Body fat composition as predictive factor for treatment response in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma - subgroup analysis of the prospective GMMG MM5 trial

An in vivo imaging approach for simultaneously assessing tumor response and cytotoxicity-induced tissue response in chemotherapy

In chemotherapeutic treatments, while cancer cells are the primary target, cytotoxic side effects are an important consideration. In the current study, we applied an in vivo imaging tool for characterizing chemotherapeutic response in a preclinical setting. The study focused on simultaneously examining the tumor and tissue response as a result of treatment with bortezomib, a mainstay proteasome inhibitor for treating multiple myeloma, in a preclinical model. OPM-2 tumor-bearing SCID-beige mice were designated as control or treated with bortezomib (1 mg/kg, i.v., every 4 days) (n = 8 per group). 99mTc-duramycin SPECT/CT whole-body scans were acquired 2 days before treatment as baseline and at days 1, 3 and 5 after treatment. Radioactivity uptake in tissues and organs was determined and quantitatively compared between control and bortezomib-treated group at each of the time points. Based on the imaging data, separate groups of tumor-bearing mice (n = 3 each) were included as control and bortezomib treated and the tissues were collected on day 5 for histopathology. In vivo imaging data identified significantly elevated 99mTc-duramycin uptake in the tumor, particularly in tumoral periphery. This was accompanied with signal changes in multiple organs and tissues including the adipose tissue, major bones, abdominal regions, spleen and testes. The imaging findings were consistent with known cytotoxic side effects of bortezomib and were supported by histopathology. The outcome of the study demonstrated potential utilities of the technology by enabling timely determination of the efficacy of anticancer treatments and the effect on collateral tissues as a result of systemic cytotoxic treatment.

Co-Occurrence of Cytogenetic Abnormalities and High-Risk Disease in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE

Survival for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved but outcomes remain heterogeneous. Consistent diagnostic identification of high-risk disease is desirable to address unmet patient need. The aim was to investigate the consistency of association of co-occurrence of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) with prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM), and across a range of treatment modalities.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of MM that reported testing for HRCA between January 1, 2000, and December 9, 2021, was performed. Groups were contacted and asked to locally perform a novel, federated analysis of their data for single hit (one HRCA) and double hit (≥two HRCAs), using a centrally provided algorithm. Analysis results were centrally collated and meta-analyzed to assess the hazard ratio (HR) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for one/≥two HRCAs across patient subgroups using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Twenty-four trials including 13,926 patients were included. The median age of participants was 66.5 years (IQR, 59-72) and 56.5% were male (IQR, 52-60). The HR for PFS was 2.28 (95% CI, 2.05 to 2.54) for patients with ≥two HRCAs and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.38 to 1.65) for patients with one HRCA. The HR for OS was 2.94 (95% CI, 2.49 to 3.47) and 1.69 (95% CI, 1.52 to 1.88) for the two subgroups, respectively. In studies initiated since 2015, the effect abides (≥two HRCA PFS, HR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.96 to 2.91]; OS, 3.10 [95% CI, 2.10 to 4.60]) both for NDMM and RRMM. Heterogeneity related to transplant eligibility and relapsed/refractory status was as expected.

CONCLUSION

The association of ≥two HRCAs with the poorest outcome in NDMM and RRMM, and across treatment modalities, as demonstrated here for the first time to our knowledge, allows for more focused development of novel approaches to these patients with high unmet need.

The role of nutrition and gut microbiome in the progression of multiple myeloma and its precursor disease

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, characterized by unregulated monoclonal proliferation in the bone marrow. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are premalignant conditions that can progress to MM. Identifying etiological risk factors for MM and its precursor diseases is crucial for prevention. Obesity, diet, vitamin D levels, and gut microbiota alterations have been identified as lifestyle factors affecting MM and MGUS risk. Upon disease onset, treatment strategies aim to reduce disease burden, enhance prognosis, and optimize patients' quality of life. Nutrition and body weight have been shown to affect disease progression and treatment outcomes. MM patients often present with vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies, which worsen disease prognosis. High body mass index is linked to increased death rates among MM patients and an increased risk of MGUS transformation to MM. Gut microbiota has also been associated with disease progression and response to treatment. This literature review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding the impact of nutrition and nutritional status on MM patients beyond prevention, highlighting the significance of gut microbiome and dysbiosis in MM progression.

