Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Research Articles

Significance of Salvage Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma: A Nationwide Retrospective Study in Japan

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been employed for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) after up-front ASCT. The present retrospective study aimed to examine the survival benefit from salvage ASCT. Among 446 patients with relapsed MM after up-front single ASCT, 70 patients received salvage ASCT, the employment of which reduced the risk of mortality after relapse (p = 0.041). Using the parameters before initial ASCT, the advantage of salvage ASCT compared to standard therapy was confirmed in the subgroup with an international staging system stage of I or II (p = 0.040), good performance status (PS; p = 0.043), or no/mild renal comorbidity (p = 0.029). The advantage of salvage ASCT was also confirmed in the subgroup excluding those with early relapse within 7 months after initial ASCT (p = 0.026). Among patients who received salvage ASCT, a favorable prognosis is apparent for those with a time to relapse after initial ASCT of longer than 24 months. The overall survival after salvage ASCT was favorable excluding patients with the following factors: early relapse, poor PS, moderate/severe renal comorbidity, and progressive disease (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our results reinforced the evidence for encouraging salvage ASCT for eligible patients.

A Multicenter Open Label Phase II Study of Pomalidomide, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone in Relapse Multiple Myeloma Patients Initially Treated with Lenalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone

A Multicenter Open Label Phase II Study of Pomalidomide, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone in Relapse Multiple Myeloma Patients Initially Treated with Lenalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone

Post-transplant consolidation plus lenalidomide maintenance vs lenalidomide maintenance alone in multiple myeloma: A systematic review.

In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard approach for transplant-eligible patients. To control the inevitable relapse, post-transplant consolidation/maintenance strategies are commonly used. However, the benefit of post-transplant consolidation is still uncertain METHOD: We conducted a systematic review of phase II/III studies to compare the efficacy of post-ASCT consolidation plus lenalidomide maintenance (CON+LEN) vs lenalidomide maintenance alone (LEN alone) in NDMM. A meta-analysis using fixed and random effects models was performed. Fourteen studies were included with 2275 participants with NDMM treated with ASCT and lenalidomide maintenance. Two groups were identified: CON+LEN group (n=1102) and LEN alone group (n=1173). There was no statistically significant difference in the complete response rate between the two groups [RR=1.1; 95% CI: 0.83-1.44; P=.490]. Interestingly, we found that very good partial response or better rate is around 1.5-fold significantly higher in the CON+LEN group compared to LEN alone group [RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.25-1.70; P<.0001]. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding PFS [RR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.92-1.08, P=.929] and OS [RR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.92-1.01; P=.148] at 3-4years follow-up. The risk of secondary primary malignancy (SPM) was also similar between the two groups (RR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.84-1.92; P=.2). Data on adverse events were limited. Our data suggest that, in NDMM patients treated with upfront ASCT, post-transplant consolidation may improve depth of response, but does not add to OS or PFS, compared to lenalidomide maintenance alone. However, data in this context are still immature.

Upfront high-dose chemotherapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation: Potential survival benefit for patients with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

In patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) classified as high-intermediate risk or high risk using the International Prognosis Index, the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy combined with upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) remains controversial in the rituximab era. In the present study, 27 patients who had been treated with HDT/ASCT in an upfront setting were retrospectively analyzed, and compared with 77 patients with similar characteristics who had received conventional chemotherapy without HDT/ASCT (the non-upfront setting). The 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates in the upfront setting were 88.5% (P=0.0134 vs. non-upfront setting) and 68.4% (P=0.113 vs. non-upfront setting), respectively; in the non-upfront setting, the 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 60.8 and 50.6%, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicate that upfront HDT/ASCT in patients with high-risk DLBCL is feasible and may improve the outcome of these patients. It may be beneficial for patients to undergo HDT/ASCT as an early treatment, prior to the development of therapy resistance.

Is Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma the Standard?

Is Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma the Standard?

The role of frontline autologous stem cell transplantation for primary plasma cell leukemia: a retrospective multicenter study (KMM160).

