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CANDOR (NCT03158688) is a phase 3, randomized, open-label trial comparing carfilzomib, daratumumab, and dexamethasone (KdD) versus carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) in adults with relapsed/refectory multiple myeloma (RRMM) with 1-3 prior therapies. The CANDOR study met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) in the primary analysis. Here we report the final analysis of the study, including secondary endpoints and subgroup analyses thereof. Median follow-up was 50 months. Patients treated with KdD had higher minimal residual disease-negative (MRD-) achievement rates (28% vs 9%; odds ratio [OR], 4.22 [95% CI, 2.28-7.83]) and MRD- complete response rates (22% vs 8%; OR, 3.55 [1.83-6.88]) than those treated with Kd. Median PFS was 28.4 months for KdD versus 15.2 months for Kd (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64 [95% CI, 0.49-0.83]). Median overall survival (OS) was 50.8 months versus 43.6 months, respectively (HR, 0.78 [0.60-1.03]; P=0.042). Trends toward improved OS occurred in predefined subgroups, including patients refractory to lenalidomide (KdD, not reached; Kd, 38.2 months; HR, 0.69 [0.43-1.11]) and refractory to proteasome inhibitor (KdD, 43.2 months; Kd, 30.0 months; HR, 0.70 [0.45-1.09]), and there was significant improvement in patients with high-risk cytogenetics (KdD, 34.3 months; Kd: 17.1 months; HR, 0.52 [0.29-0.94]). No new safety signals were identified. In summary, the final analysis of CANDOR confirmed the PFS benefit and showed a trend in OS benefit with KdD versus Kd. These findings reinforce KdD as a standard of care for RRMM, especially in clinically relevant patient subgroups.

Supplementary Table from Inhibition of NF-κB DNA Binding Suppresses Myeloma Growth via Intracellular Redox and Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Supplementary Figure from Inhibition of NF-κB DNA Binding Suppresses Myeloma Growth via Intracellular Redox and Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Supplementary Data from Inhibition of NF-κB DNA Binding Suppresses Myeloma Growth via Intracellular Redox and Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Supplementary Methods and Data

Purpose:Addition of daratumumab to pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (LoDEX) is a safe and effective combination for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treatment. We sought to better understand immune combinational benefit of pomalidomide and daratumumab with LoDEX.Patients and Methods:Immunophenotypic changes were analyzed in peripheral blood from longitudinal sampling of patients treated with this triplet regimen from cohort B of the CC4047-MM-014 phase II trial (NCT01946477).Results:Consistent with the daratumumab mechanism, treatment led to decreased natural killer (NK) and B cells. In contrast, pronounced increases occurred in activated and proliferating NK and T cells, appreciably in CD8+ T cells, along with reduction in naïve and expansion of effector memory compartments. Timing of T-cell changes correlated with pomalidomide dosing schedule. Enhanced activation/differentiation did not result in increased exhausted T-cell phenotypes or increases in regulatory T cells. Similar immune enhancements were also observed in patients previously refractory to lenalidomide.Conclusions:These data support a potential mechanism for enhanced immune-mediated cytotoxicity in which daratumumab-mediated NK-cell diminution is partially offset by pomalidomide effects on the remaining NK-cell pool. Furthermore, daratumumab antimyeloma activity and elimination of CD38+ T cells (regulatory/activated) provide a rationale for therapeutic combination with direct tumoricidal activity and immunomodulation of pomalidomide-directed T-cell enhancements. These data highlight enhancements in immune subpopulations for the combination of daratumumab with pomalidomide and potentially with next-generation cereblon-targeting agents.

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) need proven subsequent therapies after early-line lenalidomide treatment failure. The phase 2 MM-014 trial (NCT01946477) investigated pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab after 1 to 2 prior treatment lines (62.5%, 1 prior line) in patients with RRMM and prior lenalidomide (75.0%, lenalidomide refractory). With a median follow-up of 28.4 months, overall response rate was 77.7% (52.7% achieved very good partial response or better) and median progression-free survival was 30.8 months. For patients with lenalidomide-refractory disease, these outcomes were 76.2%, 47.6%, and 23.7 months, respectively. No new safety signals were observed; 64.3% experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia. Health-related quality of life was preserved or trended toward improvement through 12 treatment cycles. Pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab given immediately after early-line lenalidomide-based treatment continues to demonstrate safety and efficacy, supporting pomalidomide-dexamethasone as a foundation of combination therapy in RRMM and providing evidence that the immunomodulatory agent class delivers benefit after lenalidomide treatment failure.

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that is still largely incurable, despite considerable progress in recent years. NF-κB is a well-established therapeutic target in multiple myeloma, but none of the currently available treatment options offer direct, specific pharmacologic targeting of NF-κB transcriptional activity. Thus, we designed a novel direct NF-κB inhibitor (IT848) as a drug candidate with strong potential for clinical translation and conducted comprehensive in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies in multiple myeloma cell lines, primary multiple myeloma cells, xenograft models, and immunocompetent mouse models of multiple myeloma. Here, we show that IT848 inhibits NF-κB activity through inhibition of DNA binding of all five NF-κB subunits. IT848 treatment of multiple myeloma cell lines and patient samples inhibited proliferation and induced caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis. In addition to direct NF-κB inhibitory effects, IT848 treatment altered the redox homeostasis of multiple myeloma cells through depletion of the reduced glutathione pool, selectively inducing oxidative stress in multiple myeloma but not in healthy cells. Multiple myeloma xenograft studies confirmed the efficacy of IT848 as single agent and in combination with bortezomib. Furthermore, IT848 significantly improved survival when combined with programmed death protein 1 inhibition, and correlative immune studies revealed that this clinical benefit was associated with suppression of regulatory T-cell infiltration of the bone marrow microenvironment. In conclusion, IT848 is a potent direct NF-κB inhibitor and inducer of oxidative stress specifically in tumor cells, displaying significant activity against multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo, both as monotherapy as well as in combination with bortezomib or immune checkpoint blockade.