Parameters of body composition do not predict survival in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation

Studies regarding the influence of body composition parameters as predictors on overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are scarce. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were retrospectively assessed in 129 patients with MM undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after a follow-up of 2 years. A computed tomography (CT) based semi-automated assessment of body composition was performed. No statistically significant differences were noted in 2-year OS, PFS, or post-transplant adverse events in the body composition groups of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (low vs. high-SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (low vs. high-VAT), visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR) (low vs. high VSR), and sarcopenia in terms of skeletal muscle index (SMI) (non-sarcopenic vs. sarcopenic). In conclusion, adipose and muscle tissue do not limit OS or affect the PFS in patients with MM undergoing ASCT.

Muscle and fat composition in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Measures of muscle and adipose tissue mass have been associated with outcomes in several malignancies, but studies in multiple myeloma (MM) are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between muscle and fat areas and radiodensity, and overall survival (OS) in patients with newly diagnosed MM. We included 341 patients diagnosed with MM from 2010-2019 who had an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography at diagnosis. A cross-sectional image at the third lumbar vertebrae was segmented into muscle and fat components. Median follow up was 5.7 years. There was no association between sarcopenia and baseline disease characteristics or OS. Low muscle radiodensity was associated with higher disease stage, anemia, and renal failure. OS was 5.6 vs. 9.0 years in patients with muscle radiodensity in the lower vs. middle/upper tertiles, respectively (P = 0.02). High subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) radiodensity was associated with higher stage, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and high LDH. OS was 5.4 years vs. not reached in patients with SAT radiodensity in the upper vs. middle/lower tertiles, respectively (P = 0.001). In conclusion, sarcopenia was not associated with OS in MM patients. High SAT radiodensity and low muscle radiodensity were associated with advanced disease stage and adverse laboratory characteristics.

The association of body composition and outcomes following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Recently there has been a growing interest in evaluating body composition as a marker for prognosis in cancer patients. The association of body composition parameters and outcomes has not been deeply investigated in patients with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 264 NHL patients who received autologous HSCT. PreHSCT abdominal CT scans at the levels of L3 were assessed for body composition measures. We evaluated sarcopenia, myosteatosis, high visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and high visceral adipose tissue density (VATD). Using multivariable Cox proportional regression, we analyzed the association of clinical and transplant-related characteristics with overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and non-relapse mortality (NRM). In a multivariate regression model, patients with higher VATD had worse OS (HR 1.78; 95% confidence intervals CI 1.08-2.95, p = 0.02) and worse NRM (HR 2.31 95% CI 1.08-4.95, p = 0.02) than with lower VATD. Patients with lower levels of VAT also had worse RFS (HR 1.49 95% CI 1.03-2.15, p = 0.03). Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were not associated with outcomes. High pre-transplant VATD was associated with lower OS and higher NRM, and low pre-transplant VAT was associated with worse RFS in patients with NHL undergoing autologous HSCT.

Fat quantification: Imaging methods and clinical applications in cancer

Recently, the study of the relationship between lipid metabolism and cancer has evolved. The characteristics of intratumoral and peritumoral fat are distinct and changeable during cancer development. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue are also associated with cancer prognosis. In non-invasive imaging, fat quantification parameters such as controlled attenuation parameter, fat volume fraction, and proton density fat fraction from different imaging methods complement conventional images by providing concrete fat information. Therefore, measuring the changes of fat content for further understanding of cancer characteristics has been applied in both research and clinical settings. In this review, the authors summarize imaging advances in fat quantification and highlight their clinical applications in cancer precaution, auxiliary diagnosis and classification, therapy response monitoring, and prognosis.

Body Mass Index and Overall Survival of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Obesity is associated with survival in several solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but its impact on multiple myeloma (MM) survival is unclear. We examined the associations between body mass index (BMI) at different periods of life up to the time of diagnosis and overall survival (OS) among 563 patients newly diagnosed with MM in 2010–2019. BMI at diagnosis was calculated using measured height and weight from electronic medical records (EMR). BMIs at age 20, maximum during adulthood, and 5 years before diagnosis were calculated using self-reported weights and measured height from EMR. Over a median follow-up of 49.3 months, 191 (33.93%) deaths were identified. We used multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models to examine the associations between BMIs and OS. Height as well as BMI before and at diagnosis was not associated with OS, but there is a U-shape association between weight and OS. Higher BMIs at diagnosis were associated with better OS among females (HR = 0.39 [0.22–0.71]), irrespective of race. In conclusion, our results suggest that BMI at different periods of life up to the time of diagnosis may not be associated with OS in MM, except that a higher BMI at diagnosis was associated with superior OS for females.