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare and aggressive plasma cell neoplasm, with rapidly progressing clinical course. We evaluated the treatment status and survival outcomes of 69 Korean patients with pPCL. Of them, 59 patients were treated; 15 (25.4%) were treated initially with novel agent-based regimens with upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), 7 (11.9%) with conventional chemotherapy with upfront ASCT, 21 (35.6%) with novel agent-based regimens only, and 16 (27.1%) were treated with conventional chemotherapy alone. Overall response rates after initial therapy were significantly higher in patients treated with novel agent-based regimens compared with those treated with conventional chemotherapies (75% vs. 43.4%, P = 0.026). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 12.2 months and 16.1 months, respectively. The median PFS of the four treatment groups–conventional chemotherapy alone, novel agents alone, conventional chemotherapy with ASCT, and novel agents with ASCT–were 1.2, 9.0, 10.5, and 26.4 months, respectively (P < 0.001); the median OS of the four treatment groups were 2.9, 12.3, 14.1, and 31.1 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median OS was also significantly better in the patients with novel agents with ASCT versus other patients. In a multivariate analysis, an increased lactate dehydrogenase level, low albumin (< 3.5 g/dL), and non-CR after front-line treatment were independently associated with poor PFS and OS. In conclusion, the use of novel agent-based therapy with ASCT and achieving a deep response to front-line treatment are important in expecting improved PFS and OS in patients with pPCL.

The role of stem cell transplant for lymphoma in 2017.

The role of stem cell transplant for lymphoma in 2017.

Prognostic impact of kinetics of circulating plasma cells before and after induction therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients undergoing early transplantation.

8020 Background: Circulating plasma cells (CPCs) at diagnosis, prior to transplant and at relapse have a negative prognostic impact on survival in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the impact of changes in CPCs along the course of illness has not been defined. Methods: We evaluated 247 patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) undergoing early autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the era of novel agents (2007 to 2015), who had serial evaluation of CPCs at diagnosis and pre-ASCT by 6-color flow cytometry. Results: The median age at transplant was 62 years.A total of 117 (47%) patients had no detectable CPCs at both time points (CPC-/-), 82 (33%) had CPCs at diagnosis followed by complete eradication after induction therapy (CPC+/-) and 48 (19%) had detectable clonal CPCs at transplant, with persistence of cells (CPC+/+; n=45) or emergence of new CPCs (CPC-/+; n=3) after induction. The incidence of t(11;14) by iFISH was lower in the CPC-/- group (19%) compared to CPC+/- (29%) and CPC +/+ or -/+ (39%) groups ( p=0.033). Conversely, the incidence of hyperdiploidy was significantly higher in patients with CPC-/-, compared to those with CPC+/- and CPC+/+ or -/+ (64%, 44% and 39% respectively; p=0.005). The rate of post-ASCT stringent complete response was 32% in the CPC-/- group, 30% in CPC+/- group and 12% in CPC+/+ or -/+ group ( p=0.018). At a median follow-up of 58 months from ASCT, the median progression-free survival (PFS) from transplant in the 3 respective groups was 30, 24 and 14 months and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 83%, 70% and 43% ( p&lt;0.001 for both comparisons). On a multivariate analysis, using CPC-/- group as the comparator, PFS and OS was significantly inferior in CPC+/- (RR 1.6; p=0.020 and RR 2.7; p=0.008 for PFS and OS respectively) and CPC +/+ or -/+ groups (RR 2.9; p&lt;0.001 and RR 5.8; p&lt;0.001 for PFS and OS respectively). Conclusions: Clonal CPCs are detectable in more than 50% of newly diagnosed MM patients undergoing upfront ASCT. Monitoring for CPCs before initiation of induction therapy and before ASCT by 6-color flow cytometry is highly predictive of outcome in NDMM and should be incorporated into prospective clinical trials.

The prognostic role of CD68 and FoxP3 expression in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.

