circumscribed areas of the tumor, consistent with genomic instability. We further identified spatial expression differences of GPRC5D and TNFRSF17, two important antigens for bispecific antibody therapy. EMD masses were infiltrated by various immune cells, including T-cells. Notably, exhausted TIM3+/PD-1+ T-cells diffusely co-localized with MM cells, whereas functional and activated CD8+ T-cells showed a focal infiltration pattern along with M1 macrophages in otherwise tumor-free regions. This segregation of fit and exhausted T-cells was resolved in the case of response to T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies. MM cells and microenvironment cells were embedded in a complex network that influenced immune activation and angiogenesis, and oxidative phosphorylation represented the major metabolic program within EMD lesions. In summary, spatial transcriptomics has revealed a multicellular ecosystem in EMD with checkpoint inhibition and dual targeting as potential new therapeutic avenues.

Changes in T-cell subsets, preexisting cytopenias and hyperferritinaemia correlate with cytopenias after BCMA targeted CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Results from a prospective comprehensive biomarker study.

Biomarkers for cytopenias following CAR T-cell treatment in relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM) are not completely defined. We prospectively analysed 275 sequential peripheral blood (PB) samples from 58 RRMM patients treated with BCMA-targeted CAR T cells, and then divided them into three groups: (i) baseline (before leukapheresis), (ii) ≤day+30, and (iii) >day+30 after CAR T-cell therapy. We evaluated laboratory data and performed flow cytometry to determine the (CAR) T-cell subsets. Baseline hyperferritinaemia was a risk factor for long-lasting grade ≥3 anaemia (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (r = 0.44, p = 0.002) after CAR T-cell therapy. Low baseline haemoglobin (Hb) and PLT were associated with long-lasting grade ≥3 anaemia (r = -0.56, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (r = -0.44, p = 0.002) respectively. We observed dynamics of CAR-negative T-cell subsets following CAR T-cell infusion. In the late phase after CAR T-cell therapy (>day+30), CD4Tn frequency correlated with anaemia (r = 0.41, p = 0.0014) and lymphocytopenia was related to frequencies of CD8+ T cells (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and CD8Teff (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). CD4Tcm frequency was correlated with leucocytopenia (r = -0.49, p < 0.001). In summary, preexisting cytopenias and hyperferritinaemia indicated long duration of grade ≥3 post-CAR T-cell cytopenias. Prolonged cytopenia may be related to immune remodelling with a shift in the CAR-negative T-cell subsets following CAR T-cell therapy.

Soluble B-cell maturation antigen in lacrimal fluid as a potential biomarker and mediator of keratopathy in multiple myeloma.

Belantamab mafodotin (belantamab) is a first-in-class anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of triple-class refractory multiple myeloma. It provides a unique therapeutic option for patients ineligible for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and bispecific antibody therapy, and/or patients progressing on anti-CD38 treatment where CAR T and bispecifics might be kept in reserve. Wider use of the drug can be challenged by its distinct ocular side effect profile, including corneal microcysts and keratopathy. While dose reduction has been the most effective way to reduce these toxicities, the underlying mechanism of this BCMA off-target effect remains to be characterized. In this study, we provide the first evidence for soluble BCMA (sBCMA) in lacrimal fluid and report on its correlation with tumor burden in myeloma patients. We confirm that corneal cells do not express BCMA, and show that sBCMA-belantamab complexes may rather be internalized by corneal epithelial cells through receptor-ligand independent pinocytosis. Using an hTcEpi corneal cell-line model, we show that the pinocytosis inhibitor EIPA significantly reduces belantamab-specific cell killing. As a proof of concept, we provide detailed patient profiles demonstrating that, after belantamab-induced cell killing, sBCMA is released into circulation, followed by a delayed increase of sBCMA in the tear fluid and subsequent onset of keratopathy. Based on the proposed mechanism, pinocytosis-induced keratopathy can be prevented by lowering the entry of sBCMA into the lacrimal fluid. Future therapeutic concepts may therefore consist of belantamab-free debulking therapy prior to belantamab consolidation and/or concomitant use of γ-secretase inhibition as currently evaluated for belantamab and nirogacestat in ongoing studies.

