Autologous stem cell transplantation normalizes abnormal bone remodeling and sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in patients with multiple myeloma.

The osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) system has a major role in the pathogenesis of bone disease in myeloma (MM). The effect of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on bone turnover in MM was evaluated in 51 patients (35M/16F). Markers of bone resorption (NTX, TRACP-5b), bone formation (bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin), OPG and sRANKL were measured pre- and every month post-ASCT. The median follow-up period was 12 months. Four patients were transplanted in CR, 44 were transplanted in PR and three patients had progressive/resistant disease. All patients received bisphosphonates both pre- and post-ASCT. At baseline the majority of patients had increased NTX, TRACP-5b levels, and sRANKL/OPG ratio, while markers of bone formation were strongly suppressed. ASCT produced a significant reduction of sRANKL/OPG ratio, with a concomitant decrease of NTX, and TRACP-5b levels, starting the second month post-ASCT. Bone formation markers, osteocalcin and bALP, started to increase after the 9th and 11th month post-ASCT, respectively, while the increase of OPG preceded this. These results provide biochemical evidence that ASCT normalizes the abnormal bone resorption in MM patients possibly through the decrease of RANKL/OPG ratio, while bone formation requires a longer period to return to normal.     

The oral combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (ThaCyDex) is effective in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

We evaluate the efficacy of the oral combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (ThaCyDex) in 71 refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma patients, including a prognostic analysis to predict both response and survival. Patients received thalidomide at escalating doses (200-800 mg/day), daily cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day) and pulsed dexamethasone (40 mg/day, 4 days every 3 weeks). On an intention-to-treat basis and using the EBMT response criteria, 2% patients reached complete response (CR), 55% partial response (PR) and 26% minor response (MR) yielding a total response (CR+PR+MR) rate of 83% after 3 months of therapy. After 6 months of therapy, responses were maintained including a 10% CR. The 2-year progression free and overall survival were 57 and 66%, respectively. A favorable response was associated with beta2 microglobulin < or =4 mg/dl, platelets >80 x 10(9)/l and nonrefractory disease. Regarding survival, low beta2 microglobulin (< or =4 mg/dl), age (< or =65 years) and absence of extramedullary myelomatous lesion were associated with a longer survival. Major adverse effects included constipation (24%), somnolence (18%), fatigue (17%) and infection (13%). Only 7% of patients developed a thrombo-embolic event. ThaCyDex is an oral regimen that induces a high response rate and long remissions, particularly in relapsing patients with beta2 microglobulin < or =4 mg/dl and < or =65 years.     

The combination of intermediate doses of thalidomide and dexamethasone reduces bone marrow micro-vessel density but not serum levels of angiogenic cytokines in patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma

The aim of the study was the evaluation of anti-angiogenic activity of the combination of intermediate doses of thalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with refractory/relapsed myeloma. Twenty-five patients were included in the study. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated in marrow biopsies before and after treatment. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which have angiogenic potential and interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) which are involved in the disease biology, were measured before treatment and then every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. Pretreatment levels of MVD, VEGF, b-FGF, IL-6, sIL-6R were increased in the patients compared to controls. The overall response rate to therapy was 72%. The administration of the combined regimen produced a significant reduction in MVD in responders. However, an increase in serum levels of VEGF, b-FGF, IL-6, sIL-6R was observed post-treatment in responders. In contrast, serum levels of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-1beta did not differ between patients and controls and remained unchanged during the study. These results suggest that the combination of thalidomide plus dexamethasone is an effective treatment for myeloma reducing MVD marrow levels but not serum levels of angiogenic cytokines or cytokines implicated in myeloma biology.     

