Risk Of Early Progression Research Articles

PF617 IMPACT OF EARLY VS LATE RELAPSE IN TRANSPLANT‐INELIGIBLE NEWLY DIAGNOSED MULTIPLE MYELOMA: A SUB ANALYSIS OF THE PHASE 3 FIRST TRIAL

Background:Despite improvements in the treatment (Tx) of transplant‐ineligible (TNE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), many patients (pts) remain at risk of relapse within the first year of therapy, which may be driven by pt characteristics and disease biology. Conversely, continuous therapy has been shown to prolong time to relapse, as demonstrated in the pivotal FIRST trial studying lenalidomide + low‐dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous), Rd for 18 cycles (Rd18), and melphalan + prednisone + thalidomide (MPT) in TNE pts with NDMM. Indeed, in FIRST, ≈26% of pts continued to receive Rd continuous > 3 years.Aims:To identify factors associated with early vs late relapse and further assess the impact of continuous therapy.Methods:In FIRST (NCT00689936), pts with TNE NDMM were randomized 1:1:1 to Rd continuous, Rd18, or MPT. Rd18 and MPT were both 72 weeks in duration. Rd continuous vs MPT was the primary comparison. Predictors of early relapse were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses using a binary outcome (relapse <vs ≥ 12 mos) in 11 pt‐, 18 disease‐, and 2 Tx‐specific baseline variables.Results:Of the 1623 pts in the intent‐to‐treat population, 345 who were censored (lost to follow‐up or discontinuation or death without progression) before 12 mos, and 32 who did not meet definitions of relapse were excluded. The remaining pts were categorized as those who relapsed early (<12 mos; n = 271) and those who relapsed or were censored ≥ 12 mos (n = 975).Five factors were associated with risk of early progression (LDH ≥ 200 U/L, ISS Stage III, high‐risk cytogenetics, EORTC My20 ≥ 50, and baseline platelet count ≤ 150 × 109/L). Due to infrequent use of EORTC in clinical practice, it was replaced with ECOG PS ≥ 2 in the final model without impact on predictability. As expected, there was a lower percentage of pts with these factors in late relapse which continued to decrease in pts who relapsed after 2 years. The model was validated using MM‐015 data (Palumbo, NEJM 2012).Independent of Tx arm, pts with early relapse had a lower overall response rate (ORR) vs those with late relapse (59.8% vs 95.6%, with a ≥ very good partial response (VGPR) rate of 13.3% vs 61.6%). Responses deepened over time, and in the primary comparison (Rd continuous vs MPT), the depth of response was higher in pts with later relapse: ≥ VGPR was 86.8% vs 60.9% in pts who relapsed ≥ 3 years treated with Rd continuous (n = 159) vs MPT (n = 87), respectively. As reported previously, the median time to ≥ VGPR was 5.8 cycles, and in those pts who entered cycle 6 with ≥ VGPR, the ability to maintain responses with Rd continuous resulted in prolonged remission (median progression‐free survival [PFS] not reached vs 25.8 mos with MPT). While high‐risk cytogenetics is associated with poor outcomes, pts with favorable hyperdiploidy (t(11;14) or gain of chromosome 5, 9, or 15) had prolonged remissions (median PFS 44.6 vs 27.4 mos with Rd continuous vs MPT). Early relapse (<12 mos) was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) vs late relapse in Rd continuous (median 27.9 vs 67.5 mos) and MPT (18.7 vs 54.0 mos).Summary/Conclusion:These results highlight the importance of achieving and maintaining a response to frontline Tx to delay relapse. Pts with early relapse had lower ORR and ≥ VGPR rates and poor OS. The predictive factors identified suggest that the individual risk of progression appears to be a combination of disease biology, genetics, and pt‐specific factors and could be used to help optimize Tx strategies to improve outcomes in pts with TNE NDMM.

Predictors of early immunotherapy response in head and neck cancer: Per lesion analysis of a prospective randomized trial with nivolumab.

6041 Background: The capacity for radiation and checkpoint inhibitors to elicit clinical responses is impacted by tumor immunogenicity and the immune microenvironment. We sought to determine whether head and neck primary site and metastatic tumor location was associated with initial response in non-irradiated lesions. Methods: We evaluated response in 144 non-irradiated lesions from 59 patients with metastatic head and neck cancer enrolled on a phase II randomized controlled trial of nivolumab with stereotactic body radiotherapy (n=30) vs. nivolumab alone (n=29). Nivolumab was administered 3 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Radiated lesions were treated with 27 Gy / 3 fractions to a single lesion within 14 days of the first dose of nivolumab. Non-target lesion progression was defined ≥30% increase in the greatest axial diameter 8 weeks after enrollment. Fisher’s exact test with nested bootstrap resampling was used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression with a mixed random effects term was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Primary tumor site, metastatic tumor organ sites, and the unadjusted likelihood of progressive disease by site are listed in the table. On multivariate logistic regression controlling for PD-L1 status (p=0.66) and viral status (p=0.29), lymph node metastases (OR 0.79, p=0.0064) were associated with decreased risk of progression, while liver metastases (OR 1.39, p=0.014) and oral cavity primaries (OR 1.56, p=0.018) were associated with increased risk of progression at 8 weeks, using lung metastases and larynx/hypopharynx primaries as reference. Conclusions: Primary tumor subsite and metastasis location were predictors of response or stable disease following treatment with nivolumab. Metastases from oral cavity primaries and metastases to the liver were at increased risk of early progression. Clinical trial information: NCT02684253. [Table: see text]