Summary Background Indatuximab ravtansine (BT062) is an antibody-drug conjugate that binds to CD138 and synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of lenalidomide in preclinical models of multiple myeloma. This phase 1/2a study was done to determine the safety, activity, and pharmacokinetics of indatuximab ravtansine in combination with immunomodulatory drugs in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Methods This open-label, phase 1/2a study took place at nine hospital sites in the USA. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and ECOG performance status or Zubrod score of 2 or below. Patients who received indatuximab ravtansine with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide) had failure of at least one previous therapy. Patients treated with indatuximab ravtansine with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide) had failure of at least two previous therapies (including lenalidomide and bortezomib) and had progressive disease on or within 60 days of completion of their last treatment. In phase 1, patients received indatuximab ravtansine intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle in escalating dose levels of 80 mg/m2, 100 mg/m2, and 120 mg/m2, with lenalidomide (25 mg; days 1 to 21 every 28 days orally) and dexamethasone (20–40 mg; days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 28 days). In phase 2, the recommended phase 2 dose of indatuximab ravtansine was given to an expanded cohort of patients in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The protocol was amended to allow additional patients to be treated with indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide (4 mg; days 1 to 21 every 28 days orally) and dexamethasone, in a more heavily pretreated patient population than in the indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide group. The phase 1 primary endpoint was to determine the dose-limiting toxicities and the maximum tolerated dose (recommended phase 2 dose) of indatuximab ravtansine, and the phase 2 primary endpoint was to describe the objective response rate (ORR; partial response or better) and clinical benefit response (ORR plus minor response). All patients were analysed for safety and all patients with post-treatment response assessments were analysed for activity. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT01638936 , and is complete. Findings 64 (86%) of 74 screened patients were enrolled between July 3, 2012, and June 30, 2015. 47 (73%) patients received indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide (median follow-up 24·2 months [IQR 19·9–45·4]) and 17 (27%) received indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide (24·1 months [17·7–36·7]). The maximum tolerated dose of indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide was 100 mg/m2, and defined as the recommended phase 2 dose for indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide. An objective response for indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide was observed in 33 (71·7%) of 46 patients and in 12 (70·6%) of 17 patients in the indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide group. The clinical benefit response for indatuximab ravtansine plus lenalidomide was 85% (39 of 46 patients) and for indatuximab ravtansine plus pomalidomide it was 88% (15 of 17 patients). The most common grade 3–4 adverse events in both groups were neutropenia (14 [22%] of 64 patients), anaemia (10 [16%]), and thrombocytopenia (seven [11%]). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) that led to discontinuation occurred in 35 (55%) of the 64 patients. Five (8%) patients with a TEAE had a fatal outcome; none was reported as related to indatuximab ravtansine. Interpretation Indatuximab ravtansine in combination with immunomodulatory drugs shows preliminary antitumor activity, is tolerated, and could be further evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Funding Biotest AG.

CANDOR (NCT03158688) compared carfilzomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab (KdD) to carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). A secondary objective of CANDOR was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores using the Global Health Status (GHS)/Quality of Life (QoL) domain of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Scores were compared between KdD and Kd using a restricted maximum likelihood-based mixed effects model for repeated measures. GHS/QoL completion rates were81% for both arms. Higher GHS/QoL scores were observed with KdD versus Kd from Cycle 7-26. The overall least squares mean estimate (95% CI) of the difference between treatment arms was 0.06 (-2.39 to 2.50

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy associated with several risk factors including genetic aberrations which impact disease response and survival. Thorough risk classification is essential to select the best clinical strategy to optimize outcomes. The SKY92 molecular signature classifies patients as standard- or high-risk for progression. The PRospective Observational Multiple Myeloma Impact Study (PROMMIS; NCT02911571) measures impact of SKY92 on risk classification and treatment plan. Newly diagnosed MM patients had bone marrow aspirates analyzed for SKY92. Physicians completed a questionnaire for each patient capturing risk classification, hypothetical treatment plan, and physician confidence in the treatment plan, before and after unblinding SKY92. One hundred forty seven MM patients were enrolled. Before unblinding SKY92, physicians regarded 74 (50%) patients as clinical standard-risk. After unblinding SKY92, 16 patients were re-assigned as high-risk by the physician, and for 15 of them treatment strategy was impacted, resulting in an escalated treatment plan. For the 73 (50%) clinical high-risk patients, SKY92 indicated 46 patients to be standard-risk; for 31 of these patients the treatment strategy was impacted consistent with a de-escalation of risk. Overall, SKY92 impacted treatment decisions in 37% of patients (

Twice‐weekly carfilzomib with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (Rd) is an effective regimen for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Here we evaluated once‐weekly carfilzomib with Rd (once‐weekly KRd) in NDMM patients. The NDMM patients were enrolled regardless of transplant eligibility. Patients received carfilzomib on days 1, 8, and 15; lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1‐21; and dexamethasone 40 mg on carfilzomib days (also day 22 for cycles 1‐8) for ≤18, 28‐day cycles. Enrollment initiated in a carfilzomib 20/70 mg/m2 (20 mg/m2 on cycle one, day 1; 70 mg/m2 thereafter) NDMM dose‐expansion arm, which was suspended because of serious adverse events. After evaluation of dose‐limiting toxicities in a two‐step‐up dose‐evaluation cohort, an NDMM dose‐expansion arm (carfilzomib 20/56 mg/m2) was opened. Fifty‐one NDMM patients were enrolled in dose‐finding and dose‐expansion cohorts. Results are presented for the carfilzomib 56 mg/m2 NDMM dose‐expansion arm (n = 33). The grade ≥ 3 treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE) rate was 63.6%. Twenty‐five patients underwent stem cell collection; 18 proceeded to auto stem cell transplant, and five resumed KRd on study after autoSCT. The overall response rate (ORR) based on best overall response by cycle four was 97.0% (≥very good partial response [VGPR], 69.7%) in the NDMM 20/56 mg/m2 cohort. In patients who did not receive autoSCT (n = 15), the median number of cycles was 16.0; ORR was 93.3% (≥VGPR, 80.0%). At a median follow‐up of 8.1 months, median progression‐free survival was not reached. Once‐weekly KRd (carfilzomib 56 mg/m2) had a favorable safety profile and promising activity in NDMM, supporting the use of this regimen in this setting.