The prognostic role of CD68 and FoxP3 in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has not been evaluated. Thus, we examined the prognostic significance of CD68 and FoxP3 expression in tumor samples of 76 newly diagnosed immunocompetent PCNSL patients. All patients were treated initially with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based chemotherapy, and 16 (21.1%) patients received upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation. High expression of CD68 (>55 cells/high-power field) or FoxP3 (>15 cells/high-power field) was observed in 10 patients, respectively. High CD68 expression was associated with inferior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in multivariate analysis (P=0.023 and P=0.021, respectively). In addition, we performed subgroup analysis based on upfront ASCT. High CD68 expression was also associated with inferior OS and PFS in multivariate analysis (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively) among patients who did not receive upfront ASCT (n=60), but not in patients who received upfront ASCT. The expression of FoxP3 was not significantly associated with survival. Therefore, we identified a prognostic significance of high CD68 expression in PCNSL, which suggests a need for further clinical trials and biological studies on the role of PCNSL tumor microenvironment.

Prognostic analysis of DLBCL patients and the role of upfront ASCT in high-intermediate and high-risk patients.

The role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as a frontline treatment in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are in their first remission has not been fully elucidated in the rituximab era. We analyzed 272 DLBCL patients who received 4–6 cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) or R-CHOP followed by ASCT, from January 2005 to June 2013 in our institution. Multivariate analysis showed the none germinal center B cell (non-GCB) subtype (P=0.014, P=0.012) and International Prognostic Index (IPI) (3–5) (P=0.004, P=0.016) were independent unfavorable predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. To investigate the treatment effect of upfront ASCT, we selected 94 high-intermediate and high-risk DLBCL patients who achieved complete remission after R-CHOP, with 41 in the ASCT and 53 in the non-ASCT groups. Survival analysis revealed patients who received upfront ASCT compared with those who did not had better OS (3-year OS: 74.5% vs. 50.4%, P=0.029) or PFS (3-year PFS: 59.6% vs. 32.1%, P=0.004), suggesting up-front ASCT following R-CHOP could improve the outcome of high-intermediate and high-risk DLBCL patients.

Adverse impact of high donor CD3+ cell dose on outcome following tandem auto-NMA allogeneic transplantation for high-risk myeloma.

High-risk (HR) multiple myeloma (MM) has poor outcomes with conventional therapy. Tandem autologous-non-myeloablative (NMA) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)-NMA allogeneic SCT) is potentially curative secondary to graft-versus-myeloma effect. We retrospectively analysed ASCT-NMA allogeneic SCT outcomes of 59 HR and relapsed MM patients. At a median follow-up of 35.8 months, the outcomes for HR-MM upfront tandem ASCT-NMA allogeneic SCT and standard-risk (SR) MM upfront ASCT alone were comparable (median PFS 1166 days versus 1465 days, P=0.36; median overall survival (OS) not reached in both cohorts, P=0.31). The 5-year PFS and OS of patients who had ASCT-NMA allogeneic SCT after relapsing from previous ASCT were 30% and 48% respectively. High CD3+ cell dose (>3 × 108/kg) infusion was associated with more acute GvHD (grade 2-4) (47% vs 17.5%; P=0.03), extensive chronic GvHD (80% vs 50%; P=0.04), increased transplant-related mortality (26.3% vs 5%; P=0.009) and inferior OS (median OS 752 days vs not reached; P=0.002). On multivariate analysis, response achieved with tandem transplant (<CR vs CR vs stringent CR; hazard ratio=5.54, confidence interval=2.67-11.5; P<0.0001) and CD3+ cell dose infused (hazard ratio=1.42; confidence interval=1.21-1.67; P<0.0001) emerged as factors influencing OS. We conclude that tandem ASCT-NMA allogeneic SCT is an effective therapy for HR or relapsed MM and that higher CD3+ doses have an adverse impact on transplant outcome.

POEMS Syndrome: an Enigma.

POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic disorder secondary to an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. By definition, all patients with POEMS syndrome must display polyneuropathy and monoclonal plasma cell disorder. In addition, at least one major criterion (Castleman's disease, sclerotic bone lesions, or vascular endothelial growth factor elevation) and one minor criterion (organomegaly, extravascular volume overload, endocrinopathy, skin changes, papilledema, thrombocytosis, or polycythemia) are required for diagnosis. Treatment is based on extent of the disease. Radiotherapy is used for localized disease. Systemic therapy is required for disseminated disease, with bone marrow involvement by clonal plasma cells, or in patients who progress shortly after radiation. Upfront autologous stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for transplant-eligible patients. Outcomes are typically superior to that of standard myeloma. Herein, using a case vignette, we outline the latest evidence regarding the prognostication and management of POEMS syndrome, with a focus on its relapsing-remitting course.

Outcome of Very Young (≤ 40 Years) Patients with Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis (AL): A Case Control Study

BACKGROUND Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis, with an incidence of approximately 1 case/100,000 person-years. Clinically relevant data with regard to the very young (≤ 40 years) patients (pts) are scant. We present a case-control study of very young pts with AL seen at a single institution. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of all pts with AL who were consecutively evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 01/01/1995 and 12/31/2015. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of very young pts at the time of AL diagnosis (cases) were compared to a 2:1 matched cohort of pts (controls) with AL who were 65 years or older and matched by the time of diagnosis. Upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was defined as transplantation within 6 months of the diagnosis of AL. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to all time-to-event analyses. The average years of life lost was computed by subtracting the mean survival from diagnosis observed in the cohort from the mean survival expected in the population based on life-tables. RESULTS Of 3433 pts with AL, 50 (1.5%) pts were ≤ 40 years of age at diagnosis (cases). Fatigue, peripheral edema, dyspnea and bleeding were less common at presentation in cases compared to controls (table A). The cases were also more likely to have liver or GI involvement (OR= 3.45, 95% CI: 1.6-7.2). Unusual initial clinical features in the cases included unprovoked splenic rupture (2%) and erectile dysfunction (4%) observed 6-15 months prior to the diagnosis of AL in cases; no such features were observed in the control group. The median time between the onset of symptoms and definitive diagnosis was 0.4 years (95% CI: 0.3-0.7) for the cases and 1 year (95% CI: 0.8-1.2) for controls (p 10% BMPCs without active myeloma (AL-PCMM) (p=0.16). Monoclonal light chain involvement without involvement of heavy chain was seen in 23 cases (50%) and 31 controls (32%), (OR= 2.1, 95% CI: 1.04-4.37). The median follow-up was similar for cases and controls, [10.9 years (95% CI: 7.6-12) vs 9.9 years (95% CI 8-14)], respectively. The estimated average years-of-life lost was 8.6 years over 20 years of follow-up in cases, (Figure 1a). In cases, 1 and 10-year overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was 73% and 51%, respectively (median OS 12.7 years; 95% CI: 4.0-NR) while, in controls, 1 year and 10 year OS was 62% and 15% respectively (median OS 2.1 years; 95% CI (1.0-3.6), p<0.001), (Figure 1b). Cardiac involvement was associated with a worse OS in both cohorts, (cases: median OS was 3.2 years with cardiac involvement (95% CI: 0.6-8.7) vs NR (95% CI: 8.0-NR) in those without; p=0.003; controls: median OS was 1.1 years with cardiac involvement (95% CI: 0.53-1.6) vs 4.8 years (95% CI: 3.7-8.1) in those without; p=0.02. Thirty one of 47 (66%) cases were eligible and 20 of 79 (25%) controls were eligible for upfront ASCT. In cases, upfront ASCT was associated with a longer OS. Median OS was NR (95% CI: NR-NR) in pts who underwent upfront ASCT (n=25) vs 4.0 years (95% CI: 0.5-8) in pts who did not, p≤0.0001. For controls, the median OS was 9 years (95% CI: 0.5-11) for pts who underwent upfront ASCT (n=7) vs 1.6 years (95% CI: 1.0-2.8) for pts who did not (n=93), p=0.26. In cases, six (12%) pts underwent solid organ transplantation (kidney 5, heart 1) and none in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS AL amyloidosis is infrequently encountered at the age of ≤40 years, but the loss of productive years of life and the disease burden are substantial in this cohort. A substantial delay in diagnosis from the onset of symptoms was noted in our study in the control population. Cardiac involvement remains a primary determinant of prognosis irrespective to age. Although over one-half of young pts are alive 10 years after the diagnosis (contrast ≈15% ≥ 65 years), early mortality remains substantial irrespective of age. An ASCT-based approach is associated with superior outcome in the young. A greater proportion of the young pts is fitter and ASCT-eligible at diagnosis, and should therefore be offered this approach. ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] Disclosures Dispenzieri: Jannsen: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam: Research Funding. Kumar: Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kapoor: Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. [1]: pending:yes

