1q21 gain but not t(4;14) indicates inferior outcomes in multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib

De novo abnormalities identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization during follow-up confer poor prognosis in Chinese multiple myeloma

Background

Although there is evolving consensus to re-evaluate cytogenetic features during follow-up in multiple myeloma (MM), longitudinal studies on cytogenetic evolution in Chinese MM patients are still lacking. Our aim was to highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring of cytogenetic characteristics and shed light on the implications of clonal evolution in Chinese MM patients.

Patients and methods

The clinical data of 230 MM patients were retrospectively analyzed, including 100 patients were continuously monitored for cytogenetic abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

49 out of 100 patients acquired de novo FISH abnormalities during follow-up, which were associated with disease progression (p = 0.003) and inferior progression free survival (PFS) (median 31 vs. 51 months, p = 0.032). Patients with ≥2 de novo FISH abnormalities had poorer PFS (median 24 vs. 45 months, p = 0.003) when compared to those with l or no de novo FISH abnormality. Patients who acquired new abnormalities within 31 months since diagnosis had significantly worse PFS (median: 20 vs. 41 months, p < 0.001) and Overall Survival (OS) (median: 61 vs. 100 months, p = 0.008) compared to those who acquired new abnormalities after 31 months. When gain/amp 1q21, del(17p), t(4;14), and t(14;16) were classified as high risk abnormalities (HRA), patients with ≥2 HRA had a shorter PFS (median 28 vs. 49 months, p = 0.038) and OS (median 75 vs. 107 months, p = 0.040) when compared to those without HRA.

Conclusion

Re-evaluation of cytogenetic characteristics by serial FISH tests is important in MM patients. De novo FISH abnormalities during follow-up are adverse prognostic factors, especially when ≥2 new FISH anomalies and acquired new abnormalities within 31 months since diagnosis are presented, and the presence of ≥2 HRA during the disease process are associated with poor survival in Chinese MM patients.

Impact of bortezomib on 1q21+ in multiple myeloma: A meta-analysis of treatment outcomes and prognostic implications

The gain of chromosomal region 1q21 is a significant risk factor in multiple myeloma (MM) and is associated with poor prognosis. The introduction of bortezomib has notably improved outcomes for patients with MM. However, recent studies have reported conflicting results regarding the efficacy of bortezomib in mitigating the adverse effects of 1q21 aberration in these patients. To address this, in the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted based on 6 studies encompassing 1,575 patients with MM. The prognosis of patients with 1q21+ who underwent treatment with a bortezomib-based regimen was evaluated in terms of complete response (CR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates. The results demonstrated that patients with 1q21 aberration were more likely to achieve CR than those without 1q21+ under bortezomib-based treatment [odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.49-0.83; P=0.0008]. However, 1q21+ remained a high-risk factor in patients with MM even after bortezomib treatment [PFS: hazard ratio (HR), 1.72; 95% CI, 1.53-1.93; P<0.00001; and OS: HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.58-2.42; P<0.00001]. In conclusion, although bortezomib improved the likelihood of achieving CR in patients with 1q21+, this genetic aberration continues to be considered a high-risk factor in patients with MM treated with a bortezomib-based regimen.

Chromosome 1q21 Aberrations Are Poor Prognostic Factors for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients

BACKGROUND

Chromosome 1q21 aberrations are one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, the prognostic value remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of numerical abnormalities of chromosome 1q21 for newly diagnosed patients with MM patients in Chinese population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 629 patients with newly diagnosed MM who received the detection of chromosome 1q21 by fluorescence in situ hybridization in China.

RESULTS

Among 629 patients, 309 (49.1%) had 1q21 abnormalities, of which 187 (29.7%) had three copies and 122 (19.4%) had four or more copies. Patients with two copies of 1q21 had a significantly longer median overall survival (OS) than those with three copies or ≥4 copies and also had longer progression-free survival (PFS). However, patients with three or ≥4 copies had similar OS and PFS. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses determined that 1q21 aberrations are associated with shorter OS and PFS. 1q21 aberrations are also independent poor prognostic factors for OS and PFS in multivariable analyses. Del(17p), t(4;14), and t(14;16) are common high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) in patients with MM. Patients with 1q21+ alone or 1q21+ combined with HRCAs had shorter OS and PFS than patients without cytogenetic abnormalities. Patients with 1q21+ and t(11;14) also had shorter PFS but had similar OS than patients without cytogenetic abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that chromosome 1q21 aberrations are poor prognostic factors for newly diagnosed patients with MM.

