Pre-existing Peripheral Neuropathy Research Articles

Remote Symptom Alerts and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROS) in Real-World Breast Cancer Practice: Innovative Data to Derive Symptom Burden and Quality of Life.

Treatment for breast cancer (BC) can lead to debilitating symptoms that can reduce outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Symptom surveillance using a remote symptom monitoring (RSM) platform enables the capture and reporting of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from home. Women with BC used an RSM platform to complete weekly surveys and report any symptoms experienced during treatment. Symptoms reported as moderate/severe generated alerts to the clinical team. Clinical actions in response to the alert were captured. Results highlighted the value of data generated from a PRO-generated alert system to characterize longitudinal symptom burden and QoL in real-world BC practice, particularly in patients with poor functional status. The most prevalent symptoms that resulted in alerts were pain, nausea/vomiting, neuropathy, fatigue, and constipation. Most women reported one or more moderate/severe symptoms that generated an alert with an average of two alerts per week. Patients with frail status had more alerts, worse QoL and higher treatment bother, indicating that frail patients may benefit from continuous monitoring of symptoms, function, and QoL over time. A case study of patients without pre-existing peripheral neuropathy showed the rapid trajectory from the first report of mild neuropathy until alerts were generated, making a case for early intervention.

Accelerated neuropathy among chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis: Analysis of an institutional cluster.

Accelerated neuropathy is a rare syndrome of rapidly worsening peripheral neuropathy, typically described in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing dialysis. In our center, we encountered a surge in the occurrence of accelerated neuropathy among ESKD patients undergoing hemodialysis, which prompted systematic research. In this case-control study, we present the clinical features, electrophysiologic findings, and outcome of a series of patients who developed accelerated neuropathy after commencing hemodialysis for ESKD. Those who initiated hemodialysis and did not develop accelerated neuropathy were included as controls. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of accelerated neuropathy. Among 436 ESKD patients who initiated hemodialysis over 4 years, 17 were diagnosed with accelerated neuropathy. The median-time (interquartile range) from hemodialysis initiation to presentation with accelerated neuropathy was 3 weeks (2-6). It typically presented as acute onset of unsteadiness of gait necessitating assistance for ambulation. Electrophysiology revealed length-dependent symmetric sensorimotor axonal neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 4.1, 95% CI 1.2-13.9, p = 0.02), pre-existing peripheral neuropathy (OR 9.25, 95% CI 2.79-30.6, p < 0.001), and serum alkaline phosphatase (OR 1.2 for every 10 U increase, 95% CI 1.00-1.52, p = 0.04) significantly predicted accelerated neuropathy. With continued dialysis and supportive care, neurologic status improved, total-neuropathy score (summary score of peripheral nerve dysfunction incorporating clinical and electrophysiological parameters) declined from 26.5 to 18.4 (p < 0.001) and most regained unassisted ambulation. This study presents the largest series of patients with accelerated neuropathy and has identified predictors. However, in view of the unusually high incidence of accelerated neuropathy we speculate that other unidentified factor(s) could be underlying its pathogenesis.

P27 A challenging case of MDR TB infection following a holiday in India

Abstract Background TB is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. MDR TB is caused by strains of M. tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin.1 XDR TB refers to strains resistant to one or more second-line injectable drugs and any fluoroquinolone, whereas pre-XDR TB refers to strains resistant to either a second-line injectable drug or a fluoroquinolone.1 The implications of MDR TB include prolonged treatment requirements, increased morbidity and mortality, and risk of onward transmission to others.2 Case history A woman in her forties with poorly controlled diabetes was admitted to hospital three times in 3 months with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary consolidation. She was treated for recurrent community acquired pneumonia (CAP). On her fourth admission, sputum and stool microscopy detected acid fast bacilli (AFB) and PCR using Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid® GeneXpert® systems) confirmed M. tuberculosis with resistance to rifampicin. She had no known TB contacts but had had a 5 week holiday in Goa, India, 2 years prior. Management Phenotypic testing confirmed the M. tuberculosis isolate was resistant to rifampicin, isoniazid and aminoglycosides but susceptible to fluoroquinolones. Following discussion with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) MDR TB advice service she was empirically initiated on linezolid 600 mg BD, bedaquiline 200 mg OD, levofloxacin 1000 mg OD, clofazimine 200 mg OD, cycloserine 250 mg BD, pyrazinamide 2000mg OD, ethambutol 1000 mg OD and pyridoxine 10 mg OD. The isolate was later identified as of New Delhi Central Asia lineage, with additional resistance to pyrazinamide (which was then stopped). This is the first case of this lineage reported in the UK. Therapeutic drug monitoring of linezolid, levofloxacin and cycloserine was performed. Cycloserine was changed to terizidone 250 mg BD after 1 month, due to a national supply issue. She suffered from medication side effects including diarrhoea, nausea, derangement in liver functions tests, worsening of pre-existing peripheral neuropathy, myalgia, hypercalcaemia, itch, renal tubular acidosis and acute kidney injury. These were managed pharmacologically and through cessation of terizidone after 2 months and dose reduction, then cessation, of linezolid after 4 months. Outcomes Clinically she improved and repeat imaging showed gradual resolution of consolidation and C-reactive protein levels decreased. She is 10 months into an anticipated 18–24 month treatment regimen, recommended due to her extensive pulmonary disease. Medication side effects are currently well controlled. The infection prevention and control team screened all contacts from this and prior admissions, with no further cases identified. Conclusions This case highlights the importance of suspicion of TB in patients with chronic cough and radiological changes, particularly with risk factors for TB such as relevant travel history and diabetes. MDR TB infection has significant consequences and treatment remains challenging with the burden of multiple drugs, and their side effects, leading to further patient morbidity.

Daratumumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) in Relapsed/ Refractory Light Chain Amyloidosis Previously Exposed to Daratumumab

Daratumumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) in Relapsed/ Refractory Light Chain Amyloidosis Previously Exposed to Daratumumab

Incidence and Resolution of Eribulin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (IRENE) in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: Prospective Cohort Study.

Eribulin, a halichondrin-class microtubule dynamics inhibitor, is a preferred treatment option for patients with advanced breast cancer who have been pretreated with an anthracycline and a taxane. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common side effect of chemotherapies for breast cancer and other tumors. The Incidence and Resolution of Eribulin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (IRENE) noninterventional postauthorization safety study assessed the incidence and severity of PN in patients with breast cancer treated with eribulin. IRENE is an ongoing observational, single-arm, prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Adult patients (≥18 years of age) with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and disease progression after 1-2 prior chemotherapeutic regimen(s) for advanced disease were treated with eribulin. Patients with eribulin-induced PN (new-onset PN or worsening of preexisting PN) were monitored until death or resolution of PN. Primary endpoints included the incidence, severity, and time to resolution of eribulin-induced PN. Secondary endpoints included time to disease progression and safety. In this interim analysis (data cutoff date: July 1, 2019), 67 (32.4%) patients experienced any grade eribulin-induced PN, and 12 (5.8%) patients experienced grade ≥3 eribulin-induced PN. Median time to resolution of eribulin-induced PN was not reached. Median time to disease progression was 4.6 months (95% CI, 4.0-6.5). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 195 (93.8%) patients and serious TEAEs occurred in 107 (51.4%) patients. The rates of any grade and grade ≥3 eribulin-induced PN observed in this real-world study were consistent with those observed in phase III randomized clinical trials. No new safety findings were observed.

Evaluation of Bortezomib-BeEAM (2BeEAM) as Chemotherapy Regimen Prior to ASCT in Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma

(1) Background: First-line therapy in fit MCL patients may comprise high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous transplantation to consolidate remission before maintenance treatment. However, optimization of HDCT is an unmet clinical need given the substantial relapse rate of first-line treatment, while the use of bortezomib is a promising candidate to be added to standard HDCT. (2) Methods: We analyzed 11 consecutive patients with MCL who received bortezomib added to standard BeEAM (2BeEAM) HDCT at a single academic institution. We assessed safety, feasibility, toxicities, and survival rates. (3) Results: All patients had stage III or IV disease. We found that six patients (55%) developed new or worsening of preexisting peripheral neuropathy following administration of 2BeEAM HDCT. One patient relapsed within the first six months after HDCT, whereas three patients never reached complete remission. After a median follow-up of 22 months, the PFS was 64% and the OS 64% at the last follow-up assessment. At this time, 55% of patients were in CR. (4) Conclusions: The use of bortezomib added to standard BeEAM HDCT is associated with relevant toxicities, particularly with regards to additional neuropathy. Moreover, the anti-lymphoma efficacy of 2BeEAM HDCT appears to be modest; therefore, other therapeutic options should be evaluated for consolidation in this patient group.

Vitamin B12 Status in Long-Term Metformin Treated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background: The association between long-term use of metformin and low vitamin B12 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been proven. However, the prevalence among metformin induced vitamin B12 deficiency in T2DM patients showed considerable variations among the studies. The potential of deficiency to cause new onset or worse preexisting peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients has been investigated with conflicting results.The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with T2DM patients on metformin therapy compared to those who are not taking metformin. Methods: This crosssectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, in Sylhet M. A. G. Osmani Medical College &amp;Hospital, Sylhet. Total 100 patients’ withT2DM were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria following informed written consent. They were divided into two groups; each groups contains 50 patients. Group-I included patients who were taking metformin for e”1 year and Group-II included patients who were not taking metformin for at least 1 year. Detailed history taking, proper clinical examinations and relevant investigations were done. After collection of all the required data, final analysis was carried out by using the SPSS version 22.0. Results: Among 100 patients of T2DM, mean age were 55.4±15.62 and 55.24±16.76 years, respectively among Group- I and Group-II. They were similar in terms of demographic profile. About 16.0% patients of group- I had vitamin B 12 deficiency and 6.0% had vitamin B 12 deficiency in Group-II. The mean serum Vitamin B 12 was 481.52±283.37 (pgm/mL) in group-I and 600.85±294.2 (pgm/mL) in group-II. The difference of serum Vitamin B 12 was statistically significant (p&lt;0.041) between two groups. Reduced vitamin B 12 also found to be positively associated with duration of metformin intake (p&lt;0.05) and presence of neuropathy (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Metformin is significantly associated with decrease the level of vitamin B12. Bangladesh J Medicine 2022; 33: 43-48