Purpose: Addition of daratumumab to pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (LoDEX) is a safe and effective combination for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treatment. We sought to better understand immune combinational benefit of pomalidomide and daratumumab with LoDEX. Patients and Methods: Immunophenotypic changes were analyzed in peripheral blood from longitudinal sampling of patients treated with this triplet regimen from cohort B of the CC4047-MM-014 phase II trial (NCT01946477). Results: Consistent with the daratumumab mechanism, treatment led to decreased natural killer (NK) and B cells. In contrast, pronounced increases occurred in activated and proliferating NK and T cells, appreciably in CD8+ T cells, along with reduction in naïve and expansion of effector memory compartments. Timing of T-cell changes correlated with pomalidomide dosing schedule. Enhanced activation/differentiation did not result in increased exhausted T-cell phenotypes or increases in regulatory T cells. Similar immune enhancements were also observed in patients previously refractory to lenalidomide. Conclusions: These data support a potential mechanism for enhanced immune-mediated cytotoxicity in which daratumumab-mediated NK-cell diminution is partially offset by pomalidomide effects on the remaining NK-cell pool. Furthermore, daratumumab antimyeloma activity and elimination of CD38+ T cells (regulatory/activated) provide a rationale for therapeutic combination with direct tumoricidal activity and immunomodulation of pomalidomide-directed T-cell enhancements. These data highlight enhancements in immune subpopulations for the combination of daratumumab with pomalidomide and potentially with next-generation cereblon-targeting agents.

Summary Background Lenalidomide and bortezomib frontline exposure has raised a growing need for novel treatments for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Carfilzomib in combination with daratumumab has shown substantial efficacy with tolerable safety in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in a phase 1 study. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of carfilzomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab versus carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Methods In this randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3 study, 466 patients recruited from 102 sites across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma were randomly assigned 2:1 to carfilzomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab (KdD) or carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd). All patients received twice per week carfilzomib at 56 mg/m2 (20 mg/m2; days 1 and 2 during cycle 1). Daratumumab (8 mg/kg) was administered intravenously on days 1 and 2 of cycle 1 and at 16 mg/kg weekly for the remaining doses of the first two cycles, then every 2 weeks for four cycles (cycles 3–6), and every 4 weeks thereafter. Patients received 40 mg dexamethasone weekly (20 mg for patients ≥75 years old starting on the second week). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival assessed by intention to treat. Adverse events were assessed in the safety population. This trial (NCT03158688) is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, and is active but not recruiting. Findings Between June 13, 2017, and June 25, 2018, 466 patients of 569 assessed for eligibility were enrolled. After median follow-up of approximately 17 months, median progression-free survival was not reached in the KdD group versus 15·8 months in the Kd group (hazard ratio 0·63; 95% CI 0·46–0·85; p=0·0027). Median treatment duration was longer in the KdD versus the Kd group (70·1 vs 40·3 weeks). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported in 253 (82%) patients in the KdD group and 113 (74%) patients in the Kd group. The frequency of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation was similar in both groups (KdD, 69 [22%]; Kd, 38 [25%]). Interpretation KdD significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus Kd in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and was associated with a favourable benefit–risk profile. Funding Amgen.

Patients with multiple myeloma who have relapsed after or become refractory to lenalidomide in early treatment lines represent a clinically important population in need of effective therapies. The safety and efficacy of pomalidomide, low-dose dexamethasone, and daratumumab was evaluated in lenalidomide-pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) after one to two prior treatment lines in the phase 2 MM-014 study. Patients received pomalidomide 4 mg daily from days 1–21 and dexamethasone 40 mg weekly (28-day cycles). Daratumumab 16 mg/kg was administered per label. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Per protocol, all patients (N = 112) had received lenalidomide in their most recent prior regimen (75.0% lenalidomide refractory). ORR was 77.7% (76.2% in lenalidomide-refractory patients); median follow-up was 17.2 months. Median PFS was not reached (1-year PFS rate 75.1%). The most common hematologic grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse event was neutropenia (62.5%). Grade 3/4 infections were reported in 31.3% of patients, including 13.4% with grade 3/4 pneumonia. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of pomalidomide-based therapy as early as second line in patients with RRMM, even immediately after lenalidomide failure, indicating that switching from the immunomodulatory agent class is not necessary.

Combination of carfilzomib with dexamethasone (Kd) is approved for use in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), with carfilzomib administered twice weekly at 56 mg/m2 (Kd56 BIW) or once weekly at 70 mg/m2 (Kd70 QW). Post hoc cross-trial comparisons were performed to compare efficacy and safety profiles of Kd70 QW vs Kd56 BIW dosing schedules using data from three trials of patients with RRMM: A.R.R.O.W., CHAMPION-1, and ENDEAVOR. To select for comparable patient populations, side-by-side efficacy and safety comparisons were performed in subgroups of patients with 2-3 prior lines of therapy who were not refractory to bortezomib. The overall response rate (ORR) was 69.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.7-77.2) for Kd70 QW and 72.4% (95% CI, 65.9-78.2) for Kd56 BIW. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.4-14.3) for Kd70 QW and 14.5 months (95% CI, 10.2-not evaluable) for Kd56 BIW. Frequency of grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) was 67.6% for Kd70 QW and 85.3% for Kd56 BIW. Regression analyses (adjusting for prognostic factors) of all patients in the trials who received Kd70 QW vs Kd56 BIW estimated a PFS hazard ratio of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.69-1.19; P = .47) and an ORR odds ratio of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.74-1.69; P = .61). These results suggest that Kd70 QW has a comparable efficacy profile compared with Kd56 BIW and represents a convenient and well-tolerated treatment for patients with RRMM.

