Bortezomib-Containing Regimens for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis: A Single-Center Experience

Doxycycline Plus Bortezomib-Containing Regimens for the Treatment of Light-Chain Amyloidosis in the Frontline Setting: Experience from the Amyloidosis Program of Calgary

Background: Pre-clinical and retrospective data suggest that doxycycline added to treatment regimens has benefit in AL amyloidosis. However, a recent multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial in AL amyloidosis patients treated with CyBorD did not demonstrate a progression-free survival (PFS) or cardiac PFS benefit with added doxycycline. Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore the role of doxycycline combined with bortezomib-containing regimens (BCRs) for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients with cardiac involvement and to compare them with a cohort of concurrent patients treated with BCR only. Material and Methods: AL amyloidosis patients, newly diagnosed between January 2012 and March 2022, who were treated with BCR at the Amyloidosis Program of Calgary (APC) were evaluated. Results: Sixty-four concurrent patients were identified. Thirty-nine patients received doxycycline in addition to BCR (BCR-D) for a median of 8 months. The overall response rate was similar among the groups. No significant differences in VGPR/CR, dFLC at 1 month, time to first response, time to best response, or organ responses were noted between the BCR alone and BCR-D groups. Summary and Conclusions: Our retrospective study demonstrated that doxycycline combined with BCR failed to prolong OS, PFS, or cardiac responses compared with BCR alone in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis: a review of the literature

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare disease associated with severe morbidity and mortality. There are three main types of amyloidosis associated with cardiac involvement: light chain (AL), familial or senile (ATTR) and secondary amyloidosis (AA). Cardiac amyloidosis often results in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, may display echocardiographic features of restrictive cardiomyopathy associated with left ventricular hypertrophy or mimic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. However, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and normal wall thickness can sometimes be encountered. Imaging studies (echocardiography, bone scintigraphy, cardiac magnetic resonance) and blood and urine analysis are usually the main tools for the diagnosis. Sometimes, a tissue biopsy may be necessary. Treatment, which is constantly improving, will be carried out on two fronts: treatment of the symptoms and complications that the disease already caused and prevention of additional amyloid deposits while managing the concomitant complications. The purpose of this article is to review the management of cardiac amyloidosis.

Phase 2 trial of ixazomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone for previously untreated light chain amyloidosis

Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor (PI) has shown efficacy in treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed AL amyloidosis, and is often used in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Ixazomib is the first oral PI to be approved in routine practice but has not been evaluated yet in the upfront treatment setting. Newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients with measurable disease and adequate organ function were enrolled. The primary objective was to determine the hematologic response rate of ixazomib in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Treatment was given for 12 cycles, followed by ixazomib maintenance till progression. Thirty-five patients are included; median age was 67; 69% were male. Major organ involvement included heart (66%) and kidneys (54%). A median of 4 induction cycles (range 1-12) were administered. The overall hematologic response to induction was 63% and included complete response (CR) in 11.4% and very good partial response in 37.1% of patients. One patient was upstaged to CR during maintenance. The most common reason for going off study was institution of alternate therapy (61%). With a median follow-up on 29.7 months for the living patients, the 2-year PFS and OS were 74% and 78%, respectively. The median time to alternate therapy was 7.5 months. Grade ≥3 hematological and non-hematological adverse events occurred in 23% and 49% of patients, respectively. Given the favorable toxicity profile, an important advantage for the typically frail AL population, further evaluation of the ixazomib in other combinations in the upfront setting is warranted. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01864018.

Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib and Methylprednisolone (CyBorMe) for the Treatment of AL Amyloidosis: Initial Experience From a Single Center