Efficacy of daratumumab in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with 1q21 gain

BACKGROUND

Gain and amplification of 1q21 (1q21+) are adverse chromosomal aberrations of multiple myeloma (MM) that lead to refractoriness to a variety of therapies. While it is known that daratumumab, an anti-cancer monoclonal antibody, cannot overcome the disadvantage of 1q21+in relapsed/refractory MM patients, its benefit in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients with 1q21+has not been clarified.

PATIENTS

We retrospectively evaluated 11 (55%) 1q21+patients (3 copies: 6, > 4 copies: 5) among 20 NDMM patients (median age, 74 years) who received daratumumab-containing regimens at Shibukawa Medical Center from October 2019 to October 2022.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 82% for patients with 1q21+and 78% for patients without 1q21+. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were not reached in either group. Neither 1q21 copy number nor co-existence of other high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities significantly affected PFS or OS.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data suggests that outcomes of daratumumab treatment in NDMM 1q21+patients might be non-inferior to those in non-1q21+patients.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals the evolutionary biology of minor clone of gain/amp(1q) in multiple myeloma

Growing evidence suggests that gain or amplification [gain/amp(1q)] accumulates during disease progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Previous investigations have indicated that small gain/amp(1q) subclones present at the time of diagnosis may evolve into dominant clones upon MM relapse. However, the influence of a minor clone of gain/amp(1q) on MM survival, as well as the correlation between different clonal sizes of gain/amp(1q) and the chromosomal instability (CIN) of MM, remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results of 998 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients. 513 patients were detected with gain/amp(1q) at diagnosis. Among these 513 patients, 55 had a minor clone (≤20%) of gain/amp(1q). Patients with a minor clone of gain/amp(1q) displayed similar survival outcomes compared to those without gain/amp(1q). Further analysis demonstrated patients with a minor clone of gain/amp(1q) exhibited a clonal architecture similar to those without gain/amp(1q). Lastly, our results showed a significant increase in the clonal size of the minor clone of gain/amp(1q), frequently observed in MM. These findings suggested that a minor clone of gain/amp(1q) might represent an earlier stage in the pathogenesis of gain/amp(1q) and propose a "two-step" process in the clonal size changes of gain/amp(1q) in MM.

The numerous facets of 1q21+ in multiple myeloma: Pathogenesis, clinicopathological features, prognosis and clinical progress (Review)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the clonal proliferation of abnormal plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow and recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. The incidence of MM worldwide is on the rise. 1q21+ has been found in ~30-40% of newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients.1q21+ is associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease progression and drug resistance in MM. In the present review, the pathogenesis and clinicopathological features of MM patients with 1q21+ were studied, the key data of 1q21+ on the prognosis of MM patients were summarized, and the clinical treatment significance of MM patients with 1q21+ was clarified, in order to provide reference for clinicians to develop treatment strategies targeting 1q21+.

Development and validation of an individualized and weighted Myeloma Prognostic Score System (MPSS) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Current standard predictive models of disease risk do not adequately account for the heterogeneity of survival outcomes in patients with new-diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). In this retrospective, multicohort study, we collected clinical and genetic data from 1792 NDMM patients and identified the prognostic impact of all features. Using the top-ranked predictive features, a weighted Myeloma Prognostic Score System (MPSS) risk model was formulated and validated to predict overall survival (OS). In the training cohort, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH), International Staging System (ISS) Stage III, thrombocytopenia, and cumulative high-risk cytogenetic aberration (HRA) numbers were found to have independent prognostic significance. Each risk factor was defined as its weighted value respectively according to their hazard ratio for OS (thrombocytopenia 2, elevated LDH 1, ISS III 2, one HRA 1, and ≥2 HRA 2, points). Patients were further stratified into four risk groups: MPSS I (22.5%, 0 points), II (17.6%, 1 points), III (38.6%, 2-3 points), and IV (21.3%, 4-7 points). MPSS risk stratification showed optimal discrimination, as well as calibration, of four risk groups with median OS of 91.0, 69.8, 45.0, and 28.0 months, for patients in MPSS I to IV groups (p < .001), respectively. Importantly, the MPSS model retained its prognostic value in the internal validation cohort and an independent external validation cohort, and exhibited significant risk distribution compared with conventional prognostic models (R-ISS, R2-ISS, and MASS). Utilization of the MPSS model in clinical practice could improve risk estimation in NDMM patients, thus prompting individualized treatment strategies.