WT1 mRNA Expression in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with MDS Yields Additional Prognostic Information within the IPSS-R Risk Categories “Very Low”, “Low” and “Intermediate”

Introduction:The revised version of the International Prognostic Scoring System, (IPSS-R), is an accepted standard for assessing the prognosis of patients with MDS. Its usefulness may be further improved by integrating molecular findings. However, such efforts are impeded by limited access to molecular diagnostics, lack of standardized methodology, and a relatively low frequency of individual gene mutations in MDS. The Wilms' Tumor-1 (WT1) gene is overexpressed on mRNA level in the peripheral blood (PB) in about 50% of patients with MDS. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether PB WT1 expression status yields additional prognostic information.Methods:For this purpose, PB WT1 mRNA expression was measured in 91 newly diagnosed patients with MDS (WHO: MDS del5q, n=7; RARS, n=1; RCUD, n=4; RCMD, n=37; RAEB-I, n=16; RAEB-II, n=23; MDS/MPN unclassifiable, n=3 / IPSS-R: very low risk, n=3; low risk, n=28; intermediate risk, n=27; high risk, n=13; very high risk, n=20), using the Ipsogen® WT1 ProfileQuant® Kit. This standardized, commercially available assay uses a validated cut-off level of 50 WT1 copies/104ABL copies for discrimination between normal and overexpression of WT1 in PB. MDS patients in our study cohort were stratified accordingly (normal WT1 expression with <50 WT1 copies versus overexpression with >50 WT1 copies). WT1 expression status was correlated with clinical parameters and outcome.Results:Overall, 53 MDS patients (58%) showed WT1 overexpression, which correlated significantly with WHO 2008 disease category and IPSS-R risk groups, as indicated by both the absolute WT1 levels (correlation with WHO 2008 type, p=0.0028, and IPSS-R, p=0.0075) and the frequency of WT1-overexpressing patients within the respective MDS subgroup (correlation with WHO 2008 type, p=0.0029, and IPSS-R, p=0.0027). Regarding the entire cohort, patients with elevated WT1 expression had a significantly lower progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to those with normal WT1 expression (p<0.0001 and p=0.0306). Furthermore, within the IPSS-R risk groups ‘very low’, ‘low’ and ‘intermediate’, PFS differed significantly between patients showing normal vs. elevated WT1 expression status (IPSS-R very low/low: median PFS 30.1 months vs. not reached, for WT1 high vs normal, respectively, p=0.0127; IPSS-R intermediate: median PFS 14.4 months vs. 59.5 months, for WT1 high vs. normal, respectively p=0.0240). These differences in PFS retained their prognostic significance in multivariate analysis after adjusting for IPSS-R (HR 0.306; 95% CI 0,156-0,598, p=0.001). However, they did not translate into a difference in overall survival, which was probably due to a relevant number of patients proceeding to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Given the large proportion of patients displaying WT1 overexpression in the IPSS-R high and very high risk groups, it was not surprising that no significant prognostic subdivision by WT1 expression level was seen in these risk categories.Conclusion:Our results show that PB WT1 expression offers additional prognostic information in patients belonging to the IPSS-R risk groups ‘very low’, ‘low’ and ‘intermediate’. Assessment of WT1 expression status at diagnosis is a relatively time and cost efficient method that can be performed without patient discomfort and may help to identify MDS IPSS-R low and intermediate patients at risk for early progression. DisclosuresRautenberg:Celgene: Honoraria. Germing:Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kobbe:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support, Research Funding. Schroeder:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy

We sought to determine clinicopathological factors associated with early progression in men on androgen deprivation therapy as well as cancer specific and overall survival. We also assessed whether certain prostate specific antigen thresholds at androgen deprivation therapy initiation are associated with poorer outcomes. We identified 2,418 men with rising prostate specific antigen after undergoing radical prostatectomy at a single institution between 1987 and 2007 in a prospectively maintained registry. Early progression was defined as clinical progression within 2 years of initiating androgen deprivation therapy. The primary study outcome was cancer specific and overall survival. The risk of early progression while on androgen deprivation therapy was lower for prostate specific antigen doubling time 3 to less than 9 months (OR 0.19) and less than 9 months or longer (OR 0.10, each p <0.001) prior to androgen deprivation therapy. Independent predictors of cancer specific survival were metastatic disease at androgen deprivation therapy initiation (HR 2.60), prostate specific antigen 5 to 50 ng/ml (HR 2.68) and 50 ng/ml or greater (HR 4.33), and doubling time 3 to less than 9 months (HR 0.54) and 9 months or longer (HR 0.45, all p<0.001). Independent predictors of overall survival were prostate specific antigen 5 to 50 ng/ml (HR 3.10) and 50 ng/ml or greater (HR 5.20, each p <0.001). In men in whom androgen deprivation therapy was initiated for relapse after radical prostatectomy prostate specific antigen doubling time less than 3 months and prostate specific antigen 5 ng/ml or greater were adverse prognostic factors for early progression and cancer specific survival. Prostate specific antigen 5 ng/ml or greater also predicted shorter overall survival. Longer doubling time and prostate specific antigen less than 5 ng/ml were associated with lower risk and these men may not require immediate androgen deprivation therapy.

