melphalan and Immunoglobulin-Light-chain-Amyloidosis

Systemic Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder characterized by deposition of amyloidogenic monoclonal light chain fragments causing organ dysfunction. It is a fatal disease and if not diagnosed and treated early can lead to organ failure and potentially death. The renal system along with the cardiovascular system are the most common organs involved but other organs such as gut and liver can be involved as well. The initial evaluation of patients requires confirming the diagnosis with tissue biopsy and staining with Congo red followed by confirmatory typing with mass spectrometry of the Congo red positive tissue. Then establishing the extent of the organs involvement by various staging and biomarkers testing. The treatment options and the tolerability of therapy depend on the disease staging, frailty, and co-morbidities. The autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after high dose melphalan therapy is an effective strategy which is usually done after initial bortezomib induction therapy. Unfortunately, most systemic AL amyloidosis patients are not candidate for HCT due to frailty, old age, multi-organ involvement, renal and heart failure at the time of diagnosis. While it is widely accepted that the patients need to be treated until they achieve complete hematologic response, the maintenance therapy after HCT is not well established in AL amyloidosis. In this review, we report the literature on the latest treatment updates of AL amyloidosis and the ongoing clinical trials highlighting the future treatments.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Congo Red; Frailty; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Paraproteinemias

The management of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is complex. Emerging data have shown promising results for several novel agents. We review the management of AL amyloidosis, including factors that determine transplant eligibility, treatment options for transplant-ineligible patients, and treatment options for relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis. For carefully selected patients, high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation is recommended. Transplant eligibility criteria generally include biopsy-proven amyloidosis, evidence of a plasma cell dyscrasia, involvement of at least one major organ, and adequate performance status. For transplant-ineligible patients, bortezomib-based regimens are recommended, including: 1) bortezomib, oral melphalan, and dexamethasone (BMDex); 2) bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (CyBorD or VCd); and 3) subcutaneous daratumumab (DARA SC) and VCd. The latter option is based on a landmark trial that led to the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy for AL amyloidosis. For relapsed/refractory disease, novel therapeutics including proteosome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results. In this review, we summarize data for various therapeutics in different clinical scenarios of AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Stem Cell Transplantation

High-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been transformative in treating AL amyloidosis since the early nineties. Recently, the European Hematology Association (EHA) and International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) have developed a combined guideline for the management of patients undergoing an ASCT for AL amyloidosis.. In this practitioner's perspective, we review the guideline, focusing on 6 major areas and offer practical advice for its application. We provide a perspective on the optimal use of ASCT and its potential application in the future.. The EHA-ISA guideline comprehensively outlines the practicalities of performing an ASCT in AL amyloidosis. The critical aspect is careful patient selection. Vigilant fluid balance assessments are crucial as associated complications are common and dangerous. The role of ASCT is changing with improving hematological responses associated with novel agents. Evidence is limited for the use of ASCT in patients who achieve a complete hematological response (CR). Therefore, ASCT should be considered for those who only achieve a very good partial response (VGPR)/partial response (PR) and fulfil the strict selection criteria. Future research identifying the cohort who would benefit most from ASCT in the era of novel therapies is warranted.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Several treatment strategies for amyloid light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) have been described in the literature; however, there is no consensus about the optimal approach to AL-CA.. We conducted this systematic review to summarize current evidence from published studies about the safety and efficacy of various treatment regimens for patients with AL-CA, mainly focusing on autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and heart transplant.. An electronic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and CINAHL Plus was conducted through December 2019 using the relevant keywords and prespecified MeSH terminology. Records were screened, and eligible studies were selected and narratively discussed. Data on the hematologic and cardiac responses as well as the safety of the treatment regimens were extracted and synthesized narratively in the context of the systematic review.. Thirty published articles were included in this systematic review. The most commonly used first-line treatment in the included studies was bortezomib-based therapy followed by high-dose melphalan and ASCT, with recent evidence of improved outcome with the addition of daratumumab. Heart transplant was found to extend survival for selected patients who were not eligible for ASCT; however, it was found to affect the patients' tolerance of further chemotherapy in some studies. Published data on longterm outcomes with immunomodulatory agents were scarce.. Current evidence suggests several possible regimens for the treatment of AL-CA. Effective treatment approaches for AL-CA include induction therapy with bortezomib-based or immunotherapy-based combinations in moderate/severe forms of cardiac involvement, followed by high-dose melphalan and ASCT in eligible patients, and heart transplant for selected severe cases. Therefore, we highlight the necessity of conducting well-designed, randomized controlled trials to provide evidence about the efficacy of these drugs with respect to ASCT.