The Importance of FISH Signal Cut-off Value and Copy Number Variation for 1q21 in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Is it Underestimated?

BACKGROUND

The cut-off value for gain/amplification of 1q21(1q21+) was 20% according to the recommendations of the European Myeloma Network and there were limited studies concerning less than 20%. Meanwhile, the copy number variation of 1q21+ remains controversial. Our purpose was to evaluate the significance of clone size and copy numbers of 1q21+ in Chinese newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 161 consecutive NDMM patients who were tested for common cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis by fluorescence in-situ hybridization and 5% was set for the threshold for 1q21+ by a comparative study.

RESULTS

Ninety-six (59.6%) patients were determined for 1q21+ by fluorescence in-situ hybridization including 38 had ≥4 copies. In clone size analyses, the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) in <5% group was superior in comparison with 5% to 20% (65.2% vs. 47.0%, P = .041) and >20% group (65.2% vs. 37.5%, P < .001), whereas there was no significant difference between the 2 latter groups. Patients with ≥ 4 copies of 1q21 had inferior 2-year PFS compared to patients with 3 copies (23.3% vs. 50.6%, P = .028) and 2 copies (23.3% vs. 65.2%, P < .001). Bortezomib-based treatment might benefit the PFS for patients with 3 copies but could not improve the adverse effect of ≥ 4 copies. 1q21+ was an independent risk factor for inferior PFS and OS in multivariate analysis (P < .001 and P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that 5% was a reliable cut-off value for 1q21+, and 1q21+ was an adverse prognostic factor in NDMM, especially when ≥ 4 copies were present.

[Influence of the number of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities on the clinical characteristics and prognosis in 360 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma]

Objective: To investigate the influence of the number of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCA) on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: A total of 360 patients with newly diagnosed MM admitted to Jiangsu Province Hospital between November 2013 and September 2020 were included in this study. Cytoplasmic light chain immunofluorescence with fluorescence in situ hybridization (cIg-FISH) was used to detect HRCA. Cytogenetic abnormalities were combined with clinical characteristics and outcomes for further analysis. Results: Among the 360 patients, 120 patients (33.3%) presented with no HRCAs, and 175 (48.6%) , 61 (16.9%) , and four (1.1%) patients had one, two, and three HRCA (s) , respectively. Patients were divided into three groups, including the no-HRCA group, one-HRCA group, and ≥two-HRCA group, according to the number of HRCAs. There were significant differences in the R-ISS stage, hemoglobin level, albumin level, and the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells among the three groups (P<0.05) . The COX proportional-hazards model identified extramedullary disease (P=0.018) , HRCA ≥ 2 (P=0.001) , and absence of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P<0.001) as independent risk factors for progression free survival (PFS) and identified lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level ≥ 220 U/L (P<0.001) , HRCA ≥2 (P=0.001) , and absence of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P=0.005) as independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) . The median PFS was 28 months, 22 months, and 14 months (P=0.005) for the three cohorts, and their OS was not reached,60 months, and 30 months (P=0.001) , respectively. Conclusions: HRCA ≥ 2 is an independent risk factor for decreased survival in patients with newly diagnosed MM. More HRCAs result in heavier tumor burden, as well as a higher risk of disease progression and death.

The impact of bortezomib-based induction in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with chromosome 1q21 gain

Introduction:

Bortezomib has been reported to favourably impact the outcomes of t(4;14) and del(17p) in multiple myeloma (MM), but its impact on gain 1q (+1q) is unknown.

Methods:

To address this, 250 patients treated with bortezomib-based induction were analysed. All myeloma samples had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) performed on CD138-sorted bone marrow aspirate, and plasma cells were analysed using DNA probes specific for the following chromosomal aberrations: del(13q14), del(17p), t(14;16), t(4;14), and +1q. Presence of +1q was defined as the presence of at least three copies of 1q21 at the cut off level of 20% of bone marrow plasma cells.

Results:

+1q identified in 167 (66.8%) and associated with t(4;14) and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). +1q was not associated with response rate but shorter event-free survival (EFS) (median EFS 35 vs 55 months, p = 0.05) and overall survival (OS) (median OS 74 vs 168 months, p = 0.00025). Copy number and clone size did not impact survival. Multivariate analysis showed +1q was an independent adverse factor for OS together with International Staging System (ISS)3, high LDH, del(17p) and t(4;14). When a risk score of 1 was assigned to each independent adverse factor, OS was shortened incrementally by a risk score from 0 to 4. Post-relapse/progression survival was inferior in those with +1q (median 60 vs 118 months, p = 0.000316). Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) improved OS for those with +1q (median OS 96 vs 49 months, p = 0.000069).