Prognostic factors in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for recurrent prostate cancer: Using absolute PSA and PSA doubling time (DT) to guide timing of ADT initiation.

129 Background: ADT is the first-line treatment for men experiencing recurrence after undergoing radical therapy for prostate cancer. However, timing of ADT initiation is controversial and there are limited data on prognostic factors in patients starting ADT. Methods: We identified consecutive men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer at our institution between 1987 and 2007 and who subsequently received salvage ADT. Early progression on ADT was defined as development of metastatic disease within 2yrs of initiation. The primary outcomes of interest were cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 2418 men were included. Median age at RP was 64yrs and median follow-up was 13.9yrs. 48% and 20% of men had pathologic Gleason scores of 7 and 8-10 respectively. The median PSA was 2.6ng/ml, while 385 men (16%) had metastatic disease at receipt of ADT. Overall, 1060 men (44%) developed clinical metastases, with 625 (59%) of these doing so within 2yrs of starting ADT. On multivariable analysis, longer PSA DT before ADT was associated with lower odds of early progression on ADT (DT 3-9mths, OR = 0.19; DT ≥9mths, OR = 0.10, both p &lt; 0.001). 10- and 20-year CSS were 89% and 70%, and 10- and 20-year OS were 82% and 40% respectively. Independent predictors of lower CSS included metastatic disease at time of ADT (HR = 2.60), PSA at ADT of 5-50ng/ml (HR = 2.68) and &gt; 50ng/ml (HR = 4.33, all p &lt; 0.001), while longer PSA DT was associated with higher CSS (DT 3-9mths, HR = 0.54; DT ≥9mths, HR = 0.45, both p &lt; 0.001). PSA at ADT of 5-50ng/ml (HR = 3.10) and &gt; 50ng/ml (HR = 5.20, both p &lt; 0.001) were independent predictors of OS. Conclusions: PSA DT &lt; 3mths and absolute PSA at ADT initiation of ≥ 5ng/ml are adverse prognostic indicators in men receiving salvage ADT for relapse after RP. For patients with these features, their risk of early progression and death should be part of a discussion about the timing of ADT and consideration given to more aggressive treatment strategies. Conversely, men with biochemical relapse who have longer DT and PSA &lt; 5ng/ml are at lower risk and could make an informed decision to defer ADT initiation.

The impact of body mass index on the risk of early progression of smoldering multiple myeloma to symptomatic myeloma.

8032 Background: Human adipocytes can contribute directly to the in vitro growth and progression of multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. Clinically, an elevated body mass index (BMI) has been associated with an increased risk of MGUS and a shorter time to progression (TTP) of MGUS to MM. However, the impact of BMI on the risk of early progression to MM from a more advanced plasma cell disorder such as smoldering MM (SMM) remains unknown. Methods: This study included patients (pts) with a known or new diagnosis of SMM evaluated at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 2000-December 2010. Pts were classified based on their BMI as: normal (&lt; 25) and elevated (&gt;/= 25) BMI. Progression to symptomatic MM was defined by the development of hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia or lytic bone lesions. Results: There were 306 pts with a diagnosis of SMM who were included in this analysis. The median follow up was 106 months. There were 203 (66%) pts who progressed to symptomatic MM at last follow up. The median BMI of the group was 27.5 (Range: 17.2 – 56.4). There were 228 (75%) pts with an elevated BMI. There were 76 (28%) pts who had myeloma defining events (MDEs) such as a serum free light chain ratio &gt; 100 or &gt; 60% clonal bone marrow plasma cells at initial evaluation. MDEs were present in 17% and 33% of pts with a normal and elevated BMI respectively (P = 0.011). The median TTP of SMM to MM in pts with a normal and elevated BMI was 64 and 36 months respectively (P = 0.0006). The 2-year progression rate of SMM to symptomatic MM in pts with a normal and elevated BMI was 16% and 42% respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). Upon limiting the analysis to only SMM pts without MDEs at initial evaluation (N =187), the 2-year progression rate to symptomatic MM with a normal and elevated BMI was 15% and 33% respectively (P = 0.013). In a multivariable model, only elevated BMI (P = 0.004) and increasing clonal bone marrow plasma cells (P = 0.001) was statistically significant in predicting for a 2-year progression to MM. Conclusions: SMM pts with an elevated BMI appear to have a higher risk of early progression to MM than those with a normal BMI. This study provides evidence of a potentially modifiable risk factor for the progression of SMM to MM and warrants confirmation in larger studies.