Rates of Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): A report from the MRDR

Rates of Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): A report from the MRDR

Impact of Post-Transplant Response and Minimal Residual Disease on Survival in Myeloma with High-Risk Cytogenetics

The impact of depth of response and minimal residual disease (MRD) status on survival is not well defined in multiple myeloma (MM) with high-risk (HR) cytogenetics because of the low representation of such patients in clinical trials. We have evaluated the impact of post-transplant stringent complete response (sCR) and MRD status on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 185 consecutive MM patients with HR fluorescence in situ hybridization cytogenetics undergoing upfront autologous stem cell transplantation between 2007 and 2015 in our institution. The median age at transplant was 61 years. Post-transplant sCR was achieved by 42 patients (23%). Patients achieving sCR had a superior PFS (median, 38 versus 21 months) compared with those who did not (P = .002). One hundred three patients (56%) were MRD negative on day 100 by 6- or 7-color flow cytometry. Patients achieving MRD negativity had a superior PFS (median, 26 versus 17 months; P < .001) and superior OS (5-year OS rate, 64% versus 41%; P = .023) compared with MRD-positive patients. In the subgroups with deletion(17p) (n = 84) and those with ≥2 HR cytogenetic abnormalities (n = 32), sCR and MRD negativity did not translate into a superior PFS or OS. In patients with t(4;14) (n = 65), sCR post-transplant led to a trend toward superior PFS and MRD negativity translated into significantly superior PFS and OS. Depth of response and MRD status are important surrogate markers for survival in patients with HR cytogenetics, except in the subgroups with deletion(17p) and ≥2 HR abnormalities, where sCR and MRD negativity post-transplant did not translate into a superior survival.

Significance of salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after up-front ASCT

Significance of salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after up-front ASCT

Outcome of Very Young (≤ 40 years) Patients with Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis (AL): A Case Control Study