Conclusion:

+1q is an adverse factor for OS in MM uniformly treated with bortezomib-based induction but was partially mitigated by ASCT. A risk scoring system comprising +1q, LDH, high-risk FISH, and ISS is a potential tool for risk stratification in MM.

Amp 1q21 is more predictable with dismal survival than gain 1q21 of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in real-world analysis

Introduction

The gain/amplification (amp) of 1q21 is one of the most common high‐risk chromosome abnormality (HRCA) in multiple myeloma (MM). The prognostic value of 1q21+ remains to be controversial on the status of gain or amp and the combination of other HRCAs.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 318 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients who had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data and treated with novel agents in our department.

Results

Our study noted MM patients with amp 1q21 were more likely accompanied with t(4;14), t(14;16), and t(14;20). Patients with amp 1q21 presented with elder age, advanced Revised International Staging System (R‐ISS) stages, anemia, and more plasma cells in bone marrow compared to patients with gain 1q21 alone and no 1q21+. Moreover, amp 1q21 alone correlated with shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (22.8m vs. 40.5m vs. 39.6m) and overall survival (OS) (45.2m vs. NA vs. 83.5m) compared with gain 1q21 alone and no FISH abnormalities. Although the high ratio of proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drugs used in patients with amp 1q21, the overall response (ORR) was the lowest compared with no 1q21+ and gain 1q21. Multivariate analysis defined amp 1q21 as an independent prognostic marker for NDMM patients, rather than gain 1q21.

Conclusion

The amp 1q21 predict inferior treatment response and survival, especially coexisted with high‐risk IgH translocation.

At least two high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities indicate the inferior outcomes for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a real-world study in China

We retrospectively studied the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities in 328 consecutive newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) included del (17p), amp/gain (1q21), t(4;14), and t(14;16). We defined a standard-risk group by the absence of HRCA, an intermediate-risk group with one HRCA, and a high-risk (HiR) group with at least two HRCAs. The HiR group constituted 14.3% of patients and was associated with a median overall survival (OS) of 28.6 months and progression-free survival (PFS) of 14.0 months. Moreover, the HiR group predicted poor outcomes for OS and PFS in multivariate analyses, and bortezomib prolongation to nine cycles could not bring additional benefit to this entity, suggesting the necessity of more effective therapies for these patients. Furthermore, we confirmed the independent prognostic impact of amp 1q21 in this real-world study.

Outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma harboring chromosome 1q gain/amplification in the era of modern therapy

Chromosome 1q gain/amplification (1q +) has been reported to be associated with inferior outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Big therapeutic advances have shifted the treatment landscape by introducing monoclonal antibodies. There is a relative lack of data on outcomes in patients harboring this alteration in the era of monoclonal antibodies. Baseline characteristics and therapy-related data from newly diagnosed MM patients harboring 1q + detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were collected in a single institution. Among 34 identified subjects, the presence of elevated LDH was found to be associated with shorter overall survival (OS), and increased bone marrow plasma cell percentage (≥ 60%) was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS). 1q + copy number more than three was associated with both shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, the administration of lenalidomide was associated with superior OS. The use of autologous stem cell transplantation, bortezomib, or daratumumab, was found to have no prognostic benefits in our sample. Lenalidomide may be an optimal therapeutic choice for this population, and future larger studies are warranted to confirm this benefit and further investigate the role of monoclonal antibodies in this subpopulation.

Clonal phylogeny and evolution of critical cytogenetic aberrations in multiple myeloma at single cell level by QM-FISH