Real-world toxicity and effectiveness of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone in Korean patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.

Ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (IRd) have proven efficacy and an excellent safety profile in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, there are limited reports on the real-world safety and effectiveness of IRd regimens in Asian patients with RRMM. This was a retrospective study of 60 patients with RRMM who were treated with IRd. The median patient age was 68years. Forty percent of patients did not meet the eligibility criteria for the TOURMALINE-MM1 trial. Patients received a median of one prior line of therapy. Non-hematologic adverse events (AEs) were more common than hematologic AEs. The most common AE was skin rash, followed by gastrointestinal toxicities. Most grade 3 or higher AEs were observed in less than 5% of the patients, except for skin rashes and infections. IRd therapy did not aggravate peripheral neuropathy (PN) in 20 of the 24 patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy. The overall response rate was 85%. After a median follow-up of 26.3months, the median progression-free survival was 25.9months and overall survival was not reached. Ixazomib and Rd combination therapy had a comparable toxicity profile and effectiveness in real-world RRMM patients.

Sigma Antagonists for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Syndromes in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review

Almost 40% of cancer patients have neuropathic pain or mixed pain with a neuropathic component, which can be intense, debilitating, and challenging to treat. New studies on sigma receptors show these enigmatic ligand-binding protein chaperones may be helpful drug targets for new pharmacologic options to reduce many types of neuropathies, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and other cancer-related neuropathic pain syndromes. Our objective was to review the literature, including preclinical findings, in support of sigma-1 receptor (S1R) antagonists in reducing neuropathic pain and sigma-2 receptor (S2R) agonists for neuroprotection. The mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully elucidated. The role of S1R antagonists in treating CIPN appears promising. In some cases, combination therapy of an opioid—which is a true analgesic—with a S1R antagonist, which is an anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic agent, has been proposed. Of interest, but not well studied is whether or not S1R antagonists might be effective in treating CIPN in patients with pre-existing peripheral diabetic neuropathy. While neuropathic syndromes may occur with hematologic cancers, the role of S1R agonists may be effective. Sigma receptors are being actively studied now for a variety of conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to Parkinson’s disease as well as neuropathic pain.

Short Course of Bortezomib in Anemic Patients with Refractory or Relapsed Cold Agglutinin Disease. a Phase II Prospective Study By the Gimema Group

Background: Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a chronic hemolytic disorder caused by the presence of an IgM autoantibody with specificity towards red cell antigens. The autoantibody is produced by a B-cell clone, which can often be detectable with standard diagnostic work-up. Some patients with CAD require transfusions to compensate for the chronic red cell destruction. There are few therapeutic modalities of proven efficacy which include alkylating agents, rituximab alone or in combination with fludarabine or bendamustine. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor which has been successfully used in Ig-producing diseases, like amyloidosis and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). Protein metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and inhibition of its turnover using proteasome inhibitors may lead to apoptosis in protein secreting B-cell malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM) and WM. Aim: We have conducted a prospective multicenter, phase II, open label study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01696474) to evaluate the potential efficacy of a short course of bortezomib in anemic patients with CAD requiring transfusion or with a hemoglobin concentration below 100 g/L determined at least monthly during the two months before entering the trial. Patients and Methods: Patients had to be refractory to at least one previous treatment. The primary endpoint was the achievement of transfusion independence or a significant rise (>20 g/L) of hemoglobin concentration. A single course of bortezomib was given at the dose of 1,3 mg/sqm iv on days 1, 4, 8, 11. Safety evaluation, duration of transfusion independence, and the effects of treatment on the underlying clonal B-cell disorder were secondary objectives of the trial. Patients with a concomitant lymphoproliferative disorder requiring specific treatment for reasons other than CAD or with preexisting peripheral neuropathy were excluded. Results: Between 12-04-2012 and 03-14-2016, 21 patients have been enrolled by 6 Gimema italian centers. Their characteristics were as follows: median age 70 years (range 53 to 85); M/F ratio: 1/2; 6 patients had concomitant or previous clonal B-cell disorder (3 CLL, 3 B-cell lymphoma) not requiring specific therapy. Previous treatments included corticosteroids, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine or combinations of them. Median Hb concentration at study entry was 87 g/dL (range 78-102). Ten patients were transfusion-dependent. Treatment response was evaluated at three months. Two patients stopped treatment early, one at day 4 because of pulmonary embolism and the other at day 8 because of headache, respectively, and were excluded from efficacy analysis. One of them actually achieved transfusion independence in spite of treatment stop. Of 19 evaluable patients, 3 achieved complete remission, defined as normalization of hemoglobin levels and absence of symptoms or signs of hemolysis and 3 partial remission, defined as the achievement of transfusion independence or of a stable increase of > 20g/L of hemoglobin concentration in untransfused patients, for an overall response rate of 31,6%. Four of the 6 responding patients achieved transfusion independence. The small number of patients studied precluded an analysis of factors associated with response. Five grade 3 adverse events, including headache, diarrhea, increased bilirubin levels, anemia and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in one patient each, and one grade 4 pulmonary embolism. They were considered not related to study drug, except for URTI. Four of 6 responding patients maintained the response after 12 months from study entry (66,7%; 95% CI: 37.9-100). All patients were alive at last follow up except for one who died of septic shock during off treatment follow up, 10 months after study entry. The effects of bortezomib on underlying B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder are being evaluated. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that a short course of bortezomib may be effective in a subset of patients with symptomatic CAD failing previous treatments, with acceptable toxicity. Responses seem to be long-lasting in the majority of responding patients. These data provide a rational for further investigating the potential benefits of bortezomib either by using a more prolonged treatment schedule or in combination with other active agents. The study has been supported by JANSSEN-CILAG Spa which provided bortezomib and a grant for study monitoring. DisclosuresRossi:Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zaja:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssem: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria. Mauro:Janssen: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria. Barcellini:Alexion: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria.