Multidisciplinary tumor board analysis: validation study of a central tool in tumor centers.

The established standard to ensure state-of-the-art cancer treatment is through multidisciplinary tumor boards (TBs), although resource- and time-intensive. In this validation study, the multiple myeloma (MM)-TB was reexamined, aiming to validate our previous (2012-2014) results, now using the TB data from March 2020 to February 2021. We assessed MM-TB protocols, physicians' documentation, patient, disease, remission status, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) as left-truncated survival times. Moreover, TB-adherence, level of evidence according to grade criteria, time requirements, study inclusion rates, and referral satisfaction were determined. Within a 1-year period, 312 discussed patients were documented in 439 TB protocols. Patient and disease characteristics were typical for comprehensive cancer centers. The percentages of patients discussed at initial diagnosis (ID), with disease recurrence or in need of interdisciplinary advice, were 39%, 28%, and 33%, respectively. Reasons for the MM-TB presentation were therapeutic challenges in 80% or staging/ID-defining questions in 20%. The numbers of presentations were mostly one in 73%, two in 20%, and three or more in 7%. The TB adherence rate was 93%. Reasons for non-adherence were related to patients' decisions or challenging inclusion criteria for clinical trials. Additionally, we demonstrate that with the initiation of TBs, that the number of interdisciplinarily discussed patients increased, that TB-questions involve advice on the best treatment, and that levels of compliance and evidence can be as high as ≥ 90%. Advantages of TBs are that they may also improve patients', referrers', and physicians' satisfaction, inclusion into clinical trials, and advance interdisciplinary projects, thereby encouraging cancer specialists to engage in them.

Current antibody-based therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Despite continued and considerable progress following the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Monoclonal antibodies represent a well-established targeted approach to the treatment of MM, with selective killing properties and limited off-target toxicity. Since their approval, the anti-CD38 agent daratumumab, the anti-SLAMF7 agent elotuzumab, and most recently the anti-CD38 agent isatuximab have led to pivotal improvements in the treatment of double-refractory MM; currently, they are on their way to becoming integral parts in the up-front care of patients who have newly diagnosed MM, with daratumumab already approved in this setting. Several other antibody-based strategies are undergoing clinical assessment in MM. Although the investigation of checkpoint inhibitors in MM has been halted, bispecific T-cell engagers and especially antibody-drug conjugates demonstrate encouraging efficacy and manageable toxicity in triple class-refractory MM. The accelerated approval of belantamab mafodotin represents an important milestone in antibody development; its ability to target B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in advanced disease is now established. Here, we present an overview of the currently available monoclonal antibody treatments in MM and discuss the clinical value, significant potential, and possible limitations of these immunotherapeutic approaches to driving deeper responses and achieving longer overall survival among patients with a challenging disease.

CXCL12 and CXCR7 are relevant targets to reverse cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance in multiple myeloma.

Cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) by the bone marrow (BM) is fundamental to multiple myeloma (MM) propagation and survival. Targeting BM protection to increase the efficacy of current anti-myeloma treatment has not been extensively pursued. To extend the understanding of CAM-DR, we hypothesized that the cytotoxic effects of novel anti-myeloma agents may be abrogated by the presence of BM stroma cells (BMSCs) and restored by addition of the CXCL12 antagonist NOX-A12 or the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor. Following this hypothesis, we evaluated different anti-myeloma agents alone, with BMSCs and when combined with plerixafor or NOX-A12. We verified CXCR4, CD49d (also termed ITGA4) and CD44 as essential mediators of BM adhesion on MM cells. Additionally, we show that CXCR7, the second receptor of stromal-derived-factor-1 (CXCL12), is highly expressed in active MM. Co-culture proved that co-treatment with plerixafor or NOX-A12, the latter inhibiting CXCR4 and CXCR7, functionally interfered with MM chemotaxis to the BM. This led to the resensitization of MM cells to the anti-myeloma agents vorinostat and pomalidomide and both proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib. Within a multicentre phase I/II study, NOX-A12 was tested in combination with bortezomib-dexamethasone, underlining the feasibility of NOX-A12 as an active add-on agent to antagonize myeloma CAM-DR.