Early clinical progression in patients with gynecologic malignancies receiving immunomodulatory antibody therapy.

e17087 Background: The success of immunomodulatory antibodies have led to their increasing investigation in GYN cancers. Many of these patients, however, discontinue the drugs early in treatment due to symptomatic progression, making it challenging to assess clinical benefit and late responses associated with these agents. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics underlying early progression requiring immunotherapy discontinuation in order to better guide patient selection for such trials. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all GYN cancer patients treated with immunomodulatory antibodies at MSKCC between 1/2013 and 6/2016. Patients were defined as early progressors if they had clinical/radiographic disease progression before 12 weeks which required therapy discontinuation. Logistic regression was applied to model the relationship between baseline clinical and radiographic characteristics and early progression. P&lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 74 (71%) with ovarian cancer. Therapeutic targets included CTLA-4 (3%), and PD-1/PD-L1 alone and in combination with other targets (97%). Of these, 55 (52%) met the criteria for early progression requiring therapy discontinuation (median therapy duration 7 weeks, range 1.6-12.1). There was an increased risk for early progression in patients with pre-treatment ascites (p=0.005, OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.7-23.7), and with baseline bulky disease, defined by at least one tumor measuring ≥ 5cm, compared to patients with tumors &lt;5cm (p=0.001, OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.7-9.9). Clinical symptoms/deterioration were the reason for early discontinuation in 35 (64%) of the patients, with symptomatic ascites and abdominal pain as the most common complaints. Conclusions: Symptomatic clinical progression of peritoneal disease leading to early discontinuation of immunomodulatory antibody therapy is common in patients with GYN cancers and is associated with increased pre-treatment disease volume. The extent of peritoneal disease should be taken into strong consideration when selecting GYN cancer patients for trials with immunomodulatory antibody therapy.

Evolving changes in disease biomarkers and risk of early progression in smoldering multiple myeloma.

We studied 190 patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) at our institution between 1973 and 2014. Evolving change in monoclonal protein level (eMP) was defined as ⩾10% increase in serum monoclonal protein (M) and/or immunoglobulin (Ig) (M/Ig) within the first 6 months of diagnosis (only if M-protein ⩾3 g/dl) and/or ⩾25% increase in M/Ig within the first 12 months, with a minimum required increase of 0.5 g/dl in M-protein and/or 500 mg/dl in Ig. Evolving change in hemoglobin (eHb) was defined as ⩾0.5 g/dl decrease within 12 months of diagnosis. A total of 134 patients (70.5%) progressed to MM over a median follow-up of 10.4 years. On multivariable analysis adjusting for factors known to predict for progression to MM, bone marrow plasma cells ⩾20% (odds ratio (OR)=3.37 (1.30–8.77), P=0.013), eMP (OR=8.20 (3.19–21.05), P<0.001) and eHb (OR=5.86 (2.12–16.21), P=0.001) were independent predictors of progression within 2 years of SMM diagnosis. A risk model comprising these variables was constructed, with median time to progression of 12.3, 5.1, 2.0 and 1.0 years among patients with 0–3 risk factors respectively. The 2-year progression risk was 81.5% in individuals who demonstrated both eMP and eHb, and 90.5% in those with all three risk factors.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Impact of the Evolving Pattern on Early Progression

Introduction: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a plasma cell dyscrasia defined by the presence of a monoclonal protein (MP) (≥ 30 g/L in serum or >1g/24-hours in urine) and/or plasma cell bone marrow involvement (BMPC) ≥ 10%, in the absence of symptoms due to the gammopathy. The risk of progression to symptomatic disease in patients with SMM is highly variable. Several biomarkers and prognostic index associated with risk of early progression based on tumoral load (M-protein size and percentage of BMPC), M-protein behaviour (evolving vs. non-evolving) and/or immunological status (heavy chain isotype, isotype suppression of uninvolved immunoglobulins and serum free light-chain (FLC) κ/λ ratio) have been recently identified. The identification of patients at risk for early progression is crucial when considering the current possibility of prompt therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with early progression to multiple myeloma (MM) in patients diagnosed with SMM and long follow-up in a single institution. Methods: Medical records of the 207 patients (76M/131M; median age 65 years, range 33 to 92) diagnosed with SMM (International Myeloma Working Group criteria, 2003) at our institution between January 1973 and December 2012 were systematically reviewed. Progressive increase in the value of MP was defined as when at least 10% increase was observed within the first 6 months from diagnosis when MP was ≥ 30 g/L (Rosinol et al, Br J Haematol. 2003) or progressive increase in MP in each of the annual consecutive measurements during a period of 3 years in patients with an initial MP Results: Sixty-seven patients (33%) accomplished both SMM criteria (MC and BMPCs), while the remaining 140 patients only had one of them. With a follow up of 1,692 years-person, 105 patients had progressed (50.7%) to MM and one case to AL amyloidosis (0.5%). The estimated probability of progression at 2 and 5 years was 19.9% and 44.9% respectively, with a median time to progression (TTP) of 7.3 years (95% CI 3.9 to 10.6). At the time of progression, clinical manifestations were mainly anemia (52%) and skeletal lytic lesions (40%). The presence of renal insufficiency, extramedullary plasmacytomas or hypercalcemia was only identified in 12 patients (5.8%). The median survival after progression was 5 years (95% CI 3.8 to 6.2). Evolving type was recognized in 25% of the patients, and was associated with a probability of progression of 45% and 78.1% at 2 and 5 years and was higher than those with stable MP (HR 4.5; 95% CI 3 to 6.9; p At the univariate analysis the MP size ( Conclusion: In this series of patients with SMM with long follow up, evolving pattern, proportion of BMPCs and the presence of immunoparesis can accurately predict accurately the risk of early progression to symptomatic disease. Evolving type should be routinely monitored during the follow up of patients with SMM, since it is the most significant predictor for early progression. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Impact of the Evolving Pattern on Early Progression