Single-cell analysis is of significant importance in delineate the exact phylogeny of subclonal population and in discovering subtle diversification. So far studies of intratumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution in multiple myeloma (MM) were largely focused at the bulk tumor population level. Here, we performed quantitative multi-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization (QM-FISH) in 129 longitudinal samples of 57 MM patients. All the patients had newly-diagnosed and relapsed paired samples. An expanded cohort of 188 MM patients underwent conventional FISH (cFISH) to validate the cytogenetic evolution in bulk tumor level. 43 of 57 patients (75.4%) harbored three or four cytogenetic clones at diagnosis. We delineated the phylogeny of subclonal tumor population and derived the evolutionary architecture in each patient. Patients with clonal stabilization had a significantly improved OS than those with other evolutionary patterns (median OS, 71.2 vs. 39.7 vs. 35.2 vs. 25.5 months, for stable, differential, branching and linear patterns, respectively, p=0.001). Besides, a high degree of consistency and complementarity across QM-FISH and cFISH was observed in evaluation of cytogenetic evolution pattern in MM. Survival after relapse were greater influenced by the presence of high-risk aberrations at relapse (hazard ratio =2.07) rather than present at diagnosis (hazard ratio=1.55). This study shows that QM-FISH is a valuable tool to elucidate the clonal architecture at single cell level. Clonal evolution pattern is of prognostic significance, highlighting the need for repeated cytogenetic evaluation in relapsed MM.

Risk factors in multiple myeloma: is it time for a revision?

Although therapeutic strategies have been adapted to age and comorbidities for a long time, almost all multiple myeloma (MM) patients currently receive similar treatment, whatever their disease risk category. However, high-risk MM patients still constitute an unmet medical need and should benefit from the most efficient drug combinations. Herein, we review and discuss how to optimally define risk and why a revision of the current definition is urgently needed.

Presence of t(11;14) in AL amyloidosis as a marker of response when treated with a bortezomib-based regimen

The proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, has become a backbone for the first line treatment of patients with AL amyloidosis who are not eligible for high dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation. The presence of t(11;14), seen in up to 40-60% of patients with AL amyloidosis, may be associated with poorer response when treated with bortezomib based regimens. This remains a critical distinction in light of recent evidence demonstrating favourable responses to BCL-2 inhibition with venetoclax in patients with t(11;14) in multiple myeloma. We report on 135 patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis treated with a bortezomib-based regimen as first line therapy between 2013 and 2017. Treatment outcomes were compared between a cohort of patients with t(11;14) and those without the translocation. Forty-four patients had the presence of t(11;14). Five-year overall survival was 46% for those with t(11;14) and 72% in patients without this translocation (p = .026). The median haematologic event free survival was 17 months for patients with t(11;14) compared to 34 months without (p = .068). Haematologic response of VGPR or better was achieved in 41% of patients with t(11;14) vs 66% without t(11;14) (p = .012). Cardiac and renal responses to first line treatment with bortezomib-based regimens were also higher in patients without t(11;14). In conclusion, patients with AL amyloidosis and the presence of t(11;14) have inferior outcomes with respect to survival, as well as haematologic and organ responses, when treated with bortezomib-based regimens as first line therapy.

Risk and Response-Adapted Treatment in Multiple Myeloma

Simple Summary

Therapeutic strategies in multiple myeloma have been adapted only to age and comorbidities for a long time. Given the currently available therapeutic and technologic arsenal, the time may have come to refine this adaptation. First, high-risk patients should benefit from the most intensive and efficient combinations from diagnosis. Here, we review these different strategies and how to define and identify high-risk myeloma patients in current clinical practice. In addition, the advent of technologies detecting minimal residual disease gives us this opportunity to define the quality of response to treatment with an unpreceded sensitivity and adapt treatment accordingly. Finally, even if molecular targeting is still nascent in myeloma, some molecular features are interesting to detect at relapse to determine optimal salvage treatments.

Abstract

Myeloma therapeutic strategies have been adapted to patients’ age and comorbidities for a long time. However, although cytogenetics and clinical presentations (plasmablastic cytology; extramedullary disease) are major prognostic factors, until recently, all patients received the same treatment whatever their initial risk. No strong evidence allows us to use a personalized treatment according to one cytogenetic abnormality in newly diagnosed myeloma. Retrospective studies showed a benefit of a double autologous transplant in high-risk cytogenetics according to the International Myeloma Working Group definition (t(4;14), t(14;16) or del(17p)). Moreover, this definition has to be updated since other independent abnormalities, namely gain 1q, del(1p32), and trisomies 5 or 21, as well as TP53 mutations, are also prognostic. Another very strong predictive tool is the response to treatment assessed by the evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD). We are convinced that the time has come to use it to adapt the strategy to a dynamic risk. Many trials are ongoing to answer many questions: when and how should we adapt the therapy, its intensity and duration. Nevertheless, we also have to take into account the clinical outcome for one patient, especially adverse events affecting his or her quality of life and his or her preferences for continuous/fixed duration treatment.