Selinexor is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of the nuclear export protein exportin 1 with demonstrated activity in hematologic and solid malignancies. Side effects associated with selinexor include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and hyponatremia. We reviewed 437 patients with multiple myeloma treated with selinexor and assessed the kinetics of adverse events and impact of supportive care measures. Selinexor reduced both platelets and neutrophils over the first cycle of treatment and reached a nadir between 28 and 42 days. Platelet transfusions and thrombopoietin receptor agonists were effective at treating thrombocytopenia, and granulocyte colony stimulating factors were effective at resolving neutropenia. The onset of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) was most common during the first 1–2 weeks of treatment. Nausea could be mitigated with 5-HT3 antagonists and either neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists, olanzapine, or cannbainoids. Loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate ameliorated diarrhea. The primary constitutional side effects of fatigue and decreased appetite could be managed with methylphenidate, megestrol, cannabinoids or olanzapine, respectively. Hyponatremia was highly responsive to sodium replacement. Selinexor has well-established adverse effects that mainly occur within the first 8 weeks of treatment, are reversible, and respond to supportive care.

Patients with high-risk multiple myeloma (hrMM) relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with a median progression free survival (PFS) of 8-14 months without lenalidomide maintenance and 24-39 months with lenalidomide maintenance. We hypothesized that Pembro-Rd will prolong PFS post-ASCT in patients with hrMM compared to historical controls. This Phase II study enrolled hrMM patients with primary objective to assess the efficacy of the combination of Pembro-Rd for a total of 2 cycles and then an additional 2 cycles without dexamethasone. There were 12 evaluable subjects, as enrollment was stopped after an FDA hold. With a median follow-up of 50.7 months, the median PFS was 27.7 months. The PFS rates at years 1 and 2 are 90.9% and 63.6%, respectively. The most common adverse events were neutropenia (grade 1-3), cough, diarrhea and constipation, all grade 1 or 2. The PFS rate with fixed duration therapy was comparable to that seen with continuous dose lenalidomide, potentially offering a new post-ASCT therapeutic strategy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background Selinexor is an oral, selective nuclear export inhibitor. STORM was a phase 2b, single-arm, open-label, multicenter trial of selinexor with low dose dexamethasone in patients with penta-exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) that met its primary endpoint, with overall response of 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19 to 35%). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was a secondary endpoint measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Multiple Myeloma (FACT-MM). This study examines impact of selinexor treatment on HRQoL of patients treated in STORM and reports two approaches to calculate minimal clinically important differences for the FACT-MM. Methods FACT-MM data were collected at baseline, on day 1 of each 4-week treatment cycle, and at end of treatment (EOT). Changes from baseline were analyzed for the FACT-MM total score, FACT-trial outcome index (TOI), FACT-General (FACT-G), and the MM-specific domain using mixed-effects regression models. Two approaches for evaluating minimal clinically important differences were explored: the first defined as 10% of the instrument range, and the second based on estimated mean baseline differences between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scores. Post-hoc difference analysis compared change in scores from baseline to EOT for treatment responders and non-responders. Results Eighty patients were included in the analysis; the mean number of prior therapies was 7.9 (standard deviation [SD] 3.1), and mean duration of myeloma was 7.6 years (SD 3.4). Each exploratory minimal clinically important difference threshold yielded consistent results whereby most patients did not experience HRQoL decline during the first six cycles of treatment (range: 53.9 to 75.7% for the first approach; range: 52.6 to 72.9% for the second). Treatment responders experienced less decline in HRQoL from baseline to EOT than non-responders, which was significant for the FACT-G, but not for other scores. Conclusion The majority of patients did not experience decline in HRQoL based on minimal clinically important differences during early cycles of treatment with selinexor and dexamethasone in the STORM trial. An anchor-based approach utilizing patient-level data (ECOG PS score) to define minimal clinically important differences for the FACT-MM gave consistent results with a distribution-based approach. Trial registration This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the trial-ID NCT02336815 on January 8, 2015.

Multiple myeloma is a treatable, but currently incurable, hematological malignancy of plasma cells characterized by diverse and complex tumor genetics for which precision medicine approaches to treatment are lacking. The MMRF CoMMpass study is a longitudinal, observational clinical study of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients where tumor samples are characterized using whole genome, exome, and RNA sequencing at diagnosis and progression, and clinical data is collected every three months. Analyses of the baseline cohort identified genes that are the target of recurrent gain- and loss-of-function events. Consensus clustering identified 8 and 12 unique copy number and expression subtypes of myeloma, respectively, identifying high- risk genetic subtypes and elucidating many of the molecular underpinnings of these unique biological groups. Analysis of serial samples showed 25.5% of patients transition to a high-risk expression subtype at progression. We observed robust expression of immunotherapy targets in this subtype, suggesting a potential therapeutic option.

Patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who are triple-class exposed (to an immunomodulatory agent, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38 antibody) have limited treatment options and there is no standard of care. Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121), a BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrated efficacy in triple-class exposed RRMM patients in the KarMMa trial (NCT03361748). In this retrospective study (KarMMa-RW), patient-level data from triple-class exposed RRMM patients were merged into a single data model and compared with KarMMa using trimmed stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting. Endpoints included overall response rate (ORR; primary), rate of very good partial response or better (≥VGPR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Of 1949 real-world triple-class exposed RRMM patients, 190 received subsequent (index) line of therapy and met KarMMa eligibility criteria (Eligible RRMM cohort). With a median follow-up of 13.3 months in KarMMa and 10.2 months in Eligible RRMM, ORR, and ≥VGPR were significantly improved in KarMMa versus Eligible RRMM (ORR, 76.4% vs 32.2%; ≥VGPR, 57.9% vs 13.7%; both P P = 0.0004) and OS (20.2 vs 14.7 months; P = 0.0006). This study demonstrated that ide-cel significantly improved responses and survival compared with currently available therapies in triple-class exposed RRMM.