Duloxetine (DL) in treatment of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN).

195 Background: Oxaliplatin is commonly used to treat many GI cancers, especially colorectal (CRC), pancreatic (PC), and gastric (GC); however, peripheral neuropathy (PN) is the dose-limiting toxicity. Duloxetine (DL) is a second-generation selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PN-associated with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as fibromyalgia. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the role of DL in reduction of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Methods: Patients with GI cancers receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens from Nov 2016 to Nov 2019 were included. Patients with pre-existing PN from other etiologies such as diabetes, alcoholism, autoimmune disease, infections, hereditary, etc. were excluded. Neurological evaluations were performed serially before initiating DL and every 4 weeks thereafter according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. DL was given at 30 mg by mouth (PO) once daily and if tolerated after 3 days, was escalated to 60 mg once daily. Response was calculated to include number of patients with stable PN, improved PN, or no benefit. Adverse toxicities were graded. Results: 53 patients with median age of 53 years (range: 38 – 72) received DL for oxaliplatin-induced PN during treatment of GI cancers (CRC: 40%, PC:30%, GC: 10%, others: 10%). Improvement in PN from higher to lower grades was witnessed at 2 weeks in only 4 patients. At 4 week of DL, 3/53 (6%) patients improved from G3 PN to G2, 6/53 (11%) from G3 to G1, and 28/53 (52.8%) from G2 to G1, 14/53 (26%) and 2/53 (4%) had stable G3 and G2 PN respectively. At 8 week of DL, 10/53 (19%) of patients improved from G3 to G2, 3/53 (6%) from G2 to G1, 23/53 (43%) from G1 to G0, while 11/53 (21%), 2/53 (4%) and 4/53 (8%) remained stable at G1, G2 and G3 respectively. Overall DL resulted in a response rate of 89% and stable PN in 11%. 5 patients had to stop DL due to G3 drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth and headache. Overall, DL was well-tolerated with majority of toxicities in G1-2 grade: dizziness (15%), drowsiness (11%), sexual side effects (11%), dry mouth (11%), insomnia (8%), headache (8%). In addition to PN, DL helped in improving depression in 50% of these patients and decreased the pain score in an additional 23%. Conclusions: DL resulted in a clinically significant improvement in PN-induced by oxaliplatin with manageable toxicity profile. Additionally, DL also improved depression and pain score. DL may be considered as an option in ameliorating PN in these patients, however, caution must be taken about DL and other drugs interaction. Our study warrants a prospective randomized trial to study the effectiveness of DL in treating oxaliplatin-induced PN. Moreover, cost effectiveness of DL in concurrently improving PN, depression and pain needs to be studied as well.