BACKGROUND Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis, with an incidence of approximately 1 case/100,000 person-years. Clinically relevant data with regard to the very young (≤ 40 years) patients (pts) are scant. We present a case-control study of very young pts with AL seen at a single institution. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of all pts with AL who were consecutively evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 01/01/1995 and 12/31/2015. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of very young pts at the time of AL diagnosis (cases) were compared to a 2:1 matched cohort of pts (controls) with AL who were 65 years or older and matched by the time of diagnosis. Upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was defined as transplantation within 6 months of the diagnosis of AL. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to all time-to-event analyses. The average years of life lost was computed by subtracting the mean survival from diagnosis observed in the cohort from the mean survival expected in the population based on life-tables. RESULTS Of 3433 pts with AL, 50 (1.5%) pts were ≤ 40 years of age at diagnosis (cases). Fatigue, peripheral edema, dyspnea and bleeding were less common at presentation in cases compared to controls (table A). The cases were also more likely to have liver or GI involvement (OR= 3.45, 95% CI: 1.6-7.2). Unusual initial clinical features in the cases included unprovoked splenic rupture (2%) and erectile dysfunction (4%) observed 6-15 months prior to the diagnosis of AL in cases; no such features were observed in the control group. The median time between the onset of symptoms and definitive diagnosis was 0.4 years (95% CI: 0.3-0.7) for the cases and 1 year (95% CI: 0.8-1.2) for controls (p 10% BMPCs without active myeloma (AL-PCMM) (p=0.16). Monoclonal light chain involvement without involvement of heavy chain was seen in 23 cases (50%) and 31 controls (32%), (OR= 2.1, 95% CI: 1.04-4.37). The median follow-up was similar for cases and controls, [10.9 years (95% CI: 7.6-12) vs 9.9 years (95% CI 8-14)], respectively. The estimated average years-of-life lost was 8.6 years over 20 years of follow-up in cases, (Figure 1a). In cases, 1 and 10-year overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was 73% and 51%, respectively (median OS 12.7 years; 95% CI: 4.0-NR) while, in controls, 1 year and 10 year OS was 62% and 15% respectively (median OS 2.1 years; 95% CI (1.0-3.6), p<0.001), (Figure 1b). Cardiac involvement was associated with a worse OS in both cohorts, (cases: median OS was 3.2 years with cardiac involvement (95% CI: 0.6-8.7) vs NR (95% CI: 8.0-NR) in those without; p=0.003; controls: median OS was 1.1 years with cardiac involvement (95% CI: 0.53-1.6) vs 4.8 years (95% CI: 3.7-8.1) in those without; p=0.02. Thirty one of 47 (66%) cases were eligible and 20 of 79 (25%) controls were eligible for upfront ASCT. In cases, upfront ASCT was associated with a longer OS. Median OS was NR (95% CI: NR-NR) in pts who underwent upfront ASCT (n=25) vs 4.0 years (95% CI: 0.5-8) in pts who did not, p≤0.0001. For controls, the median OS was 9 years (95% CI: 0.5-11) for pts who underwent upfront ASCT (n=7) vs 1.6 years (95% CI: 1.0-2.8) for pts who did not (n=93), p=0.26. In cases, six (12%) pts underwent solid organ transplantation (kidney 5, heart 1) and none in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS AL amyloidosis is infrequently encountered at the age of ≤40 years, but the loss of productive years of life and the disease burden are substantial in this cohort. A substantial delay in diagnosis from the onset of symptoms was noted in our study in the control population. Cardiac involvement remains a primary determinant of prognosis irrespective to age. Although over one-half of young pts are alive 10 years after the diagnosis (contrast ≈15% ≥ 65 years), early mortality remains substantial irrespective of age. An ASCT-based approach is associated with superior outcome in the young. A greater proportion of the young pts is fitter and ASCT-eligible at diagnosis, and should therefore be offered this approach. ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] Disclosures Dispenzieri: Jannsen: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam: Research Funding. Kumar: Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kapoor: Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. [1]: pending:yes

Response at Interim Evaluation Predicts Survival after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Nodal Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma; A Nordic Lymphoma Group Study