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) for whom the benefits of lenalidomide have been exhausted in early treatment lines need effective therapies. In cohort A of the phase 2 MM-014 trial, we examined the safety and efficacy of pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone immediately after lenalidomide-based treatment failure in patients with RRMM and two prior lines of therapy. Pomalidomide 4mg was given on days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycles. Dexamethasone 40mg (20mg for patients aged>75years) was given on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. The intention-to-treat population comprised 56 patients; all received prior lenalidomide (87·5% lenalidomide refractory) and 39 (69·6%) received prior bortezomib. ORR was 32·1% (28·2% in the prior-bortezomib subgroup). Median PFS was 12·2months (7·9months in the prior-bortezomib subgroup). Median OS was 41·7months (38·6months in the prior-bortezomib subgroup). The most common grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events were anaemia (25·0%), pneumonia (14·3%) and fatigue (14·3%). These findings support earlier sequencing of pomalidomide-based therapy in lenalidomide-pretreated patients with RRMM, including those who have become refractory to lenalidomide. Trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01946477.

Purpose: The oral proteasome inhibitor oprozomib has shown preclinical antitumor activity. Here, we report phase Ib/II study results investigating single-agent oprozomib in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Patients and Methods: The primary objectives were to determine the MTD, safety, and tolerability of oprozomib (phase Ib) as well as overall response rate (ORR; phase II). Oprozomib was administered once daily on days 1, 2, 8, and 9 (2/7 schedule) or days 1 to 5 (5/14 schedule) of a 14-day cycle. Results: In patients with multiple myeloma or Waldenström macroglobulinemia (n = 71), the determined MTDs were 300 mg/day (2/7 schedule) and 240 mg/day (5/14 schedule). Median oprozomib treatment duration for patients with multiple myeloma was 11.4 weeks (2/7 schedule, 240/300 mg/day), 5.4 weeks (5/14, 240 mg/day), and 10.1 weeks (5/14, 150/180 mg/day). For patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, these values were 34.6 weeks (2/7 schedule, 240/300 mg/day) and 8.1 weeks (5/14 schedule, 240 mg/day). The most common grade ≥3 adverse events (AE) in phase Ib included gastrointestinal and hematologic AEs. Three AE-related deaths in phase II prompted enrollment into 2/7 and 5/14 step-up dosing schedules (240/300 mg/day and 150/180 mg/day, respectively). In phase II, ORRs in 95 response-eligible multiple myeloma patients were 41.0%, 28.1%, and 25.0% in the 2/7, 240/300-mg/day; 5/14, 150/180-mg/day; and 5/14, 240-mg/day cohorts, respectively. ORRs in 31 response-eligible Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients were 71.4% and 47.1% for the 2/7 and 5/14 cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrated promising efficacy of single-agent oprozomib in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

A regimen of escalating doses of thalidomide, in combination with bortezomib and high-dose melphalan (mel/vel/thal), was evaluated as a conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with a prior transplant who had relapsed or achieved less than a complete remission following a prior ASCT. Thalidomide was dose escalated starting from 600 mg to 1000 mg on days −5 to −1 in a 3 × 3 design, bortezomib was administered at 1.6 mg/m2 intravenously on days −4 and −1 and melphalan 200 mg/m2 was administered on day −2. No dose-limiting toxicity was seen in the phase I portion of the trial. An additional 20 patients were enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose of thalidomide of 1000 mg daily. The overall response rate was 69% with 38% complete remission. Median PFS and OS were 9.3 and 65.4 months, respectively, with a median follow-up of 17.8 months. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenic fever (58.6%), mucositis (6.9%), and diarrhea (6.9%). Serious AEs included somnolence (13.8%) and tumor lysis syndrome (3.4%). The addition of high-dose thalidomide to bortezomib and melphalan as conditioning for salvage ASCT was well tolerated and was an effective conditioning regimen.