Introduction: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a plasma cell dyscrasia defined by the presence of a monoclonal protein (MP) (≥ 30 g/L in serum or >1g/24-hours in urine) and/or plasma cell bone marrow involvement (BMPC) ≥ 10%, in the absence of symptoms due to the gammopathy. The risk of progression to symptomatic disease in patients with SMM is highly variable. Several biomarkers and prognostic index associated with risk of early progression based on tumoral load (M-protein size and percentage of BMPC), M-protein behaviour (evolving vs. non-evolving) and/or immunological status (heavy chain isotype, isotype suppression of uninvolved immunoglobulins and serum free light-chain (FLC) κ/λ ratio) have been recently identified. The identification of patients at risk for early progression is crucial when considering the current possibility of prompt therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with early progression to multiple myeloma (MM) in patients diagnosed with SMM and long follow-up in a single institution.Methods: Medical records of the 207 patients (76M/131M; median age 65 years, range 33 to 92) diagnosed with SMM (International Myeloma Working Group criteria, 2003) at our institution between January 1973 and December 2012 were systematically reviewed. Progressive increase in the value of MP was defined as "evolving" when at least 10% increase was observed within the first 6 months from diagnosis when MP was ≥ 30 g/L (Rosiñol et al, Br J Haematol. 2003) or progressive increase in MP in each of the annual consecutive measurements during a period of 3 years in patients with an initial MP < 30 g/L (Rosiñol et al, Mayo Clin Proc. 2007). Immunoparesis was defined as any value below normal in not involved immunoglobulins. Bone marrow aspirates obtained at diagnosis were reviewed independently by 2 observers. Plasma cell percentages were estimated from a 500-cell count by each examiner and the mean values were considered.Results: Sixty-seven patients (33%) accomplished both SMM criteria (MC and BMPCs), while the remaining 140 patients only had one of them. With a follow up of 1,692 years-person, 105 patients had progressed (50.7%) to MM and one case to AL amyloidosis (0.5%). The estimated probability of progression at 2 and 5 years was 19.9% and 44.9% respectively, with a median time to progression (TTP) of 7.3 years (95% CI 3.9 to 10.6).At the time of progression, clinical manifestations were mainly anemia (52%) and skeletal lytic lesions (40%). The presence of renal insufficiency, extramedullary plasmacytomas or hypercalcemia was only identified in 12 patients (5.8%). The median survival after progression was 5 years (95% CI 3.8 to 6.2).Evolving type was recognized in 25% of the patients, and was associated with a probability of progression of 45% and 78.1% at 2 and 5 years and was higher than those with stable MP (HR 4.5; 95% CI 3 to 6.9; p<0.001) (Figure 1). Evolving pattern was more frequently associated with IgA isotype (41.2% vs. 23.8%; p=0.02). Negative impact in median TTP of evolving type was significant in patients either with both diagnostic criteria (MP and BMPCs; 1.3 vs. 6.3 years, p<0.001) and in those with only one of them (3.7 vs. not reached; p<0.001).At the univariate analysis the MP size (< vs. ≥ 30 g/L, median 13.4 vs. 3.1 years, p<0.001), the proportion of BMPCs (< vs. ≥ 20%, 17.2 vs. 2.9 years, p<0.001), the presence or absence of immunoparesis (3.9 vs. 16.9 years, p=0.001) and the evolving pattern (19.4 vs. 3 years, p<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher risk of progression. At the multivariate analysis only the evolving type (HR 4.9, 95% CI 2.8 to 8.7, p<0.001), the proportion of BMPCs (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.6, p=0.004) and the presence of immunoparesis (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.6, p=0.042) retained their statistical significance. Considering these last three variables, a model of risk stratification (Figure 2) was built, ranging from a probability of progression at 2 years of 81.8% for patients with the 3 factors present to only 4% for patients in group 4 (no risk factors).Conclusion: In this series of patients with SMM with long follow up, evolving pattern, proportion of BMPCs and the presence of immunoparesis can accurately predict accurately the risk of early progression to symptomatic disease. Evolving type should be routinely monitored during the follow up of patients with SMM, since it is the most significant predictor for early progression. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

MALAT1 long non-coding RNA is overexpressed in multiple myeloma and may serve as a marker to predict disease progression.