Large registry analysis to accurately define second malignancy rates and risks in a well-characterized cohort of 744 consecutive multiple myeloma patients followed-up for 25 years.

Additional malignancies in multiple myeloma patients after first-line and maintenance treatment have been observed, questioning whether specific risks exist. Second primary malignancies have also gained attention since randomized data showed associations to newer drugs. We have conducted this large registry analysis in 744 consecutive patients and analyzed: 1) frequency and onset of additional malignancies; and 2) second primary malignancy- and myeloma-specific risks. We assessed the frequency of additional malignancies in terms of host-, myeloma- and treatment-specific characteristics. To compare these risks, we estimated cumulative incidence rates for second malignancies and myeloma with Fine and Gray regression models taking into account competing risks. Additional malignancies were found in 118 patients: prior or synchronous malignancies in 63% and subsequent in 37%. Cumulative incidence rates for second malignancies were increased in IgG-myeloma and decreased in bortezomib-treated patients (P<0.05). Cumulative incidence rates for myeloma death were increased with higher stage and age, but decreased in IgG-subtypes and due to anti-myeloma treatment (P<0.05). Cytogenetics in patients acquiring second primary malignancies were predominantly favorable, suggesting that indolent myeloma and long disease latency may allow the manifestation of additional malignancies. An assessment of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program of the National Cancer Institute and our data with long-term follow up of 25 years confirmed a prevalence of second malignancy of 10% at 25 years, whereas death from myeloma decreased from 90% to 83%, respectively. Our important findings widen our knowledge of second malignancies and show that they are of increasing relevance as the prognosis in myeloma improves and mortality rates decrease.

Clonal competition assays identify fitness signatures in cancer progression and resistance in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically heterogeneous disease and the management of relapses is one of the biggest clinical challenges. TP53 alterations are established high-risk markers and are included in the current disease staging criteria. KRAS is the most frequently mutated gene affecting around 20% of MM patients. Applying Clonal Competition Assays (CCA) by co-culturing color-labeled genetically modified cell models, we recently showed that mono- and biallelic alterations in TP53 transmit a fitness advantage to the cells. Here, we report a similar dynamic for two mutations in KRAS (G12A and A146T), providing a biological rationale for the high frequency of KRAS and TP53 alterations at MM relapse. Resistance mutations, on the other hand, did not endow MM cells with a general fitness advantage but rather presented a disadvantage compared to the wild-type. CUL4B KO and IKZF1 A152T transmit resistance against immunomodulatory agents, PSMB5 A20T to proteasome inhibition. However, MM cells harboring such lesions only outcompete the culture in the presence of the respective drug. To better prevent the selection of clones with the potential of inducing relapse, these results argue in favor of treatment-free breaks or a switch of the drug class given as maintenance therapy. In summary, the fitness benefit of TP53 and KRAS mutations was not treatment-related, unlike patient-derived drug resistance alterations that may only induce an advantage under treatment. CCAs are suitable models for the study of clonal evolution and competitive (dis)advantages conveyed by a specific genetic lesion of interest, and their dependence on external factors such as the treatment.

Unraveling the role of local ablative therapies for patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma - A retrospective multicenter study of the Bavarian university hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Local ablative therapies (LAT) are increasingly used in patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS), yet evidence-based standards are lacking. This study aimed to assess the impact of LAT on survival of metastatic STS patients and to identify prognostic factors. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, 246 STS patients with metastatic disease who underwent LAT on tumor board recommendation between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. A mixed effects model was applied to evaluate multiple survival events per patient. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) after first metastasis was 5.4 years with 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates of 93.7, 81.7, and 53.1 %, respectively. A treatment-free interval ≥12 months and treatment of liver metastases were positively correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) after LAT (HR = 0.61, p = 0.00032 and HR = 0.52, p = 0.0081, respectively). A treatment-free interval ≥12 months and treatment of metastatic lesions in a single organ site other than lung and liver were positive prognostic factors for OS after first LAT (HR = 0.50, p = 0.028 and HR = 0.40, p = 0.026, respectively) while rare histotypes and LAT other than surgery and radiotherapy were negatively associated with OS after first LAT (HR = 2.56, p = 0.020 and HR = 3.87, p = 0.025). Additional systemic therapy was independently associated with a PFS benefit in patients ≤60 years with ≥4 metastatic lesions (for max. diameter of treated lesions ≤2 cm: HR = 0.32, p = 0.02 and >2 cm: HR = 0.20, p = 0.0011, respectively). CONCLUSION: This multicenter study conducted at six German university hospitals underlines the value of LAT in metastatic STS. The exceptionally high survival rates are likely to be associated with patient selection and treatment in specialized sarcoma centers.