Introduction: In the Nordic Lymphoma Group trial NLG T-01, patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell Lymphoma (PTCL) were treated with six courses of CHOEP (up to 60 yrs) or CHOP (61-67 yrs) followed by high-dose chemotherapy (BEAM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). At 5 years median follow-up, the progression-free survival of the trial cohort was 44%. On this background, the NLG-T01 treatment strategy has become the recommended first-line treatment for younger fit patients in the Nordic countries and in the latest ESMO guidelines for PTCL. Despite this intensive approach with up-front ASCT a fraction of patients still relapses. In an attempt to find factors predictive for survival after up-front ASCT we aimed to analyze the impact of radiologic response at the first interim evaluation on long-term survival.Methods: All NLG T-01 patients (TrialP) with "nodal" PTCL, i.e. anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative (ALCL), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL NOS), that actually received the planned ASCT were included. Using national (Sweden and Denmark) or site-specific (Finland and Norway) registries, additional patients (RegP) who received the same treatment schedule, but off-protocol, were identified, and data for these patients was collected retrospectively. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of stem cell reinfusion until death from any cause. The first interim computed tomography (iCT) scan was performed after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Response assessment in the NLG-T-01 trial was based on the 1999 International Working Group criteria for response, which allowed for complete remission unconfirmed and these patients have been grouped with CR in the present analysis. Progressive Disease (PD) was defined as increase of ≥25% of any lesion.Results: Altogether, 132 patients were included in the present study (TrialP n= 92; RegP n=40). The clinical characteristics are presented in the Table. The 5-year OS among all the patients was 58%. Response at iCT was CR, partial remission (PR) and SD in 44%, 53% and 3% respectively. Of the four patients with SD at iCT, all four patients attained PR after completing six cycles of chemotherapy prior to ASCT. Kaplan-Meier estimates for OS are illustrated in the Figure and the 5-year OS was identical, 61%, for patients in CR and PR but 0%for patients with SD. Using log-rank comparisons patients achieving SD at iCT had a significantly worse survival compared to patients with CR or PR (p=.01).Discussion: This study is to our knowledge the first to analyze whether interim treatment response can predict long-term OS in "nodal" PTCL patients treated with CHOEP or CHOP consolidated by up-front ASCT. Patients with SD after three cycles of chemotherapy had a very poor survival compared to patients with PR or CR. This was an expected finding, and it confirms the importance of chemo-sensitive disease as a necessary pre-requisite in order to benefit from up-front high-dose consolidation. Using CT, there was no survival difference between patients with CR or PR at the first interim evaluation. A larger cohort might reveal further differences in subgroups, particularly if PET/CT based remission evaluation should confirm itself as a useful tool also in nodal PTCL. At present our study indicates that failure to achieve PR after three cycles of CHOEP/CHOP identifies patients at high risk of relapse/progression that are in need of a different therapeutic strategy than continuing with CHOEP/CHOP towards an ASCT. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresMannisto:Gilead: Other: Travel expenses; Celgene: Other: Travel expenses; Novartis: Other: Travel expenses; Amgen: Other: Travel expenses; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses; Roche: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses; Pfizer: Honoraria; SOBI: Honoraria.

Intensification Therapy with Bortezomib-Melphalan-Prednisone Versus Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: An Intergroup, Multicenter, Phase III Study of the European Myeloma Network (EMN02/HO95 MM Trial)

▪BackgroundThe role of upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for younger patients with newly diagnosed (ND) multiple myeloma (MM) has been questioned in the novel agent era.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, phase III study was designed to compare (first randomization, R1) (1:1 ratio; stratification according to ISS stage) four 42-day cycles of bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) given at the same dosing schedule reported in the VISTA study (NEJM 2008; 359:906-17) vs either a single course or two sequential courses of melphalan at 200 mg/m2 (HDM) followed by single or double ASCT, respectively, as intensification therapy after three to four 21-day cycles of induction therapy with bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone and subsequent collection of peripheral blood stem cells. A second randomization (R2) to consolidation therapy with bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone vs no consolidation was performed after intensification, to be followed by lenalidomide maintenance until progression or toxicity in both arms. A primary study end point was progression-free survival (PFS) from R1.ResultsFrom February 2011 to April 2014, 1510 patients aged ≤65 years with symptomatic NDMM were registered. Of these, 1192 were eligible for R1 and were randomly assigned to receive either VMP (n=497 patients) or HDM (1±2 courses) (n=695 patients). Median age was 58 years in both groups, ISS stage III was 21% in VMP and 20% in HDM, while revised ISS stage III was 9% in both groups. Data on cytogenetic abnormalities, as detected by FISH analysis of CD138+ plasma cells, were available in 71% of patients (n=354) randomized to VMP and in 76% of those (n=529) assigned to HDM. The frequency of conventionally defined high-risk cytogenetic changes, including t(4;14) and/or del(17p) and/or t(14;16), was 25% in both arms. Median follow-up from R1 was 26 (IQR: 19-37) months. On an intention-to-treat basis, median PFS was 44 months in the VMP arm and was not yet reached in the HDM arm; 3-year estimates of PFS were 57.5% and 66%, respectively (HR=0.73; 95% CI=0.59-0.90; P=0.003). PFS benefit with HDM was retained across predefined subgroups, including patients with ISS stage I (HR=0.69; CI=0.48-0.98; P=0.037), revised ISS stage II (HR=0.70; CI=0.54-0.91; P=0.008), revised ISS stage III (HR=0.54; CI=0.30-0.97; P=0.040), standard-risk cytogenetics (HR=0.75, CI=0.56-1.01; P=0.055) and a high-risk cytogenetic profile (HR=0.54; CI=0.37-0.80; P=0.002). The probability of achieving a very good partial response or higher quality response was 85.5% in the HDM group vs 74% in the VMP group (odds ratio=1.90; CI=1.42-2.54; P<0.001). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis stratified by ISS, randomization to HDM (HR=0.67; CI=0.53-0.85; P=0.001) and absence of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (0.71; CI=0.53-0.95; P=0.021) were the leading independent predictors of prolonged PFS. Overall survival was not yet mature and no difference between the two treatment groups was evident. Detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) after intensification therapy was performed by multiparameter flow cytometry and PET/CT in a subgroup of patients, and details are provided in a separate abstract (E. Zamagni et al). Overall, MRD negativity favorably affected PFS and OS.ConclusionsIn comparison with VMP as standard-dose intensification therapy, upfront HDM and ASCT significantly improved PFS and increased the rate of high quality responses. An updated analysis with a longer follow-up will be reported at the meeting. Results of this phase III study, the largest so far reported, support the conclusion that upfront ASCT still continues to be the reference treatment for fit patients with NDMM, even in the novel agent era. DisclosuresCavo:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria. Beksac:Celgene, Janssen Cilag Amgen, Novartis, Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Dimopoulos:Genesis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gay:Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Advisory Board; Janssen-Cilag: Other: Advisory Board; Mundipharma: Other: Advisory Board. Hájek:Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; BMS: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Mellqvist:Mundipharma: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Galli:Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Sigma-tau: Honoraria. Ludwig:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Zweegman:Janssen: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Palumbo:Janssen Cilag: Honoraria; Takeda: Employment, Honoraria.