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of multiple myeloma involves complex genetic and epigenetic events. This study aimed to investigate the role and clinical relevance of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in multiple myeloma.MethodsBone marrow mononuclear cells were collected for analysis. The samples of multiple myeloma were taken from 45 patients at diagnosis, 61 post-treatment, and 18 who relapsed or had progression. Control samples were collected from 20 healthy individuals. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were performed to evaluate the expression of MALAT1. The clinical relevance of MALAT1 expression was also explored.ResultsMALAT1 was overexpressed in the newly diagnosed patients compared with post-treatment patients (mean ∆CT: -5.54 ± 0.16 vs. -3.84 ± 0.09, 3.25-fold change; p < 0.001) and healthy individuals (mean ∆CT: -5.54 ± 0.16 vs. -3.95 ± 0.21, 3.01-fold change; p < 0.001). The expression of MALAT1 strongly correlated with disease status, and the magnitude of change in MALAT1 post-treatment had prognostic relevance. The patients with early progression had a significantly smaller change in MALAT1 after treatment (mean ∆CT change: 1.26 ± 1.06 vs. 2.09 ± 0.79, p = 0.011). A cut-off value of the change in MALAT1 (∆CT change: 1.5) was obtained, and the patients with a greater decrease in MALAT1 (difference in ∆CT >1.5) had significantly longer progression-free survival compared with the patients with a smaller MALAT1 change (24 months vs. 11 months; p = 0.001). For the post-treatment patients, the risk of early progression could be predicted using this cut-off value.ConclusionsMALAT1 was overexpressed in patients with myeloma and may play a role in its pathogenesis. In addition, MALAT1 may serve as a molecular predictor of early progression.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-809) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-term survival with 90yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan and rituximab as treatment for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

8558 Background: Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are salvaged with high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue. Ibritumomab tiuxetan is an anti-CD20 antibody conjugated to the radionuclide 90yttrium. 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan has demonstrated clinical efficacy in DLBCL with a favorable toxicity profile relative to transplant. Methods: This phase II trial investigated the overall response rate (ORR), event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity of treatment with ibritumomab followed by rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not candidates for transplant. Patients were treated with an initial dose of rituximab (250 mg/m2) followed one week later by ibritumomab (0.4 mCi90Y/kg or 0.3 mCi90Y/kg based on plateles) followed by 4 weekly doses of rituximab (375mg/m2). All non-progressing patients received maintenance rituximab (375 mg/m2) weekly for 4 doses every 6 months for 4 cycles. Results: 25 patients were enrolled. Median age was 79 (range 45-95). 12 of 25 (48%) had stage 3 or 4 disease. 13 (52%) had 2 or more prior regimens. At 12 weeks 5 patients (21%) had a complete response (CR), 3 (13%) a partial response, 2 (8%) stable disease and 14 (58%) progressed for an ORR of 32% (8/25). At best response 7 patients obtained a CR. Median EFS was 2.5 months. Median OS was 8.1 months. No patient who obtained CR later relapsed, with follow up of 18.3-100.1 months. Deaths unrelated to treatment occurred in remission in 5 patients. 2 patients remain free of disease at 67.4 and 100.1 months. 11 (65%) patients had grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, but no significant bleeding was observed. 9 (36%) patients had grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity. Grade 1 and 2 fatigue occurred in 41%. Patients who progressed through a rituximab containing regimen were at high risk of early progression. Conclusions: The ORR of ibritumomab as salvage therapy for DLBCL compares favorably to other regimens with acceptable toxicity. Those patients with disease refractory to rituximab are not likely to benefit. For a subset of patients not candidates for salvage with autologous transplant, this treatment can produce a durable remission. Clinical trial information: NCT00110149.

Phase II trial of temsirolimus alone and in combination with irinotecan for KRAS mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: Outcome and results of KRAS mutational analysis in plasma

Background. Patients with chemotherapy refractory metastatic colorectal cancer and KRAS mutations have no effective treatment option. The present study evaluated the efficacy of temsirolimus in chemotherapy refractory mCRC with KRAS mutations. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate if resistance to temsirolimus could be reversed by the addition of irinotecan. Finally, we analyzed pre-treatment blood samples for KRAS mutations to investigate the association between quantitative measures of KRAS mutated alleles and clinical outcome. Material and methods. Patients received weekly temsirolimus 25 mg until progression. Thereafter patients were treated with combination therapy comprising biweekly irinotecan 180 mg/m2 and weekly temsirolimus. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to quantify the KRAS mutated alleles in plasma (pKRAS). Results. Sixty-four patients were included. Treatment was well tolerated. Thirty-eight percent achieved stable disease on monotherapy and 63% on combination therapy. Four and eight patients had a minimal response, respectively. Median overall survival was 160 days. Median time to progression was 45 and 84 days, respectively. The concordance between KRAS status in tumor and plasma was 82%. All patients with tumor reduction had low levels of pKRAS. Patients with high pKRAS had a 77% risk of early progression on monotherapy compared to 43% in patients with lower levels. Multivariate survival analysis confirmed that pKRAS was a strong prognostic factor. Conclusion. Temsirolimus has limited efficacy in chemotherapy resistant KRAS mutant disease, but plasma KRAS quantification is a strong predictor of outcome.