沙利度胺联合地塞米松治疗难治复发性多发性骨髓瘤的临床研究

 目的 探讨沙利度胺联合地塞米松（Thal-Dex）方案治疗难治复发性多发性骨髓瘤（MM）的疗效及相关毒副作用。方法 采用Thal-Dex方案对15例难治复发性MM患者进行治疗，沙利度胺起始剂量为100 mg，维持两周后逐渐增至200 mg；地塞米松片40 mg口服，第1～4天、第9～12天、第17～20天，4周为1疗程；口服小剂量华法林（1.25 mg／d）预防深静脉血栓（DVT），监测骨髓细胞学浆细胞数、血M蛋白、血β2-微球蛋白及其他常规检查项目。结果 15例患者中完全缓解5例，部分缓解4例，微小反应4例，无反应1例，死亡1例，总体反应率为60.0 %；3例患者发生DVT；全部患者未发生Ⅱ级以上血液毒性。结论 Thal-Dex 方案对于难治复发性MM有较好的疗效，耐受性好，但需注意DVT发生。     

Use of melphalan,thalidomide, and dexamethasone in treatment of refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma

Twenty-one patients with relapsed and refractory Durie-Salmon stage III multiple myeloma who had either failed at least three previous regimens or presented with poor performance status, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia were treated with up to four cycles of combination melphalan (50 mg intravenously), thalidomide (titrated to target of 400 mg orally daily), and dexamethasone (40 mg/day orally on d 1 to 4) every 4-6 wk. Maintenance treatment consisting of daily thalidomide and monthly dexamethasone was continued until disease progression. Although generally tolerated, combination melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone produced grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 52% and 38% of patients, respectively. Grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (14% of patients), neuropathy/paresthesia (5%), and nausea (5%). Four patients died while on therapy: two from neutropenic complications and two from progressive disease. Melphalan/ thalidomide/dexamethasone was highly active in this poor prognosis population: Serum monoclonal protein reductions > or = 25% occurred in 14 (70%) of 20 evaluable patients, including 1 patient with a complete response and 2 (13%) patients with reductions of 96%. Median progression-free-survival was 270 d (range: 73 to > 787 d) and median overall survival was 382 d. Median progression-free survival (> 420 d) has not been reached among patients responding to melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone. These results show that melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone therapy is active and generally tolerated in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients whose prognosis is otherwise poor.     

沙利度胺治疗难治性复发性多发性骨髓瘤的临床研究

目的：观察沙利度胺(Thalidomide，国内商品名：反应停)单药或联合地塞米松治疗多发性骨髓瘤(Multiple Myeloma，MM)的疗效及副作用。方法：单药组：男性13例，女性2例，中位年龄58岁。其中2例为初发的MM；1例为原发性浆细胞白血病(PCL)；12例为难治性MM，其中3例为自体外周血干细胞移植(AutoPBSCT)术后复发。反应停治疗起始剂量为100mg／d，根据患者耐受情况，逐渐加量，最高达800mg／d。联合组：男性20例，女性7例，中位年龄56岁。其中初发1例；1例为原发性PCL；25例为难治MM，其中2例为自体外周血干细胞移植(AutoPBSCT)术后复发。反应停剂量为400mg／d左右加用地塞米松40mg／天，第1～4天，第9～12天，第17～20天，1个月为一个疗程。结果：单药组42．9％(6／14)的患者对治疗有效，其中3例为完全缓解(CR)或接近完全缓解(Near-CR)，1例有明显治疗反应(Major response)，1例为部分缓解(PR)。12例难治性MM中4例有效(33．3％)；联合组有效率为57．7％(15／26)，其中4例为CR或Near-CR，2例有明显治疗反应，9例为PR。25例难治性MM中11例有效(44．0％)。两组间在总有效率及难治病例的有效率方面均无显著差异。两组患者均出现不同程度的便秘、皮疹等副作用，但均可耐受。结论：沙利度胺单药或联合地塞米松对难治性复发性MM均有效。     

Low dose Velcade, thalidomide and dexamethasone (LD-VTD): an effective regimen for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients

From January 2004, R/R MM cases referred to the Institution received LD-VTD regimen. Patients, irrespective of age, PS and life expectancy, were enrolled in the study once they had a measurable disease. Planned therapy: Velcade 1.0 mg m(-2) i.v. twice weekly for 2 weeks of a 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, oral Dexamethasone 24 mg on the day of and the day following each Velcade dose and Thalidomide 100 mg each evening. DVT prophylaxis with warfarin to maintain international normalized ratio between 2.0-3.0 was planned in all patients. As of 1 June 2005, 18 were the treated patients: median age 63 years, median time from diagnosis 5.8 years, a median of 4 previous therapy lines. Seventeen were the valuable patients and 9 (53%) were the responders: 2 CR, 6 PR, 1 MR. Six were the stable disease and 2 the progressive ones. Median time to best response was 2 months. Toxicity was negligible. No case of DVT was recorded. Except for the first cycle, subsequent cycles were delivered on an outpatient basis. After a median follow-up of 11 months, 12 patients were alive and 5 died (3 disease progression, 1 heart failure, 1 intestinal bleeding). Thus, the LD-VTD regimen applied appears feasible and effective in elderly and heavily pre-treated R/R myeloma patients.     

沙利度胺对难治、复发多发性骨髓瘤患者骨髓微环境的影响

背景与目的:越来越多的研究表明,骨髓瘤细胞的生长、生存以及耐药的产生与骨髓微环境密切相关。沙利度胺(thalidomide,Thal)是作用于骨髓微环境的药物之一,我们通过观察沙利度胺对难治、复发多发性骨髓瘤(multiplemyeloma,MM)患者骨髓微环境的影响,进一步了解Thal的作用机制。方法:用流式细胞仪检测沙利度胺治疗前后难治、复发的MM患者骨髓基质细胞膜表面的细胞间粘附分子(ICAM-1)和血管细胞粘附分子(VCAM-1)的表达强度,半定量RT-PCR法检测骨髓基质细胞IL-1βmRNA、IL-6mRNA、TNF-αmRNA的表达,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定其血清VEGF、bFGF水平。结果:难治、复发MM患者骨髓基质细胞(BMSC)膜表面ICAM-1、VCAM-1平均荧光强度分别为13.28±4.26、10.35±2.47,用Thal治疗有效的难治、复发MM患者BMSC膜表面ICAM-1、VCAM-1平均荧光强度分别为4.29±0.98、3.54±0.62,明显受抑制(P<0.05)。难治、复发MM患者BMSCIL-1βmRNA、IL-6mRNA、TNF-αmRNA与β-actin的比值分别为1.83±0.64、24.52±11.46、3.42±1.83,用Thal后有效的难治、复发MM患者BMSCIL-1βmRNA、IL-6mRNA、TNF-αmRNA与β-actin的比值分别为0.58±0.11、13.47±14.31、1.25±0.76,明显受抑制(P<0.05)。而治疗无效的难治、复发MM患者BMSC膜表面IC     

亚砷酸联合沙利度胺治疗难治性复发性多发性骨髓瘤的疗效

 【摘要】　目的　观察亚砷酸（ATO）联合沙利度胺治疗难治性复发性多发性骨髓瘤（MM）的疗效和安全性。方法　35例难治性复发性MM患者,给予ATO（10 mg／d）及维生素C（2 g／d）静脉滴注,连续应用14 d,每28 d为1个疗程;同时给予沙利度胺口服,起始剂量为50 mg／d,1周后逐步加量并调整至100～150 mg／d,长期维持。连续应用3个疗程后评估疗效和患者不良反应,有效患者继续沙利度胺维持治疗,并随访观察无进展生存（PFS）。采用参照欧洲血液和骨髓移植小组骨髓瘤疗效判定标准判定疗效,并按世界卫生组织（WHO）标准判定不良反应。结果　ATO联合沙利度胺治疗难治性复发性MM总有效率71.43 %（25／35）,完全缓解2例（5.71 %）,部分缓解12例（34.29 %）,微小反应 11例（31.43 %）,无效10例（28.57 %）。25例患者进入维持治疗后,中位随访期为11个月（2～31个月）,中位PFS 9个月。主要不良反应有消化道反应、白细胞减少、肝功能损害、手足麻木等,不良反应轻微,均可耐受。结论　ATO联合沙利度胺治疗难治性复发性MM有效、可行,并有较好的治疗顺从性。     