ROCK1/2 signaling contributes to corticosteroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) have a low one-year survival rate. Identification and validation of novel targetable kinases in patients who experience corticosteroid-refractory-aGVHD may help improve outcomes. Kinase-specific proteomics of leukocytes from patients with corticosteroid-refractory-GVHD identified rho kinase type 1 (ROCK1) as the most significantly upregulated kinase. ROCK1/2 inhibition improved survival and histological GVHD severity in mice and was synergistic with JAK1/2 inhibition, without compromising graft-versus-leukemia-effects. ROCK1/2-inhibition in macrophages or dendritic cells prior to transfer reduced GVHD severity. Mechanistically, ROCK1/2 inhibition or ROCK1 knockdown interfered with CD80, CD86, MHC-II expression and IL-6, IL-1ß, iNOS and TNF production in myeloid cells. This was accompanied by impaired T cell activation by dendritic cells and inhibition of cytoskeletal rearrangements, thereby reducing macrophage and DC migration. NF-κB signaling was reduced in myeloid cells following ROCK1/2 inhibition. In conclusion, ROCK1/2 inhibition interferes with immune activation at multiple levels and reduces acute GVHD while maintaining GVL-effects, including in corticosteroid-refractory settings.

Potent in vitro and in vivo activity of sorafenib in multiple myeloma: induction of cell death, CD138-downregulation and inhibition of migration through actin depolymerization.

Despite considerable advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and the development of novel therapies targeting the interplay between plasma cells (PCs) and their bone marrow (BM) microenvironment remains essential. We investigated the effect of various agents in vitro on the proliferation, phenotype, morphology, actin polymerization and migration of MM cells and, in vivo, the tumour growth of L363-bearing non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice with a deficient interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain (NSG). In vitro, we observed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity with bortezomib and sorafenib. Using RPMI8226 cells co-expressing histone 2B-mCherry and cytochrome c-GFP, bortezomib- and sorafenib-induced apoptosis was confirmed, and both agents combined showed synergism. Sorafenib induced CD138-downregulation and abolished CXCL12-induced actin polymerization. L363 cells expressed CCR4 and CCR5 and migrated to their common ligand CCL5. Chemotaxis to BM stroma cells was notable and significantly reduced by sorafenib. Downregulation of phospho-ERK appeared relevant for the inhibition of actin polymerization and chemotaxis. Sorafenib alone, and combined with bortezomib, showed substantial antitumour activity in L363-bearing NSG. Correspondingly, sorafenib induced clinical responses in MM-/AL-amyloidosis patients. We conclude that, in addition to the cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effects of sorafenib, blocking of MM cell migration and homing represent promising mechanisms to interrupt the interplay between PCs and their supportive microenvironment.

Impaired FADD/BID signaling mediates cross-resistance to immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma.

The treatment landscape in multiple myeloma (MM) is shifting from genotoxic drugs to immunotherapies. Monoclonal antibodies, immunoconjugates, T-cell engaging antibodies and CART cells have been incorporated into routine treatment algorithms, resulting in improved response rates. Nevertheless, patients continue to relapse and the underlying mechanisms of resistance remain poorly understood. While Impaired death receptor signaling has been reported to mediate resistance to CART in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, this mechanism yet remains to be elucidated in context of novel immunotherapies for MM. Here, we describe impaired death receptor signaling as a novel mechanism of resistance to T-cell mediated immunotherapies in MM. This resistance seems exclusive to novel immunotherapies while sensitivity to conventional anti-tumor therapies being preserved in vitro. As a proof of concept, we present a confirmatory clinical case indicating that the FADD/BID axis is required for meaningful responses to novel immunotherapies thus we report impaired death receptor signaling as a novel resistance mechanism to T-cell mediated immunotherapy in MM.