Investigating the prognostic value of a panel of biomarkers after curative intent resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

211 Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. 80% of tumors are discovered with distant metastasis upon presentation. Of patients eligible for curative intent surgery, the 5-year survival rate is only 20%. Identification of a panel of biomarkers correlated with patient specific prognosis upon diagnosis can serve as a way to individualize treatment options. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzing pathology of patients who underwent curative intent surgery at our institution from 1998-2011 to identify whether the expression patterns of six biomarkers:S100P, Maspin, KOC, CEA, p53, and Ki-67 can be predicative of patient specific prognosis. Tissue microarrays of specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: A total of 62 patients are included. Comparisons between groups on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) are estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Each biomarker was represented as low and high expression by categorizing the expression score at &gt;4, based on intensity and extent of cells stained. 40 deaths occurred in the sample. Distant metastasis and differentiation (well/moderate vs. poor) were borderline related to OS (p=0.0120, p=0.0086). Interestingly, patients with a poor differentiation were less likely to die due to any cause (HR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.82). 29 patients progressed in their disease. High/low KOC expression were significantly related to progression free survival (p=0.0556). Incorporating previously reported data on KOC, patients with a high KOC expression were more than 2 times more likely to progress compared to those with a low KOC expression (HR=2.04, 95% CI: 0.97, 4.29). Conclusions: In our study S100P, Maspin, CEA, p53 and Ki-67 expression patterns were not statistically significant in identifying PFS or OS in PDAC patients. However, our data is suggestive of KOC being a useful prognostic biomarker for identifying those patients with PDAC who have a high risk for early progression and distant metastasis. Larger studies are needed to determine whether KOC can be a therapeutic target in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

KOC (K homology domain containing protein overexpressed in cancer) overexpression and progression-free survival after curative intent resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

48 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Unfortunately, effective screening and early detection mechanisms are currently unavailable, thereby 80% of patients present with distant metastasis. Of the subset of patients eligible for curative intent surgery, the 5-year survival rate is only 20%. Negative surgical margins, tumor size, stage, and node negative disease are traditional prognostic indicators. However, these can be limited in their ability to predict patient specific prognosis. KOC is an oncofetal RNA-binding protein involved in RNA stabilization and cell growth during embryogenesis. Previous studies have revealed that KOC mRNA is inappropriately overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and that increased expression correlates with tumor stage. In this study, we attempt to identify whether KOC expression in patients who undergo curative intent surgery correlates with progression free survival. Methods: Tissue microarrays prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of patients with PDAC who underwent curative intent surgery were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: A total of 35 patients were included. Comparisons between groups on progression free survival are estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. KOC was overexpressed in 23.6% of tumors. It was found that there were zero patients with a high KOC expression and no distant metastasis. Patients with a high KOC expression were more than 3 times more likely to progress compared to those with a low KOC expression (HR=3.54, 95% CI: 1.34, 9.36, p=0.011). Conclusions: KOC is a useful prognostic biomarker for predicting those patients with PDAC who have a high risk for early progression and distant metastasis. Identifying patients with high KOC expression upon initial diagnosis can serve as a way to risk stratify patients to aggressive treatment regimens upfront and early exposure to clinical trials.

Long-term results with oral fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with resectable rectal cancer. A single-institution experience

Neoadjuvant 5-FU-based chemoradiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer (RC) is a standard of treatment. The use of oral fluoropyrimidines and new agents such as oxaliplatin may improve efficacy and tolerance. Between 1999 and 2009, 126 RC patients with T3-T4 and/or N+ disease were given three successive protocols: UFT (32), UFT-oxaliplatin (75) and capecitabine-oxaliplatin (19), alongside 45 Gy of radiotherapy; with surgery 4-6 weeks after. Adjuvant treatment was given in all patients. The primary objective was pathologic complete response (pCR). Preoperative therapy was well tolerated, with no toxic deaths and a 15% grade 3-4 toxicity rate. Eighty-five percent of patients received the full chemotherapy dose, 56% had an abdominoperineal resection, 6% reinterventions and 57% received the full adjuvant chemotherapy planned. The pCR rate was 13%. The downstaging rate was 80%; 8% had progression of disease. The relapse rate was 20%, with local relapse in 6%. By 5 years of followup, 92% of relapses had occurred. Median follow-up was 73 months, 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 50%, and 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 79% and 66% respectively. There was no benefit from the use of oxaliplatin regarding survival or pCR rates. Older patients had worse long-term outcomes. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin is feasible and well tolerated. The risk of early progression is low. However, there was no added benefit with the use of oxaliplatin. There were no relapses in patients with pCR. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear.

Multimodality treatment of pediatric and adult patients with Ewing sarcoma: A single-institution experience.