Twice-weekly carfilzomib (27 mg/m2 ) with lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRd) is a standard-of-care in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This phase 1b study evaluated KRd with once-weekly carfilzomib in RRMM. Patients received carfilzomib (30-minute infusion; 56 or 70mg/m2 ) on days 1, 8, and 15; lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1-21; and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 (day 22 omitted for cycles 9+) of 28-day cycles. Primary objective was safety/tolerability; efficacy was a secondary objective. Fifty-six RRMM patients enrolled: 22 during dose evaluation (56-mg/m2 , n = 10; 70-mg/m2 , n = 12) and 34 during dose expansion (all initiated dosing at 70 mg/m2 ). After 2 fatal adverse events (AEs) during 70-mg/m2 dose expansion, dosage reduction to 56 mg/m2 was permitted. Results are presented for carfilzomib 56-mg/m2 (n = 10) and 70-mg/m2 groups (dose evaluation/expansion; n = 46). Median carfilzomib dose was 53.2 mg/m2 (56-mg/m2 group) and 62.4 mg/m2 (70-mg/m2 group). Grade ≥3 AE rates were 70.0% (56 mg/m2 ) and 69.6% (70 mg/m2 ). Overall response rates were 90.0% (56 mg/m2 ) and 89.1% (70 mg/m2 ); ≥very good partial response rates were 50.0% (56 mg/m2 ) and 73.9% (70 mg/m2 ). Once-weekly KRd was active with acceptable toxicity in RRMM, supporting further evaluation of this regimen.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies suggest that bb2121, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy that targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), has potential for the treatment of multiple myeloma. METHODS: In this phase 1 study involving patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, we administered bb2121 as a single infusion at doses of 50×10(6), 150×10(6), 450×10(6), or 800×10(6) CAR-positive (CAR+) T cells in the dose-escalation phase and 150×10(6) to 450×10(6) CAR+ T cells in the expansion phase. Patients had received at least three previous lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, or were refractory to both drug classes. The primary end point was safety. RESULTS: Results for the first 33 consecutive patients who received a bb2121 infusion are reported. The data-cutoff date was 6.2 months after the last infusion date. Hematologic toxic effects were the most common events of grade 3 or higher, including neutropenia (in 85% of the patients), leukopenia (in 58%), anemia (in 45%), and thrombocytopenia (in 45%). A total of 25 patients (76%) had cytokine release syndrome, which was of grade 1 or 2 in 23 patients (70%) and grade 3 in 2 patients (6%). Neurologic toxic effects occurred in 14 patients (42%) and were of grade 1 or 2 in 13 patients (39%). One patient (3%) had a reversible grade 4 neurologic toxic effect. The objective response rate was 85%, including 15 patients (45%) with complete responses. Six of the 15 patients who had a complete response have had a relapse. The median progression-free survival was 11.8 months (95% confidence interval, 6.2 to 17.8). All 16 patients who had a response (partial response or better) and who could be evaluated for minimal residual disease (MRD) had MRD-negative status (≤10(−4) nucleated cells). CAR T-cell expansion was associated with responses, and CAR T cells persisted up to 1 year after the infusion. CONCLUSIONS: We report the initial toxicity profile of a BCMA-directed cellular immunotherapy for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Antitumor activity was documented. (Funded by Bluebird Bio and Celgene; CRB-401 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02658929.)

In ENDEAVOR, carfilzomib (56 mg/m2) and dexamethasone (Kd56) demonstrated longer progression-free survival (PFS) over bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Here we evaluated Kd56 vs Vd by baseline renal function in a post hoc exploratory subgroup analysis. The intent-to-treat population included 929 patients (creatinine clearance [CrCL] ≥15 to

We evaluated changes in patient-reported outcomes and cognitive function from pre- to 3-6 months post-treatment among 42 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma undergoing transplant with complete data using PROMIS-29. There were statistically significant improvements in physical (

Background Patients (pts) with RRMM who were exposed to immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors (PIs), and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have poor outcomes with subsequent treatments. Ide-cel, a BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy, has shown frequent, deep, and durable responses in triple-class exposed pts with RRMM in the pivotal KarMMa study (NCT03361748; Munshi NC et al. N Engl J Med 2021). Here, we report updated results from this trial. Methods Eligible pts had received ≥3 prior regimens (including an immunomodulatory agent, a PI, and an anti-CD38 mAb) and had disease refractory to their last regimen per IMWG criteria. After 3 days of lymphodepletion (cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 + fludarabine 30 mg/m2), pts received 150–450×106 CAR+ T cells (target dose levels). Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); key secondary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate (CR + stringent CR). Other secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results In total, 128/140 enrolled pts received ide-cel. Data are presented for the treated pts. Median age was 61 y. Pts had received a median of 6 (range, 3–16) prior regimens, with 84% being triple-class refractory and 26% penta-refractory (lenalidomide, pomalidomide, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and daratumumab). Most pts (88%) had received bridging therapy. At data cutoff (Dec 21, 2020), the median follow-up among surviving pts was 24.8 mo. In total, 94/128 pts (73%) achieved an overall response, with a CR rate of 33%; median DOR and PFS were 10.9 mo and 8.6 mo, respectively. In pts who achieved ≥CR, median DOR was 21.5 mo and median PFS was 22.4 mo. Outcomes improved at higher doses, with ORR of 81%, CR rate of 39%, median DOR of 11.3 mo, and median PFS of 12.2 mo at 450×106 CAR+ T cells; in pts who achieved ≥CR at this dose, median DOR was not reached. Responses were observed in all subgroups, including difficult-to-treat subsets (eg, high tumor burden [ORR, 71%], extramedullary disease [70%], and R-ISS stage III disease [48%]). Median OS was 24.8 mo; the estimated 24-mo OS rate was 51%. The most common any-grade toxicities were neutropenia (91%) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS; 84%). CRS was mostly grade 1/2; 5 pts (4%) had grade 3, 1 pt each had grade 4 and 5 events (both at 300×106). Investigator-identified neurotoxicity was reported in 23 pts (18%); 5 (4%) had grade 3 and 0 had grade ≥4 events. Tocilizumab was used in 67 and 3 pts, and steroids were used in 19 and 10 pts with CRS and neurotoxicity, respectively. Conclusion Updated results from the KarMMa trial continue to demonstrate durable and deep responses with ide-cel in heavily pretreated, triple-class–exposed pts with RRMM. Efficacy and safety data are consistent with prior reports and support a favorable clinical benefit–risk profile for ide-cel across the target dose levels.