Abstract P3-11-24: Relative risk of peripheral neuropathy with trastuzumab emtansine compared to taxane-based regimens in HER2-positive cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published phase 3 randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background: Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) is a HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate consisting of anti-HER2 IgG1 antibody trastuzumab and maytansine derivative DM-1. The trastuzumab part of T-DM1 inhibits HER2 receptor signaling, mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and ensures selective delivery of DM-1 into HER2 overexpressing cells. DM-1 inhibits microtubules causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Currently, T-DM1 is approved for HER2-positive breast cancer in the both metastatic and adjuvant settings. In different studies, peripheral neuropathy, in particular sensory peripheral neuropathy, has been reported as a significant adverse effect of T-DM1. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using T-DM1 in the experimental arm and a taxane-based regimen in the control arm to determine the relative risk of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral sensory neuropathy associated with T-DM1 comparing to taxane-based regimens. Methods: We conducted a systematic search at PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE databases and professional societies meeting abstracts as per PRISMA guidelines from inception until March 31st, 2019. Published phase 3 RCTs comparing T-DM1 with taxane-based regimens in patients with HER2-positive cancers and reporting number of events of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral sensory neuropathy in both the intervention and the control arms were included in the final analysis. The primary meta-analytic approach was a random effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method, and it was used to calculate the estimated pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was tested with I2 value and Cochran’s Q-test. Results: Three RCTs (MARIANNE, GATSBY, and KRISTINE) randomizing 1857 participants (1174 in the T-DM1 arms and 683 in the control arms) were included in the final analysis. MARIANNE and KRISTINE were conducted in breast cancer patients, and GATSBY was done in gastric/gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma patients. GATSBY was a phase 2/3 study and the rest were phase 3 RCTs. Trastuzumab was used along with taxanes in the control arm of MARIANNE and KRISTINE trials. Dose of T-DM1 was 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks in MARIANNE and KRISTINE trials; and 2.4 mg/kg every week in GATSBY trial. The characteristics of these trial are summarized in Table 1. The pooled RR of any grade peripheral neuropathy was significantly lower in the T-DM1 group compared to the taxane group (pooled RR:0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89, P = 0.01, I2= 45%). The pooled RR for any grade sensory peripheral neuropathy was also significantly lower in the T-DM1 group compared to the taxane group (pooled RR:0.58, 95% CI: 0.46-0.74, P &amp;lt; 0.0001, I2=0%). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated the pooled relative risk of any grade peripheral neuropathy and peripheral sensory neuropathy was significantly lower with the T-DM1 containing regimens compared to the taxane-based regimens for HER2-positive cancers. This could be an area of consideration when choosing therapy for the patients who are at higher risk of developing or have pre-existing peripheral neuropathy. Table 1TrialAuthorYearDiseaseT-DM1ControlTotal No. of PatientsT-DM1ControlMARIANNEPerez et al.2016Advanced BCT-DM1; andT-DM1+ PTaxane + trastuzumab727353GATSBYThuss-Patience et al.2017Advanced gastric cancerT-DM1Taxane224111KRISTINEHurvitz et al.2018Stage II-III BCT-DM1+ PDocetaxel+carboplatin+trastuzumab+ P223219P: PertuzumabBC: Breast Cancer Citation Format: Nusrat Jahan, Lukman Tijani, Francis Mogollon-Duffo MD, Rafiullah Khan, Somedeb Ball, Shabnam Rehman, Catherine Jones. Relative risk of peripheral neuropathy with trastuzumab emtansine compared to taxane-based regimens in HER2-positive cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published phase 3 randomized controlled trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-11-24.

Analysis of Falls in Older Adults with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing First-Line Therapy