Topics: Bortezomib; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

AL amyloidosis is a systemic amyloidosis and is associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. High-dose intravenous melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation was developed for the treatment of AL amyloidosis in the early 1990s and was prompted by its success in myeloma. This application has evolved significantly over the past three decades. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of eligibility criteria, stem cell collection, and mobilization strategies and regimens, risk-adapted melphalan dosing, role for induction and consolidation therapies as well as long-term outcome with respect to survival, hematologic response and relapse as well as organ responses following stem cell transplantation. Continued efforts to refine patient selection and management, and incorporate novel anti-plasma cell agents in combination or sequentially to further improve outcomes in AL amyloidosis are also discussed.

Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Management; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Myeloablative Agonists; Organ Specificity; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Postoperative Care; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Many patients with systemic amyloidosis are underdiagnosed. Overall, 25% of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis die within 6 months of diagnosis and 25% of patients with amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis die within 24 months of diagnosis. Effective therapy exists but is ineffective if end-organ damage is severe.. To provide evidence-based recommendations that could allow clinicians to diagnose this rare set of diseases earlier and enable accurate staging and counseling about prognosis.. A comprehensive literature search was conducted by a reference librarian with publication dates from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. Key search terms included amyloid, amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure preserved ejection fraction, and peripheral neuropathy. Exclusion criteria included case reports, non-English-language text, and case series of fewer than 10 patients. The authors independently selected and appraised relevant literature.. There was a total of 1769 studies in the final data set. Eighty-one articles were included in this review, of which 12 were randomized clinical trials of therapy that included 3074 patients, 9 were case series, and 3 were cohort studies. The incidence of AL amyloidosis is approximately 12 cases per million persons per year and there is an estimated prevalence of 30 000 to 45 000 cases in the US and European Union. The incidence of variant ATTR amyloidosis is estimated to be 0.3 cases per year per million persons with a prevalence estimate of 5.2 cases per million persons. Wild-type ATTR is estimated to have a prevalence of 155 to 191 cases per million persons. Amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult nondiabetic nephrotic syndrome; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, particularly if restrictive features are present; unexplained hepatomegaly without imaging abnormalities; peripheral neuropathy with distal sensory symptoms, such as numbness, paresthesia, and dysesthesias (although the autonomic manifestations occasionally may be the presenting feature); and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance with atypical clinical features. Staging can be performed using blood testing only. Therapeutic decision-making for AL amyloidosis involves choosing between high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant or bortezomib-based chemotherapy. There are 3 therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for managing ATTR amyloidosis, depending on clinical phenotype.. All forms of amyloidosis are underdiagnosed. All forms now have approved therapies that have been demonstrated to improve either survival or disability and quality of life. The diagnosis should be considered in patients that have a multisystem disorder involving the heart, kidney, liver, or nervous system.

Topics: Algorithms; Benzoxazoles; Dexamethasone; Diagnosis, Differential; Gene Silencing; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Liver Transplantation; Melphalan; Prognosis; Proteinuria; Stem Cell Transplantation

Chemotherapy for amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis has evolved over the years. Although high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation remain the standard of care for eligible patients, a vast majority of the patients at the time of presentation are not eligible for this approach and require low-intensity but highly effective induction therapy, usually based on bortezomib. Immunomodulatory agents are not well tolerated, particularly by patients with AL amyloidosis cardiomyopathy, and are reserved for second-line or later therapy. Because there currently is no Food Drug and Administration-approved therapy, participation in well-designed clinical trials of high scientific merit should be considered.