8036 Background: Ide-cel, a BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy, showed promising efficacy in patients (pts) with RRMM in the KarMMa study with an ORR of 73% and a CRR of 33% across target doses of 150–450 × 106 CAR+ T cells (Munshi NC, et al. J Clin Oncol 2020;38[suppl 15]. Abstract 8503). Associations of neurotoxicity (NT) with pt and disease characteristics, pt management, and impact on outcomes in the KarMMa study are reported here. Methods: Enrolled pts were triple-class exposed and refractory to their last regimen, with ide-cel given at target doses of 150, 300, or 450 × 106 CAR+ T cells after lymphodepletion (NCT03361748). Investigator-identified NT events were captured under the single preferred term of neurotoxicity and graded according to NCI CTCAE v4.03. Events were managed with corticosteroids (CS), anakinra (ANR), and tocilizumab (Toci) as needed. Results: Of 128 pts treated with ide-cel, NT was reported in 23 (18%); 12 pts (9%) had maximum grade (gr) 1 NT, 7 (5%) had gr 2, and 4 (3%) had gr 3. No gr 4 or 5 NT occurred. Most baseline characteristics were similar in pts with and without NT, including stage III disease (22% and 15%), high-risk cytogenetics (39% and 34%), and extramedullary disease (35% and 40%); exceptions were high tumor burden (65% and 48%) and sex (48% and 62% men). NT (any gr/gr 3) occurred in 0%/0%, 17%/1%, and 20%/6% of pts at doses of 150, 300, and 450 × 106 CAR+ T cells. Median time to onset was similar regardless of gr, and there were no late-onset events (Table). NT was managed with CS in 10 pts (43%), Toci in 3 (13%), and ANR in 1 (4%). Median (range) time to first use of CS was 2 d (1–6). ORR and DOR were similar in pts with and without NT (Table). All NT occurred in the proximity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) events with the start date of NT events either overlapping with or occurring within 1 wk of the start of a CRS event. Conclusions: NT occurred early in the KarMMa study, was generally of short duration, and was mostly gr 1/2 with no gr ≥4 events. All NT was proximal to CRS. Pts with NT had a favorable ORR after ide-cel treatment. These results continue to demonstrate the durable efficacy and tolerability of ide-cel in pts with RRMM. Clinical trial information: NCT03361748. [Table: see text]

Genomic biomarkers inform treatment in multiple myeloma (MM), making patient clinical data a potential window into MM biology. We evaluated de novo MM patients for associations between specific MM cytogenetic patterns and prior cancer history. Analyzing a MM real-world dataset, we identified a cohort of 1769 patients with fluorescent in situ hybridization cytogenetic testing at diagnosis. Of the patients, 241 (0.14) had histories of prior cancer(s). Amplification of the long arm of chromosome 1 [amp(1q)] varied by prior cancer history (0.31 with prior cancer vs 0.24 without; 2-sided P = .02). No other MM translocations, amplifications, or deletions were associated with prior cancers. Amp(1q) and cancer history remained strongly associated in a logistic regression adjusting for patient demographic and disease attributes. The results merit follow-up regarding carcinogenic treatment effects and screening strategies for second malignancies. Broadly, the findings suggest that analyses of patient-level phenotypic-genomic real-world dataset may accelerate cancer research through hypothesis-generating studies.

Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate arm of the immune system; as such NK cells can be activated rapidly to target virus-infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization. The human NK-92MI cell line is among the most widely used NK cell in preclinical research studies and has also been approved for clinical applications. Previous studies have shown that osteoblasts (OSB) confer drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) and other cancers that metastasize to the bone marrow.We evaluated here how OSB, which are bone forming cells and a key cellular component of the bone marrow microenvironment, modulate the cytotoxic activity of NK-92MI cells against the MM.1S multiple myeloma cell line.The osteoblastic niche was recapitulated with either the osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19 (hFOB) or primary osteoblasts (P-OSB) derived from surgical resections. Time-lapse imaging was utilized to quantify changes in MM.1S cell viability under different conditions, including: (1) Co-culture of MM.1S with NK92MI cells, (2) triple-culture of hFOB or P-OSB with MM.1S and NK-92MI, and (3) MM.1S or NK-92MI cells primed with OSB-derived supernatant. Cytokine analysis was conducted to quantify potential secreted factors associated with the protective effects of OSB.The physical presence of OSB hindered the activity of NK-92MI cells, resulting in the increased viability of MM.1S compared to co-cultures which lacked OSB. This observation was accompanied by reduced perforin and granzyme A secretion from NK-92MI cells. Contact of OSB and NK-92MI cells also induced interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) production; two cytokines which are known to impair the NK cell immunity against MM and other cancers. OSB supernatant also conferred cytoprotection to MM.1S, suggesting a dual mechanism by which OSB may modulate both NK and MM cells.We demonstrated here that OSB can negatively impact the activity of NK cells against MM. As NK cells and their chimeric antigen receptor-modified versions become more widely used in the clinic, our results suggest that understanding the role of OSB as potential immunoregulators of the NK cell-mediated cytotoxic response in the bone marrow tumor microenvironment may provide new opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness of this potent immunotherapeutic approach.

8016 Background: Patients (pts) with RRMM previously exposed to immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors (PIs), and CD38 antibodies (mAbs) have poor outcomes with subsequent treatments. Ide-cel, a BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy, showed frequent, deep, and durable responses in heavily pretreated pts with RRMM in the pivotal KarMMa trial (Munshi NC, et al. J Clin Oncol 2020;38[suppl 15]. Abstract 8503). Here, we present updated data. Methods: Pts with ≥ 3 prior regimens (including immunomodulatory agent, PI, and CD38 mAb) and refractory to their last regimen per IMWG criteria were eligible (NCT03361748). Pts received 150─450 × 106 CAR+ T cells (target dose range) after 3 days of lymphodepletion (cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 + fludarabine 30 mg/m2). Endpoints included overall response rate (ORR; primary) and complete response (CR) rate (key secondary). Additional secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: KarMMa enrolled 140 pts, and 128 received ide-cel. Pts had a median age of 61 years and a median of 6 (range, 3-16) prior regimens; 84% were triple-class refractory, and 26% were penta-class refractory (lenalidomide, pomalidomide, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and daratumumab). Most pts (88%) had bridging therapy. Median follow-up was 15.4 mo (data cutoff, 7 Apr 2020). ORR was 73% and median PFS was 8.8 mo in all treated pts; both increased with higher dose (Table). At the highest target dose (450 × 106 CAR+ T cells), the ORR was 81%, the CR rate was 39%, and the median PFS increased to 12.2 months with longer follow-up. Responses were observed in all subgroups including difficult-to-treat subsets (eg, extramedullary disease [ORR, 70%], high tumor burden [71%], and R-ISS stage III disease [48%]). OS continues to mature and the median has not been reached; the 15-month event-free rate for OS was 71%. Cytopenias (97%) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS; 84%) were the most common any-grade toxicities. CRS was mostly grade 1/2; 5 pts (4%) had grade 3, 1 had grade 4 (at 300 × 106), and 1 had grade 5 (at 300 × 106). Investigator-identified neurotoxicity was reported in 23 pts (18%); 4 pts (3%) had grade 3 and 0 had grade ≥ 4. Tocilizumab was used in 67 and 3 pts with CRS and neurotoxicity, respectively. Conclusions: Updated results from the KarMMa trial continue to demonstrate deep, durable responses with ide-cel in heavily pretreated pts with RRMM. Efficacy and safety reflect prior reports and support a favorable clinical benefit-risk profile for ide-cel across the target dose range. Clinical trial information: NCT03361748. [Table: see text]