Background: Patients with multiple myeloma are frequently treated with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, which is associated with treatment-related peripheral neuropathy. Older adults are at increased risk of falls compared to the general population, often leading to associated morbidity and mortality. While an association between peripheral neuropathy and falls in older adults is well-established, the relationship between bortezomib and falls in older multiple myeloma patients is unknown. Our primary aim was to determine if older patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib as first-line therapy had an increased incidence of falls within the first 12 months after starting treatment. Our secondary aim was to assess the overall survival of patients who fell compared to those who did not among patients who lived more than 12 months after initiating treatment. Methods: We analyzed the SEER-Medicare database for all patients 65 years old or older diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2007 and 2013 and were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare part A, B and D plans. The patients' corresponding Medicare claims data were analyzed through 2014 for myeloma treatments, fall claims, and covariates of interest. The primary outcome was accidental falls (E880-E888) occurring between 14 days to 12 months after starting multiple myeloma treatment. First-line therapy was defined as any anti-myeloma treatment administered within 14 days of starting multiple myeloma treatment, with bortezomib treatment being the focal independent variable. Cox regression was performed to determine the relative risk of having a fall after controlling for other covariates. Patients who started bortezomib after first-line therapy were censored at time of bortezomib commencement. The survival analysis included only patients who survived more than 12 months of starting treatment to allow landmark analysis of falls in the first year. Results: Of 4,084 older adults with new multiple myeloma diagnoses undergoing first-line therapy, the median age was 75 (range 65-97) with 51% males. Bortezomib was used in first-line therapy for 2,052 (50%) patients, of which 157 (8%) patients experienced a fall within 12 months after starting treatment compared to 102 (5%) of patients not receiving bortezomib (p &lt; 0.001). Bortezomib was associated with a 28% increase risk of falls (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.00-1.65; p = 0.047). In multivariate analysis, bortezomib was not associated with an increased incidence of falls after controlling for age, gender, race, proxies for Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and poor performance status, pre-existing peripheral neuropathy, falls within the 12 months prior to starting first-line myeloma treatment, depression, polypharmacy, and first-line treatment with lenalidomide (Table 1). Advancing age, history of fall(s), depression, and polypharmacy (defined as more than 10 unique prescription medications at initiation of first-line treatment), were all associated with an increased risk of falls, consistent with prior literature. In a landmark analysis of those who survived 12 months following the start of treatment, a fall was associated with a 26% increased risk of hazard for death (aHR 1.26; 95% CI 1.02-1.56; p = 0.033) after controlling for other covariates. The median OS of those with a fall was 35.7 months (95% CI 29.1-48.4) compared to 49.1 months (95% CI 47.1-52.8) for those without (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: In older adults with multiple myeloma, treatment with bortezomib was not associated with increased risk of a patient having a diagnostic code for falls. However, experiencing a fall within the year after starting treatment was associated with decreased overall survival. Limitations of the study include that the incidence of falls is likely underestimated in billing data, given prior data from our group showing a rate of self-reported falls of 26% in the year after diagnosis. Additional research, including prospective trials involving fall assessments, should be considered in older patients with multiple myeloma. Disclosures Wildes: Janssen: Research Funding; Carevive: Consultancy. Fiala:Incyte: Research Funding.

Bortezomib and other proteosome inhibitors—induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), especially bortezomib (BTZ), have come to the forefront over the last years because of their unprecedented efficacy mainly against multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy (PN) secondary to treatment of MM with PIs has emerged as a clinically relevant complication, which negatively impacts the quality of life of MM survivors. Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a dose-limiting toxicity, which develops in 30% to 60% of patients during treatment. Typically, BIPN is a length-dependent sensory axonopathy characterized by numbness, tingling, and severe neuropathic pain in stocking and glove distribution. BIPN mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Experimental studies suggest that aggresome formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, myotoxicity, microtubule stabilization, inflammatory response, and DNA damage could contribute to this neurotoxicity. A new generation of structurally distinct PIs has been developed, being increasingly used in clinical settings. Carfilzomib exhibits a much lower neurotoxicity profile, with a significantly lower incidence of PN compared to BTZ. Pre-existing PN increases the risk of developing BIPN. Besides, BIPN is related to dose, schedule and mode of administration and modifications of these factors have lowered the incidence of PN. However, to date there is no cure for PIs-induced PN (PIIPN), and a careful neurological monitoring and dose adjustment is a key strategy for preserving quality of life. This review critically looks at the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, both clinical and pharmacogenetics, clinical phenotype and management of PIIPN. We also make recommendations for further elucidating the whole clinical spectrum of PIIPN.

Resolution of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) in Patients Who Received A+AVD or ABVD in the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Trial

Resolution of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) in Patients Who Received A+AVD or ABVD in the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Trial

Multiple Myeloma: Front Line Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) has improved during the past two decades. This has been attributed to the better understanding of the biology of disease leading to introduction of two new classes of molecules, namely immune-modulators (e.g. thalidomide, lenalidomide), and proteasome inhibitors (e.g. bortezomib), use of high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and better supportive care. Current management of myeloma for young patients (≤65 years) includes initial induction therapy followed by consolidation with ASCT followed by maintenance therapy with low dose thalidomide or lenalidomide or bortezomib for 1-2 years. The choice of initial therapy for patients of MM is based upon their eligibility for ASCT which in turn is based on their age and major co-morbid conditions pertaining to cardiac and renal systems. Patients who are ≤65 years of age (or 65 to 70 years) with no major co-morbid conditions are considered potential candidates for ASCT. Four cycles of induction therapy are administered; a combination of 3 drugs (bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (BTD) or bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (BLD) or bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (BCD) is associated with higher complete response (CR) (approx. 30-40%) and very good partial response (VGPR) and better progression free survival (PFS). Further consolidation with ASCT results in CR rates of 50%–70%; patients who achieve CR, have improved event-free and overall survival. Our initial experience with 225 ASCT supports these observations. It is now possible to individualize therapy in a given patient. For example, for patients with renal failure (present in 20-30% of patients at diagnosis) —bortezomib, dexamethasone and/or doxorubicin combination could be an option; for patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy—lenalidomide and dexamethasone is preferred; for patients at high risk of venous thrombo-embolism bortezomib- based regimens can be used safely. Treatment with bortezomib or bortezomib + lenalidomide for patients with poor cytogenetics (chromosome deletion t(4;14), t(14;16), 17p–) appears to result in an outcome similar to that in patients without these abnormalities. In conclusion, from being incurable, myeloma is now a chronic illness. Along with earlier diagnosis, improved treatment and better management of complications have resulted in longer disease control and survival with a better quality of life. Novel agents have provided an opportunity to tailor therapy in an individual patient. Further research is needed to improve outcome for patients who fail to achieve complete response, those with ISS stage III, and extra-medullary disease. Availability of oral proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies (e.g. IL-6 receptor) are likely to expand choice of agents for maintenance therapy in future.