10082 Background: Treatment of Ewing sarcoma pts. usually follows pediatric protocols, both in children and in adults. However, older patients fare poorly in most series. We analyze our experience with the 2001 protocol of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Oncology. Methods: Retrospective analysis. Schema: 6 cycles (cy) of VIDE chemotherapy (CT: vincristine, ifosfamide, etoposide, doxorrubicin). If no progression, local treatment (surgery or RT) and consolidation adjusted to risk: VACx8 (vincristine, dactinomycin, ciclophosphamyde) in standard-risk pts; if increased risk (axial, complete response in lung metastases or non-pulmonary metastases) VACx1, high-dose CT (busulphan-melphalan) and autologous transplant (ATSP). Analysis: induction CT toxicity, pathological response rates, consolidation treatment, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (Kaplan- Meier). Log-rank and Cox regression analysis of prognostic factors in OS. Results: 35 patients (01.2003-05.2011). 60% male. Median age 16 y (r 7-57). Axial (43%), extremities (34%), extra-osseous (18%) and ribs (9%). Metastases: 54% (lung 58%, bone 26%, others 12%). &gt; 1 location: 29%. Induction CT: 83% received 6 cy. 6% early progressions and 3% toxic deaths. 196 cycles of CT. Dose reduction (etoposide) in 60%. Grade 3-4 toxicity: neutropenia 13%, anemia 14%, neutropenic fever 13%, diarrhoea-stomatitis 7%.Local treatment: surgery (49%), radiotherapy (29%), none (22%). In 17 resections, &gt; 90% necrosis in 53%. Consolidation: VACx8 29%; VACx1-ATSP in 34%; 37% other treatments (progression). No ATSP-related mortality. Median follow-up: 36 m ( 5-101 m). Median DFS 25 m (16-34 m). Median OS 28 m (15-41 m), 3-year OS 40%. Median time to progression 7 m (0.4-15 m). Median OS from progression 7 m (0.4-15 m). Age &lt; 15 years, a non-axial primary and no extra-pulmonary metastases were favourable prognostic factors in the univariate analysis. Conclusions: Induction CT with the VIDE regimen is feasible in most patients, with a low risk of early progression. Hematological toxicity is substantial but manageable. Adults patients have a worse prognosis compared to pediatric patients. Unfortunately, survival after progression is dismal.

Review of molecular diagnostics in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma evolves clinically from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance through smoldering disease, active myeloma with end organ damage to a preterminal phase of extramedullary disease and marrow collapse. The molecular equivalents of such clinical observation can now be defined as genetically dormant, genetic crisis and genetic chaos (popularly termed malignant myeloma). Patients may present for the first time in any one of these stages. Not surprisingly, clinical outcomes for multiple myeloma are variable and the prospects for therapeutic responsiveness are defined by the stage at presentation. We describe here a genetically driven definition of high- and low-risk myeloma and offer guidelines for the adoption of routine diagnostic testing. We define high-risk disease as the presence of t(4;14), t(14;16), deletion 17p13 by FISH or the presence of hypodiploidy or deletion of chromosome 13 by conventional cytogenetics. By default, other patients are not considered high risk. Thus, as a minimum, we recommend routine testing for t(4;14) and 17p13 deletion by FISH and conventional cytogenetics. This classification will identify multiple myeloma patients at high genetic risk for early progression after conventional therapies.

Clinical relevance of erbB-1 and -2 oncogenes in oral carcinomas.

To gain a better understanding of molecular changes in oral squamous cell carcinomas, we tested fresh tumour specimens from 110 patients for erbB-1 and -2 oncogene aberrations using the competitive differential polymerase chain reaction. The significance of established tumour characteristics such as TNM stage, differentiation and oncogene aberrations for tumour progression were analyzed. ErbB-2 amplification with a gene copy number > 1.6 in tumour tissue and erbB-1 deletion with a gene copy number < 0.4 in tumour-surrounding mucosa are of clinical relevance and indicate an early tumour recurrence or metastasis (p < 0.05). In T1/T2 tumours an erbB-2 gene dosage study allows differentiation between tumours with high or low risk for early progression. In a multivariate statistical analysis T stage (p < 0.01) and erbB-2 amplification in tumour material (p < 0.05) were independent prognostic variables.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an astrocytic tumor occurring primarily in childhood and adolescence with some malignant histologic features but a relatively slow clinical course. However, some tumors progress more rapidly and can undergo malignant degeneration. The authors attempted to determine whether various histologic features or tumor cell proliferative indices might help identify lesions at risk for early progression and distinguish PXAs from malignant gliomas. In a retrospective study of 12 patients with PXA, the tumor's histologic features and DNA flow cytometric parameters were compared with their clinical course. DNA flow cytometry values for the S- and G2-phase of the PXAs also were compared with control group samples of malignant and low grade astrocytomas. Of the 12 tumors at initial diagnosis, 5 were considered typical PXAs whereas 7 had some atypical features (4 with paucity of reticulin fibers, 1 with focal necrosis, and 2 with both atypical reticulin and focal necrosis). During the follow-up period (range, 3.75-11 years; mean, 6.8 years), 2 patients had recurrences; 1 atypical reticulin PXA progressed to glioblastoma after 6.5 years and the 1 tumor with focal necrosis recurred at 6 months and again at 2 years with typical histologic features. DNA flow cytometry parameters of the typical PXA group were similar to values for malignant astrocytoma and significantly higher than values for control specimens of low grade astrocytomas. There were no distinctive DNA flow cytometric features that could distinguish this last tumor from others with a more benign clinical course. Measurements of the S-phase and G2-phase obtained from DNA flow cytometry and atypical histologic features cannot reliably identify PXA patients at risk for early progression and overall are significantly higher than values obtained for low grade gliomas. Therefore, frequent (i.e., two to three times per year) postoperative clinical and radiologic examinations are necessary to judge the appropriateness of adjuvant therapy in patients with PXA. The paradox of slow growth but DNA flow cytometry consistent with aggressive malignant lesions may represent a cell-cycle arrest mechanism in these lesions that could be verified in subsequent studies.