Metabolic Volume Measurements in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10-15% of all hematologic malignancies, as well as 20% of deaths related to hematologic malignant tumors, predominantly affecting bone and bone marrow. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT) is an important method to assess the tumor burden of these patients. It is often challenging to classify the extent of disease involvement in the PET scans for many of these patients because both focal and diffuse bone lesions may coexist, with varying degrees of FDG uptake. Different metrics involving volumetric parameters and texture features have been proposed to objectively assess these images. Here, we review some metabolic parameters that can be extracted from FDG-PET/CT images of MM patients, including technical aspects and predicting MM outcome impact. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) are volumetric parameters known to be independent predictors of MM outcome. However, they have not been adopted in clinical practice due to the lack of measuring standards. CT-based segmentation allows automated, and therefore reproducible, calculation of bone metabolic metrics in patients with MM, such as maximum, mean and standard deviation of the standardized uptake values (SUV) for the entire skeleton. Intensity of bone involvement (IBI) is a new parameter that also takes advantage of this approach with promising results. Other indirect parameters obtained from FDG-PET/CT images, such as visceral adipose tissue glucose uptake and subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity, may also be useful to evaluate the prognosis of MM patients. Furthermore, the use and quantification of new radiotracers can address different metabolic aspects of MM and may have important prognostic implications.

Help or hindrance: The obesity paradox in cancer treatment response

Obesity is a rising epidemic, the influence of which on cancer development, progression as well as its impact on current standard of care cancer treatments is profound with many facets. Obesity is emerging as a modulating factor in many cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and combination therapies. It has been reported to diminish the efficacy of some treatments but has also been alluded to being protective in terms of reduced treatment toxicities, thus the evolution of the obesity paradox. The obese tumour microenvironment influences treatment response through modulation of a series of aspects, including altered adipocyte secretome, angiogenesis, hypoxia, fibrosis, free fatty acid uptake as well as a modulated immune landscape. However, the influence of these underlying mechanisms on cancer treatment response and the biological action of adipose tissue is still largely unknown. Elucidation of these facets may lead to the enhanced efficacy of current treatment options or the identification of novel methods to combat cancer in the obese tumour microenvironment.

Lifestyle considerations in multiple myeloma

As the prognosis for multiple myeloma (MM) has significantly improved and patients remain on therapy longer, there is a need for supportive care interventions to optimize patient quality of life (QOL) and functional status over the course of cancer treatment. MM is characterized by a significant symptom burden and a relatively lower QOL compared to other cancers. This review evaluates the role of healthy lifestyle behaviors in improving both the physical functioning and psychological well-being of the MM population. We (1) describe the current literature on physical activity, weight management, diet, sleep, and substance use in the context of MM, (2) present important considerations for incorporating lifestyle factors into clinical practice, and (3) identify directions for future research. Developing MM-specific guidelines for modifiable lifestyle changes that take into account both the length of treatment and the unique disease features (i.e. osteolytic lesions and anemia) may provide a promising path for improved patient QOL and functioning.

Myeloma and marrow adiposity: Unanswered questions and future directions

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy characterised by the proliferation and accumulation of terminally differentiated abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Patients suffer from bone pain, factures, anaemia, osteolytic lesions and renal failure. Despite recent advancement in therapy MM remains an incurable disease due to the emergences of drug resistance and frequent relapse. For many decades, research has been heavily focused on understanding the relationship between bone cells such as osteoblast, osteocytes and osteoclasts and the infiltrating tumour cells. However, it is now clear that the tumour-supportive bone microenvironment including cellular and non-cellular components play an important role in driving MM progression and bone disease. One of the most abundant cell types in the bone microenvironment is the bone marrow adipocyte (BMAd). Once thought of as inert space filling cells, they have now been recognised as having specialised functions, signalling in an autocrine, paracrine and endocrine manner to support normal systemic homeostasis. BMAds are both an energy store and a source of secreted adipokines and bioactive substances, MM cells are able to hijack this metabolic machinery to fuel migration, growth and survival. With global obesity on the rise, it has never been more important to further understand the contribution these cells have in both normal and disease settings. The aim of this review is to summarise the large body of emerging evidence supporting the interplay between BMAds and MM cells and to delineate how they fit into the vicious cycle of disease.

Adipose tissue radiodensity: A new prognostic biomarker in people with multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES

Standard prognostic markers based on individual characteristics of individuals with multiple myeloma (MM) remain scarce. Body-composition features have often been associated with survival outcomes in different cancers. However, the association of adipose tissue radiodensity with MM prognosis has not yet, to our knowledge, been explored.