Peripheral neuropathy in 30 duodopa patients with vitamins B supplementation.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a significant concern and potential cause of withdrawal in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel (LCIG) infusion. Vitamin B deficiency and/or hyperhomocysteinemia levodopa-related are considered possible causative factors. In this study, we evaluated PN incidence in LCIG-PD patients treated since the beginning of infusion with vitamins B supplementation. In this prospective open-label pilot study, 30 consecutive patients with PD on LCIG infusion were evaluated with clinical, neurophysiological, and biochemical assessments for a mean follow-up of 42.4months (range 24-72). All evaluations were repeated every 6months. At baseline, 21 of 30 presented no signs or symptoms of PN, and 9 of 30 had pre-existing chronic PN. In whole population, a progressive worsening in nerve conduction studies of sural sensory and peroneal motor nerves was observed during the long-term follow-up. 4 of 21 patients, with normal clinical, electrophysiological assessment at baseline, developed distal symmetrical axonal polyneuropathy that remained asymptomatic during the long-term follow-up. Patients with pre-existing PN (9 of 30) showed a mild worsening of electrophysiological features during the period of observation. In none PN was cause of discontinuation of LCIG therapy. No incident cases of acute-subacute PN were documented. No correlation was found with age, sex, Levodopa dosage, duration of levodopa exposure, and homocysteine plasma levels. In this consecutive series of 30 patients with PD on LCIG infusion, with early and continuous vitamins B integration, we observed a low rate (19%) of new onset peripheral polyneuropathy that remained stable after long-term follow-up. Larger studies, controlled, with blinded evaluation, are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of Met-BDNF allele with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients.

e21702 Background: We previously published preliminary results suggesting an association between the met-BDNF allele and vulnerability to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in breast cancer patients. Here we present updated data obtained from our extended study. Methods: 35 patients; 34 women (33 with breast cancer and 1 with ovarian cancer) and one man (breast cancer) completed their follow-up. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) was assessed at diagnosis and along the treatment protocol, using the reduced version of Total Neuropathy Score (TNSr). Patients with TNSr≥2 at diagnosis were determined with pre-existing PN (Pre-PN). Allelic discrimination of BDNF polymorphism (rs6265) was determined by Sanger sequencing. Results: BDNF genotype Val/Val was found in 20 patients (57.14%), Val/Met in 15 patients (42.86%). No patient had the Met/Met genotype. 10 patients (28.57%) were diagnosed with Pre-PN, 3 of them with diabetic-related neuropathy. A higher incidences of the Met-BDNF allele was found in patients with Pre-PN as compared to patients with no Pre-PN (7/10 (70%) vs. 8/25 (32%) Val/Met in Pre-PN and no Pre-PN respectively, prob &gt; ChiSq &lt; 0.05). The three patients with diabetic related Pre-PN were genotyped Met-BDNF. The maximal TNSr scores developed by each patient during follow-up were higher in Met-BDNF patients compare to Val/Val patients. (Maximal TNSr mean ± SEM in Val/Val 4.80±0.62 vs. 7.73±1.34 in Val/Met BDNF, prob &lt; t 0.04). No difference in the maximal TNSr scores between Met-BDNF and Val/Val patients were shown after excluding the patients with Pre-PN (Maximal TNSr mean ± SEM in Val/Val 5.05±0.78 vs. 5.25±0.62 in Val/Met BDNF, prob &lt; t 0.44). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate an association between met-BDNF and Pre-PN. Higher maximal TNSr scores in our met-BDNF patients is generally the consequence of their higher Pre-PN.

Long term peripheral neuropathy symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