The use of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD) is widely accepted in the treatment of AL amyloidosis (AL). Recently, the substitution of dexamethasone by methylprednisolone (CyBorMe) appeared to improve response rates and survival outcomes. All consecutive newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis treated with CyBorMe from 01/19 to 08/20 were evaluated. A historic cohort of patients treated with CyBorD was used for comparison (01/13-08/20). Methylprednisolone was given IV at 500 mg weekly for 4 weeks in the CyBorMe group. 43 patients were treated with CyBorD and 14 with CyBorMe. After a median of 4 cycles of CyBorD and 3 cycles of CyBorMe, Hematological Response was seen in 90.6% and 92.8% of cases, including CR in 28.5% and 35.7%, VGPR in 33.3% and 35.7% and PR in 30.9% and 21.4% for CyBorD and CyBorMe, respectively. Time to first response was faster in the CyBorMe group (4 vs. 6 weeks) and cardiac response was observed in 44% and 31% of patients treated with CyBorMe and CyBorD, respectively. CyBorMe appeared to be efficacious and well tolerated in patients with AL amyloidosis. Prospective studies with CyBorMe in the stage III/IV group are warranted aiming to minimize toxicity.

Treatment response measurements and survival outcomes in a cohort of newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis

INTRODUCTION

The assessment of AL amyloidosis response is based on serum free light chains (sFLC) levels, and serum and urine monoclonal protein investigations. Recently, difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLC), involved free light chain (iFLC) and complete response (CR) has been reported as independent predictor of survival and a refinement of the hematological response criteria has been proposed by several groups.

METHODS

In the current study, all consecutive newly diagnosed symptomatic AL amyloidosis patients were evaluated. The primary objective of the study was to assess hematological and organ response after first line of treatment.

RESULTS

A cohort of 76 cases with upfront treatment was used for this analysis. After a median of 3 months post-therapy, hematological response was seen in 88% of cases including CR in 26.3%, VGPR in 38.2% and PR in 23.7%. Median OS was longer in patients with dFLC < 10 mg/L at 3 months, iFLC <20 mg/L at 1 and 3 months, and those achieving CR. Multivariate analysis showed presence of CR as the most important independent prognostic factors for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that maximal sFLC response and CR are potential endpoints to define clinical outcomes. Large collaborative studies are required to validate and optimize response criteria.

Updates in the Diagnosis and Management of AL Amyloidosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is an insidious progressive disease which results in significant morbidity and inevitable mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This review will highlight recent developments and summarize critical clinical points and updated practice changes for the clinician in 2020.

RECENT FINDINGS

Comparative analyses of staging systems, updated prognostic tools, and treatment response criteria now allow for improved patient stratification and treatment decisions; the role of minimal residual disease in response assessment is still being assessed. Clinical and genetic predictors for long-term survivors have been highlighted. Standard-of-care front-line bortezomib and the integration of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies in the relapsed disease have transformed treatment approach in recent years. Various clinical trials in the pipeline include novel anti-plasma cell therapies and therapies directed against amyloid deposits which promise to further advance the treatment landscape. Diagnosis, response assessment, and treatment paradigms for AL amyloidosis have evolved significantly in the past 15 years, translating into superior outcomes and increased chances of long-term survival for AL amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis and 30-Day Outcomes Among Patients With Heart Failure: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Study

BACKGROUND

The burden of amyloidosis among hospitalized patients is increasing over time. However, amyloidosis remains an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure (HF) hospitalization among older adults.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the prevalence and prognostic implications of amyloidosis among patients hospitalized with HF.

METHODS

All hospitalizations for primary diagnosis of HF between January 1, 2010, and August 31, 2015, identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database were categorized into those with and without a secondary diagnosis of amyloidosis. HF hospitalizations with amyloidosis were then matched in a 3:1 fashion to HF hospitalizations without amyloidosis using the year of admission, discharge quarter, age, sex, and Charlson comorbidity index. Primary outcomes were inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between HF with amyloidosis and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1,593,360 HF hospitalizations that met inclusion criteria, 2,846 (0.18%) had HF with a secondary diagnosis of amyloidosis and were matched to 8,515 hospitalizations for HF without amyloidosis. Hospitalizations for HF with amyloidosis were associated with higher prevalence of kidney disease (56% vs. 45%), malignancy (20% vs. 4%), and higher inpatient mortality (6% vs. 3%) as compared with HF without amyloidosis. In adjusted analyses, HF with amyloidosis was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 1.82), 30-day readmission (odds ratio: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.31), and longer mean length of stay (least-squares mean difference: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.80).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients hospitalized with decompensated HF, presence of amyloidosis was associated with higher risk of inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission.