Combination of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone in the treatment of relapsed, refractory IgD multiple myeloma

The use of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been recently introduced into the treatment of relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma (MM). We here demonstrate a case of a patient with IgD MM who was successfully treated with a combination of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone. Relapse of the disease occurred following tandem autologous transplantation and was refractory to a salvage therapy consisting of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and dexamethasone. While the administration of thalidomide was continued, the addition of bortezomib and dexamethasone led to a complete remission after 2 cycles of therapy. The feasibility of this treatment is supported by a recently reported phase I/II trial that used a lower dose of thalidomide in combination with an equal dose of bortezomib. This is the first report of a patient with IgD MM treated accordingly, suggesting that this entity is highly sensitive to the novel therapy.     

Vorinostat in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

The addition of vorinostat to lenalidomide/dexamethasone represents a novel combination therapy in multiple myeloma (MM), informed by laboratory studies suggesting synergy. This was a phase I, multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalating study in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM. Clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram, laboratory studies and adverse events were obtained and assessed. The maximum-tolerated dose was not reached owing to a non-occurrence of two dose-limiting toxicities per six patients tested at any of the dosing levels. Patients tolerated the highest dose tested (Level 5) and this was considered the maximum administered dose: at 400 mg vorinostat on days 1–7 and 15–21, 25 mg lenalidomide on days 1–21 and 40 mg dexamethasone on days 1, 8, 15 and 22, per 28-day cycle. Drug-related adverse events were reported in 90% of patients serious adverse experiences were reported in 45% of the patients and 22% of all patients had adverse experiences considered, possibly related to study drug by the investigators. A confirmed partial response or better was reported for 14/30 patients (47%) evaluable for efficacy, including 31% of patients previously treated with lenalidomide. Vorinostat in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone proved tolerable with appropriate supportive care, with encouraging activity observed.     

Pomalidomide alone or in combination with dexamethasone in Japanese patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

This phase 1, open‐label, dose‐escalation study investigated the tolerated dose (recommended dose), safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pomalidomide alone or pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone in Japanese patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Twelve patients were enrolled. Patients received pomalidomide 2 mg (Cohort 1) or 4 mg (Cohort 2) orally on day 1 and days 3–21 of a 28‐day cycle. The tolerated dose of pomalidomide was determined to be 4 mg given on days 1–21 of a 28‐day cycle. Efficacy outcomes with pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone were consistent with those of previous studies. Responses (partial response or better) were achieved by three patients (25%; 1 [17%] in Cohort 1 and 2 [33%] in Cohort 2), and the median time to response was 6.4 months overall (9.0 months for Cohort 1 and 4.2 months for Cohort 2). The median progression‐free survival was 5.5 months overall (5.1 months for Cohort 1 and not reached for Cohort 2). The most frequently occurring grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (67%), anemia (25%), lymphopenia (25%), and pneumonia (25%), consistent with previous studies of pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone in refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Further investigation of pomalidomide is recommended for Japanese patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01568294).     

不同剂量地塞米松联合沙利度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤

 目的　比较标准剂量地塞米松和小剂量地塞米松联合沙利度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤（MM）的疗效和患者不良反应。方法　39例MM患者随机分成两组,均给予沙利度胺+地塞米松方案化疗,沙利度胺200 mg／d,标准剂量组给予地塞米松40 mg第1天至第4天,28 d,小剂量组予地塞米松20 mg第1天至第4天,28 d,共4个疗程。比较两组的疗效、生存情况和患者不良反应。结果　标准剂量组完全缓解5例（26.3 %）、部分缓解7例（35.0 %）、总有效率75.0 %,小剂量组完全缓解3例（15.8 %）、部分缓解7例（36.8 %）、总有效率68.4 %,两组差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,标准剂量组的肺部感染、血压升高、血糖升高、带状疱疹等不良反应均高于小剂量组,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论　标准剂量组与小剂量组治疗MM疗效相近,但不良反应明显增多。     

Efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Data from two randomized pivotal, phase 3 trials evaluating the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) were pooled to characterize the subset of patients who achieved long-term benefit of therapy (progression-free survival ⩾3 years). Patients with long-term benefit of therapy (n=45) had a median duration of treatment of 48.1 months and a response rate of 100%. Humoral improvement (uninvolved immunoglobulin A) was more common in patients with long-term benefit of therapy (79% vs 55% P=0.002). Significant predictors of long-term benefit of therapy in multivariate analysis were age<65 years (P=0.03), β2-microglobulin <2.5 mg/l (P=0.002) and fewer prior therapies (P=0.002). The exposure-adjusted incidence rate (EAIR) of grade 3–4 neutropenia was lower in patients with long-term benefit of therapy (13.9 vs 38.2 per 100 patient-years). The EAIR for invasive second primary malignancy was the same in patients with long-term benefit of therapy and other patients (1.7 per 100 patient-years). These findings indicate that patients with RRMM can experience long-term benefit with lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment with manageable side effects.     

Choosing treatment options for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell disorder that is still incurable using conventional treatments. Over the last decade, advances in front-line therapy have led to an increase in survival, but there are still some doubts in the case of relapsed/refractory disease. We searched the PubMed database for articles on treatment options for patients with relapsed/refractory MM published between 1996 and 2013. These treatments included hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), rechallenges using previous chemotherapy regimens, and trials of new regimens. The introduction of new agents such as the immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs) thalidomide and lenalidomide, and the first-in-its-class proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, has greatly improved clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory MM, but not all patients respond and those that do may eventually relapse or become refractory to treatment. The challenge is therefore to select the optimal treatment for each patient by balancing efficacy and toxicity. To do this, it is necessary to consider disease-related factors, such as the quality and duration of responses to previous therapies, and the aggressiveness of the relapse, and patient-related factors such as age, comorbidities, performance status, pre-existing toxicities and cytogenetic patterns. The message from the trials reviewed in this article is that the new agents may be used to re-treat relapsed/refractory disease, and that the sequencing of their administration should be modulated on the basis of the various disease and patient-related factors. Moreover, our understanding of the pharmacology and molecular action of the new drugs will contribute to the possibility of developing tailored treatment.     

沙立度胺联合化疗治疗难治性及复发性多发性骨髓瘤的临床观察

目的观察沙立度胺联合化疗治疗难治性复发性多发性骨髓瘤(multiple myelo-ma,MM)的疗效及不良反应;研究MM患者血浆脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neuro-trophic factor,BDNF)、血管内皮细胞生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)的表达及动态变化。方法应用沙立度胺起始剂量100mg,每晚顿服或早晚各1次,每2周增加1次剂量为200mg/d,直至剂量达到600mg/d,依此剂量维持治疗并同时联合化疗治疗48例MM患者。根据血清M蛋白及骨髓中骨髓瘤细胞减少情况判断疗效。用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)方法测定对照组、MM患者血浆BDNF、VEGF的浓度及其治疗前、后的变化。结果48例患者部分缓解24例,进步14例,总有效率79.1%(38/48),无不能耐受的不良反应;患者血浆BDNF、VEGF治疗前分别为(4.16±0.75)μg/L、(138.35±22.78)ng/L,与正常对照组(1.97±0.43)μg/L、(56.83±13.76))ng/L相比,差异均有统计学意义,t=12.21,P=0.001;t=14.87,P=0.001。38例MM患者血浆BDNF、VEGF水平治疗后(2.34±0.56)μg/L、(89.25±20.70)ng/L较治疗前(4.32±0.75)μg/L、(154.07±22.40)ng/L明显下降,差异有统计学意义,t=4.70,P=0.001;t=3.45,P=0.001。结论MM患者血浆BDNF、VEGF明显升高,经治疗后两者均明显下降。血浆BDNF、VEGF水平可能为MM促进血管新生的细胞因子。沙立度胺联合化疗治疗难治性、复发性MM疗效可靠。