BACKGROUND Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, also called bb2121), a B-cell maturation antigendirected chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, has shown clinical activity with expected CAR T-cell toxic effects in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. METHODS In this phase 2 study, we sought to confirm the efficacy and safety of ide-cel in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma. Patients with disease after at least three previous regimens including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulating agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody were enrolled. Patients received ide-cel target doses of 150 x 10(6) to 450 x 10(6) CAR-positive (CAR+) T cells. The primary end point was an overall response (partial response or better); a key secondary end point was a complete response or better (comprising complete and stringent complete responses). RESULTS Of 140 patients enrolled, 128 received ide-cel. At a median follow-up of 13.3 months, 94 of 128 patients (73%) had a response, and 42 of 128 (33%) had a complete response or better. Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status (

Summary Background Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the interleukin-6 receptor, has been proposed to mitigate the cytokine storm syndrome associated with severe COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the association between tocilizumab exposure and hospital-related mortality among patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) support for COVID-19. Methods We did a retrospective observational cohort study at 13 hospitals within the Hackensack Meridian Health network (NJ, USA). We included patients (aged ≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who needed support in the ICU. We obtained data from a prospective observational database and compared outcomes in patients who received tocilizumab with those who did not. We applied a multivariable Cox model with propensity score matching to reduce confounding effects. The primary endpoint was hospital-related mortality. The prospective observational database is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04347993 . Findings Between March 1 and April 22, 2020, 764 patients with COVID-19 required support in the ICU, of whom 210 (27%) received tocilizumab. Factors associated with receiving tocilizumab were patients' age, gender, renal function, and treatment location. 630 patients were included in the propensity score-matched population, of whom 210 received tocilizumab and 420 did not receive tocilizumab. 358 (57%) of 630 patients died, 102 (49%) who received tocilizumab and 256 (61%) who did not receive tocilizumab. Overall median survival from time of admission was not reached (95% CI 23 days–not reached) among patients receiving tocilizumab and was 19 days (16–26) for those who did not receive tocilizumab (hazard ratio [HR] 0·71, 95% CI 0·56–0·89; p=0·0027). In the primary multivariable Cox regression analysis with propensity matching, an association was noted between receiving tocilizumab and decreased hospital-related mortality (HR 0·64, 95% CI 0·47–0·87; p=0·0040). Similar associations with tocilizumab were noted among subgroups requiring mechanical ventilatory support and with baseline C-reactive protein of 15 mg/dL or higher. Interpretation In this observational study, patients with COVID-19 requiring ICU support who received tocilizumab had reduced mortality. Results of ongoing randomised controlled trials are awaited. Funding None.

This case presents a patient with bacteremia of an unusual organism with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is typically thought to be asymptomatic until potential progression of the disease. This case reports a patient with a history of MGUS who does not show disease progression, however, may be showing symptoms, such as immunodeficiency. This case displays bacteremia with Streptococcus mitis within a two-week period of an invasive procedure. Recent studies parallel this case by showing MGUS patients may have two times the risk of infections compared to the unaffected population. This report brings up the question of taking prophylactic measures for this patient population to prevent future complications.

Background Advances in the management of multiple myeloma (MM) have extended survival and reduced painful skeletal-related events. As MM is evolving toward a chronic disease, we sought to determine the prevalence of self-reported symptom burden and psychological distress, and to determine the association of distress with survival. Methods The CPASS-7 patient-reported outcome instrument was administered to a convenience sample of MM patients at 7 outpatient cancer centers. Results A total of 239 patients completed the CPASS-7 between September 2015 and October 2016%; 57% of respondents were male, and median age was 67 years. Forty-eight percent were concerned that they could not do the things they wanted to do, with 33% reporting decreased performance status. Financial toxicity concerns were self-reported by 44%, with family burdens noted in 24%. Although depression was reported by only 15%, 41% noted lack of pleasure. Pain was a concern in 36%. With a median follow-up of 316 days since CPASS-7 completion, 13% of patients had died. A high total distress score was noted in 57 (24%) and trended toward an association with a decreased survival rate compared to the 182 patients (76%) with a low total distress score (P = .066). The 6-month survival rates for patients with high and low distress scores were 86% and 96%, respectively, and 12-month survival rates were 76% and 87%, respectively. Conclusion Despite dramatic improvements in survival among patients with MM, symptom, financial, and psychosocial concerns continue to be major patient concerns. As MM becomes a chronic disease, additional attention to addressing these issues is required.

Triple-class-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) describes MM refractory to proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies. In the Phase IIb STORM study (NCT02336815), oral selinexor plus low-dose dexamethasone (Sel-dex) demonstrated a 26.2% overall response rate in triple-class-refractory MM. Here, we compare overall survival (OS) of 122 patients with triple-class-refractory MM who received Sel-dex in STORM Part 2 with that of 64 similar patients treated with other available therapies in a Flatiron Health Analytic Database (FHAD) cohort. OS from the date that the patients' MM became triple-class-refractory was longer in STORM versus FHAD, with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.43 (