Practice Patterns of Re-Initiation of Therapy at Time of Relapse or Progression Post- Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) Among Patients with AL Amyloidosis

Background: Among patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, there is little consensus on when reinstitution of chemotherapy should occur (Milani and Dispenzieri, International Society of Amyloidosis 2016). AL amyloidosis patients who are treated with high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) are a relatively low-risk and homogenous population, making them an ideal group to study practice patterns.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the patterns of relapse or progression and the timing of re-initiation of therapy among 146 patients who were initially treated with ASCT at Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2009 and who received second-line therapy between 7/9/1997 and 4/12/2012.Results: The median time from ASCT to second-line therapy was 23.6 months and the median follow up post ASCT was 57.5 months. The indications for second-line treatment were: 1) both hematologic and organ progression 24.7% (36 patients); 2) organ progression only 41.1% (60); 3) hematologic relapse only 34.2% (50). The median dFLC at the time of starting second-line therapy was 10.5 mg/dL (1.6 - 59.5 mg/dL), which was 44.9% (13.8-167.2%) of dFLC level at diagnosis. Increase in proteinuria by > 50% from nadir (that was also at least 1g/24 hours, i.e. renal progression) was present in 35.8%. Increase in NT proBNP by >30% from nadir and minimum of 300 pg/mL was present in 48.9% of patients. The respective 4 years overall survival rates from the time of ASCT were 87.8%, 63.9%, and 56.7% (p=0.0016) for patients who had hematologic relapse, organ progression only and both organ and hematologic progression. Comparisons of laboratory markers at diagnosis, nadir of post ASCT and initiation of second-line therapy are listed in the table.Conclusions: Our study investigated the patterns of relapse / progression following upfront ASCT. This provides some insights on practice patterns of when physicians re-initiate therapy. [Display omitted] DisclosuresGertz:NCI Frederick: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Med Learning Group: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Research to Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding; Prothena Therapeutics: Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria; Sandoz Inc: Honoraria; Ionis: Research Funding; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Annexon Biosciences: Research Funding. Kumar:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Jannsen: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.