Ex vivo propagation in a novel 3D high-throughput co-culture system for multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematologic malignancy which ultimately develops drug resistance and evades treatment. Despite substantial therapeutic advances over the past years, the clinical failure rate of preclinically promising anti-MM drugs remains substantial. More realistic in vitro models are thus required to better predict clinical efficacy of a preclinically active compound. METHODS: Here, we report on the establishment of a conical agarose 3D co-culture platform for the preclinical propagation of primary MM cells ex vivo. Cell growth was compared to yet established 2D and liquid overlay systems. MM cell lines (MMCL: RPMI-8226, U266, OPM-2) and primary patient specimens were tested. Drug sensitivity was examined by exploring the cytotoxic effect of bortezomib and the deubiquitinase inhibitor auranofin under various conditions. RESULTS: In contrast to 2D and liquid overlay, cell proliferation in the 3D array followed a sigmoidal curve characterized by an initial growth delay but more durable proliferation of MMCL over 12 days of culture. Primary MM specimens did not expand in ex vivo monoculture, but required co-culture support by a human stromal cell line (HS-5, MSP-1). HS-5 induced a > fivefold increase in cluster volume and maintained long-term viability of primary MM cells for up to 21 days. Bortezomib and auranofin induced less cytotoxicity under 3D vs. 2D condition and in co- vs. monoculture, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces a novel model that is capable of long-term propagation and drug testing of primary MM specimens ex vivo overcoming some of the pitfalls of currently available in vitro models.

Regulatory Programs of B-cell Activation and Germinal Center Reaction Allow B-ALL Escape from CD19 CAR T-cell Therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has led to tremendous successes in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. However, a large fraction of treated patients relapse, often with disease expressing reduced levels of the target antigen. Here, we report that exposing CD19+ B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cells to CD19 CAR T cells reduced CD19 expression within hours. Initially, CD19 CAR T cells caused clustering of CD19 at the T cell-leukemia cell interface followed by CD19 internalization and decreased CD19 surface expression on the B-ALL cells. CD19 expression was then repressed by transcriptional rewiring. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing, we demonstrated that a subset of refractory CD19low cells sustained decreased CD19 expression through transcriptional programs of physiologic B-cell activation and germinal center reaction. Inhibiting B-cell activation programs with the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib increased the cytotoxicity of CD19 CAR T cells without affecting CAR T-cell viability. These results demonstrate transcriptional plasticity as an underlying mechanism of escape from CAR T cells and highlight the importance of combining CAR T-cell therapy with targeted therapies that aim to overcome this plasticity. See related Spotlight by Zhao and Melenhorst, p. 1040.

Cell-free DNA for the detection of emerging treatment failure in relapsed/ refractory multiple myeloma.

Interrogation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) represents an emerging approach to non-invasively estimate disease burden in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we examined low-pass whole genome sequencing (LPWGS) of cfDNA for its predictive value in relapsed/ refractory MM (RRMM). We observed that cfDNA positivity, defined as ≥10% tumor fraction by LPWGS, was associated with significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) in an exploratory test cohort of 16 patients who were actively treated on diverse regimens. We prospectively determined the predictive value of cfDNA in 86 samples from 45 RRMM patients treated with elotuzumab, pomalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in a phase II clinical trial (NCT02718833). PFS in patients with tumor-positive and -negative cfDNA after two cycles of treatment was 1.6 and 17.6 months, respectively (HR 7.6, P < 0.0001). Multivariate hazard modelling confirmed cfDNA as independent risk factor (HR 96.6, P = 6.92e-05). While correlating with serum-free light chains and bone marrow, cfDNA additionally discriminated patients with poor PFS among those with the same response by IMWG criteria. In summary, detectability of MM-derived cfDNA, as a measure of substantial tumor burden with therapy, independently predicts poor PFS and may provide refinement for standard-of-care response parameters to identify patients with poor response to treatment earlier than is currently feasible.