e21599 Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common complication from chemotherapy (CTX), associated with significant morbidity, and may improve with time. The prevalence of long-term PN symptoms in breast cancer survivors is not well known. We sought to explore PN symptoms and associated risk factors among breast cancer survivors at least 2 years out from diagnosis. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study investigating the prevalence of patient-reported numbness/tingling symptoms as a surrogate for PN in breast cancer survivors at our institution. We included patients with stage 0-III breast cancer who completed a questionnaire about symptoms and life-style habits at a survivorship visit that occurred 2 or more years after initial diagnosis. We evaluated the prevalence of PN and associated risk factors using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis; results are shown as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: 605 patients assessed between April 2009 and October 2016 met eligibility for analysis. Median age was 60 (31-93) years. Median number of years from diagnosis to assessment was 6.3 (2-21). All patients had surgery and 62% had CTX. Twenty-seven percent reported PN. On univariable analysis, obesity, stage II &amp; III, mastectomy, PN before diagnosis, and receipt of taxane CTX were associated with PN (all p &lt; 0.05). Patients who were older, exercised before diagnosis, had ER/PR-positive disease and who received endocrine therapy reported less PN (all p &lt; 0.05). On multivariable analysis, only receipt of docetaxel (OR: 2.18, CI: 1.22- 3.88) or paclitaxel (OR: 4.07, CI: 2.54-6.50) and reporting PN symptoms before diagnosis (OR: 3.28, CI: 1.49-7.21) were associated with PN. Among patients without pre-existing PN symptoms, 15%, 19%, 28% and 43% reported long-term PN after no CTX, non-taxane CTX, docetaxel CTX and paclitaxel CTX respectively. Conclusions: At a median follow-up of 6.3 years from diagnosis, 28% of survivors in our cohort who had received docetaxel and 43% who had received paclitaxel report long-term PN symptoms compared with 15-19% in those who received no or non-taxane CTX. These data can help inform patients and clinicians regarding long-term PN risk following CTX.

Areas of Consensus and Differences Among a Panel of Experts on the Optimal Use of Newly Approved Agents to Treat Multiple Myeloma (MM): Results from an Annually Updated Online Decision Support Tool

BackgroundIn 2015, the FDA approved 5 new agents and/or combination regimens for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) MM. In addition, new clinical data support using new regimens in the first-line setting. This rapid expansion of available treatment options has greatly increased the complexity of treatment decisions for patients in this disease setting. Clinical practice guidelines list multiple preferred treatment options for MM and can be challenging to apply to specific patients with a mixture of presenting features. Since 2013, we have developed and updated an MM online decision support tool designed to provide clinicians with expert guidance on optimal treatment for defined patient scenarios. An analysis of the tool over the years has shown that experts rapidly integrate new data and available agents into practice whereas many tool users do not. Here we report data from the most recent version (2016) of this tool, capturing the impact of the rapid expansion of new therapies on expert treatment recommendations.MethodsIn June 2016, a panel of 5 experts provided treatment recommendations for 688 case scenarios across 3 settings: induction, maintenance, and R/R disease. These distinct scenarios were defined by key patient and disease characteristics that the experts considered important when making treatment choices, including: eligibility for autologous stem cell transplantation, results of chromosome analysis (cytogenetics/FISH), ECOG performance status, previous therapy and response, and preexisting comorbidities. To use the tool, these patient and disease factors and the intended treatment for that specific patient were entered through drop-down menus to display the expert choices for that case. Users were then asked to indicate the impact of the expert recommendations on planned treatment.ResultsWe compared expert recommendations from the 2 most recent versions of our MM tool, compiled in March 2015 and June 2016, to assess the impact of the new data and FDA approvals on treatment patterns. The experts are generally not recommending these agents as induction or maintenance therapy. Three out of 5 experts recommended carfilzomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone as induction therapy for preexisting peripheral neuropathy (PN) and 1 expert recommended ixazomib-based regimens as induction and maintenance therapy for patients with high-risk cytogenetics and both renal insufficiency and PN. The new agents did have a substantial impact on expert recommendation in the R/R setting. In the 2016 tool, the type of previous therapy was the primary factor affecting expert selections, whereas the number of previous lines of therapy (1-3 vs >3) had minimal impact in the R/R setting. For example, in patients refractory to previous proteasome inhibitor (PI) therapy, regimens containing either elotuzumab (30%) or daratumumab (25%) were selected frequently by experts with pomalidomide-containing regimens recommended in another 40% of these specific cases. In the 2016 tool, the use of lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone without a newly approved agent was not recommended by any expert in the R/R setting, although it had been recommended by experts in 25% of R/R case scenarios in the 2015 tool. For patient scenarios refractory to previous immunomodulatory drugs and PIs, the experts recommended daratumumab-based regimens in 67.5% of the cases in the 2016 tool whereas the use of carfilzomib/pomalidomide/dexamethasone fell from 45% in 2015 to 10% of the cases in 2016. None of the experts recommended regimens with panobinostat as their preferred choice in any patient scenario in either 2015 or 2016.ConclusionsExpert opinions regarding optimal MM therapy continue to evolve with new evidence and FDA approvals. Our data show that newly approved therapies are having a large impact on expert recommendations for specific case scenarios in the relapsed/refractory MM setting. A detailed and updated analysis of expert and user data that captures practice trends in this rapidly evolving environment will be presented. DisclosuresKumar:Kesios: Consultancy; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding. Lentzsch:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy. Lonial:Merck: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Roodman:Amgen: Consultancy. Anderson:Oncopep: Other: Scientific Founder; Acetylon: Other: Scientific Founder; Sonofi Aventis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.