METHODS

Computed tomography at the third lumbar vertebra was used for body-composition analysis, including adipose tissue radiodensity, in 91 people with MM. Additionally, fludeoxyglucose F 18 (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography was used to assess adipose tissue 18F-FDG uptake. Proinflammatory cytokine and adipokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

Event-free survival and overall survival were both shorter in participants with high subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) radiodensity. Those in the highest SAT radiodensity tertile had an independently higher risk for both overall survival (hazard ratio, 4.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-16.44; Ptrend = 0.036) and event-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.27; Ptrend = 0.035). Importantly, higher SAT radiodensity was significantly correlated with increased 18F-FDG adipose tissue uptake and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6) levels, and with decreased leptin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

SAT radiodensity may serve as a biomarker to predict host-related metabolic and proinflammatory milieu, which ultimately correlates with MM prognosis.

Visceral adipose tissue glucose uptake is linked to prognosis in multiple myeloma patients: An exploratory study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The use of computerized tomography to opportunistically assess body composition has highlighted abnormalities such as low muscle mass and high adiposity may be hidden conditions in cancer patients. However, the role of skeletal muscle (SM), subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue glucose uptake measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-CT on patient prognostication is unclear.

METHODS

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) with satisfactory image frame for assessing body composition and for semi-quantification of SM, SAT and VAT glucose uptakes were included. Plasmatic pro-inflammatory cytokine and adipokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

High VAT mean standardized uptake value (SUV) at baseline was associated with shorter event-free survival (EFS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-39.30; P = 0.012) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 15.24; 95% CI, 2.69-86.30; P = 0.002) among patients with newly diagnosed MM, even after adjustment for covariates. The highest tertile of VAT SUV was significantly correlated with worse MM-EFS (HR for the highest vs the lowest tertile 3.71; 95% CI, 1.22-10.56; Ptrend = 0.035) and mortality (HR, 4.41; 95% CI, 1.28-12.77; Ptrend = 0.019). Notably, patients with higher VAT SUV presented with lower VAT area, VAT index, higher SAT SUV, and higher number of individuals with visceral obesity (all P < 0.01). Additionally, we found a negative correlation between VAT mean SUV with leptin (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.003); no correlations were detected between VAT mean SUV and resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin (IL)-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional VAT activity estimated by 18F-FDG PET-CT is a relevant prognostic factor in MM patients, specifically, a higher VAT SUV might be an early biomarker of cancer cachexia in these patients.

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Combined With Individualized Nutritional Support Improves Body Composition in Patients With Hematological Malignancies - A Pilot Study

Patients undergoing the complex treatment for hematological malignancies are exposed to a high physiological and psychological distress inducing fatigue and physical inactivity. In line with cancer-related metabolic changes patients are predisposed for skeletal muscle mass loss that leads to a functional decline, affects therapeutic success, and quality of life. Benefits of physical exercise and nutritional interventions on muscle maintenance are observed in solid cancer patients, but marginally investigated in patients with hematological cancer. We here studied the effects of a combined supportive exercise and nutrition intervention using whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training and individualized nutritional support in patients actively treated for hematological malignancy. In a controlled pilot trial, 31 patients (67.7% male; 58.0 ± 16.7 years) with various hematological cancers were allocated to a control group (n = 9) receiving nutritional support of usual care regarding a high protein intake (>1.0 g/kg/d) or to a physical exercise group (n = 22) additionally performing WB-EMS training twice weekly for 12 weeks. Bodyweight and body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured every 4 weeks. Physical function, blood parameters, quality of life and fatigue were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. No WB-EMS-related adverse effects occurred. Patients attending the exercise program presented a higher skeletal muscle mass than controls after 12-weeks (1.51 kg [0.41, 2.60]; p = 0.008). In contrast, patients of the control group showed a higher fat mass percentage than patients of the WB-EMS group (-4.46% [-7.15, -1.77]; p = 0.001) that was accompanied by an increase in serum triglycerides in contrast to a decrease in the WB-EMS group (change ± SD, control 36.3 ± 50.6 mg/dl; WB-EMS -31.8 ± 68.7 mg/dl; p = 0.064). No significant group differences for lower limb strength, quality of life, and fatigue were detected. However, compared to controls the WB-EMS group significantly improved in physical functioning indicated by a higher increase in the 6-min-walking distance (p = 0.046). A combined therapeutic intervention of WB-EMS and protein-rich nutritional support seems to be safe and effective in improving skeletal muscle mass and body composition in hematological cancer patients during active oncological treatment. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02293239.