A real-life cohort study of immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis patients ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation due to severe cardiac involvement or advanced disease

Objective: To study the outcome of patients with AL amyloidosis who were ineligible for high dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).Methods: A real-life retrospective observational cohort study of Dutch patients with AL amyloidosis ineligible for HDM and ASCT was performed at the University Medical Center Groningen from January 2001 until April 2017. Primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome measures were hematological response (HR), organ responses, and treatment toxicity.Results: Eighty-four patients were included. Ineligibility was due to NYHA class III/IV (n = 58), otherwise advanced disease (n = 11), advanced age (n = 14), or treatment refusal (n = 1). Early death (<3 months) rate was high (44%). Median OS improved from 4 months in period 2001-2009 (n = 36) to 8 months in period 2009-2017 (n = 48, p = .02). HR was seen in 29%, and 42% of the patients, respectively. Median OS was 36 months after induction treatment with bortezomib (n = 32) and 18 months with immunomodulatory imide drug (IMID) (n = 16), both higher than median OS (7 months) with other regimens (n = 27). Incidence of toxicity was high (51%).Conclusion: OS improved in this high-risk group over the years, especially after introduction of new treatment modalities. However, early death rate remains high, illustrating the need for more effective treatment.

The efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based chemotherapy for immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of bortezomib in the treatment of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is not well defined. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based regimens in patients with AL amyloidosis who are not eligible for or refuse autologous stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify related studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies with 1238 patients were included. The pooled overall response rate (ORR) and complete hematological response rate (CHR) were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67-0.77) and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.30-0.40), respectively. Bortezomib significantly improved the outcome of ORR compared to other regimens (RR 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04-1.57, P = .02). Similar results were observed in CHR (RR 1.90, 95% CI, 1.45-2.50, P < .001) and cardiac response (RR 2.03, 95% CI, 1.31-3.13, P = .002), but not in overall survival (HR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.62-1.09, P = .17). In addition, once-weekly bortezomib was associated with improved overall survival compared with twice-weekly bortezomib (HR 0.52, 95% CI, 0.27-0.99, P = .05). Peripheral neuropathy was the most widely reported adverse event. Incorporation of bortezomib into the standard melphalan + dexamethasone setting showed a trend of increased serious adverse events, though this was not statistically significant (RR 1.29, 95% CI, 0.95-1.75, P = .10).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence indicates that bortezomib-based regimens might be effective and safe therapies for patients with AL amyloidosis. There is a great need to conduct more well-designed randomized controlled trials to provide high-quality evidence.

Lingual liability: macroglossia and dyspnoea as the harbinger of systemic AL (light-chain) cardiac amyloidosis

A 58-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of tongue indentations and discomfort. Otolaryngology treated him for oral thrush with counselling to avoid tongue biting. In addition, the patient reported dyspnoea described as a decrease in tolerance of his physical activities. Due to continued increase in tongue size and worsening dyspnoea, he underwent a tissue biopsy with findings consistent with amyloidosis. Further evaluation with a bone marrow biopsy revealed underlying multiple myeloma. Echocardiography revealed abnormal ventricular wall thickness, with a reduced left ventricular chamber size, dilated atria and Doppler findings with restrictive filling patterns indicative of cardiac amyloidosis. The patient was initiated on chemotherapy for his multiple myeloma and supportive therapy for his cardiac amyloidosis. Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a systemic disease characterised by irreversible deposition of amyloid in tissues throughout the body; when there is cardiac involvement, it can result in heart failure with a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis can lead to prolonged survival.

AL (Light-Chain) Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Review of Diagnosis and Therapy

The amyloidoses are a group of protein-folding disorders in which ≥1 organ is infiltrated by proteinaceous deposits known as amyloid. The deposits are derived from 1 of several amyloidogenic precursor proteins, and the prognosis of the disease is determined both by the organ(s) involved and the type of amyloid. Amyloid involvement of the heart (cardiac amyloidosis) carries the worst prognosis of any involved organ, and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most serious form of the disease. The last decade has seen considerable progress in understanding the amyloidoses. In this review, current and novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis are discussed, with particular reference to AL amyloidosis in the heart.