Topics: Allografts; Bortezomib; Cardiomyopathies; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Severity of Illness Index; Stem Cell Transplantation

The application of high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) to systemic AL amyloidosis (AL) has evolved over the past two decades and remains an important component of therapy for patients with AL. The era of novel agents created the opportunity to provide well -tolerated induction and post-SCT consolidation to AL patients eligible for SCT and the current availability of new monoclonal antibody therapies will likely provide additional opportunities to enhance the outcomes with SCT. In this review, we touch on the history of SCT for AL and examine the data on eligibility, mobilization, induction, risk-adapted melphalan dosing, engraftment, consolidation and maintenance, and long-term outcomes with SCT. We note that induction therapy may deprive some patients of the opportunity to proceed to SCT but is likely needed if the marrow plasmacytosis is > 10%, that risk-adapted melphalan dosing continues to be relevant, and that post-SCT consolidation improves the complete response rate as well as long-term overall survival. The importance of baseline cytogenetics is also highlighted, particularly for patients whose clonal plasma cells are ≤ 10% but harbor the t(11;14), because they may have improved survival with SCT.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Stem Cell Transplantation

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, the most common of the systemic amyloidosis, is characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils that derive from the aggregation of misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Amyloid fibrils disrupt tissue architecture and the pre-fibril oligomers are directly toxic to myocardiac cells, causing cardiac dysfunction. The lethal consequences of AL amyloidosis are due to the toxic product and not due to the malignant behaviour of the plasma cell clone; however, the characteristics of this clone are associated with long-term prognosis. Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to effective management, but is challenging. Modern chemotherapy options (including autologous transplantation, bortezomib, lenalidomide) have improved the outcomes of patients at low or intermediate risk, but the prognosis of patients with severe cardiac dysfunction is still poor. Therapies targeting amyloid deposits and the amyloidogenic process are under investigation and offer promise for better future treatments.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Myeloablative Agonists; Plasma Cells; Risk Assessment; Stem Cell Transplantation; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Combined Modality Therapy; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Organ Transplantation; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome

AL amyloidosis is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis and is associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. It is often difficult to recognize because of its many manifestations. Recent diagnostic and prognostic advances include the serum-free light chain assay, cardiac MRI, and serologic cardiac biomarkers. Treatment strategies that have evolved during the past decade are prolonging survival and preserving organ function. This article outlines the role of high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the first patient who underwent successful stem cell transplantation for this disease at Boston Medical Center.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Remission Induction; Survival Analysis; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Multiple myeloma (MM) and AL amyloidosis are caused by the expansion of monoclonal plasma cells and secretion of dysproteinemia (Bence Jones protein and free light chain) and some patients require the hemodialysis. Myeloma kidney is mainly caused by the cast nephropathy of the distal tubuli, whereas, AL amyloid-protein is mainly deposited in glomeruli with massive fibrillar involvement. Therefore, almost MM patients presents a symptom of renal insufficiency, whereas, almost patients of AL amyloidosis present a nephrotic syndrome with severe hypoalbuminemia. These two diseases have some similar characteristics such as up-regulation of cyclin D1 gene by 11:14 chromosomal translocation. High-dose chemotherapy supported with autologous peripheral blood stem cells is effective for these two diseases. However, they are still difficult to be cured and require long-term disease control. In recent years, introduction of novel agents has changed their treatment strategies from the palliation therapy to the clinical cure.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Bence Jones Protein; Boronic Acids; Bortezomib; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Lenalidomide; Melphalan; Methylprednisolone; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Pyrazines; Renal Insufficiency; Thalidomide

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the pathologic production of fibrillar proteins comprised of monoclonal light chains which deposit in tissues and cause organ dysfunction. The diagnosis can be challenging, requiring a biopsy and often specialized testing to confirm the subtype of systemic disease. The goal of treatment is eradication of the monoclonal plasma cell population and suppression of the pathologic light chains which can result in organ improvement and extend patient survival. Standard treatment approaches include high dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) or oral melphalan with dexamethasone (MDex). The use of novel agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib) alone and in combination with steroids and alkylating agents has shown efficacy and continues to be explored. A risk adapted approach to SCT followed by novel agents as consolidation reduces treatment related mortality with promising outcomes. Immunotherapeutic approaches targeting pathologic plasma cells and amyloid precursor proteins or fibrils are being developed. Referral of patients to specialized centers focusing on AL amyloidosis and conducting clinical trials is essential to improving patient outcomes.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Animals; Dexamethasone; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Paraproteinemias

Topics: Amyloidosis; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney Diseases; Melphalan; Transplantation, Autologous

The recent decades have ushered in considerable advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis. As disease outcomes improve, AL amyloidosis-unrelated factors may impact mortality. In this study, we evaluated survival trends and primary causes of death among 2337 individuals with AL amyloidosis referred to the Boston University Amyloidosis Center. Outcomes were analyzed according to date of diagnosis: 1980-1989 (era 1), 1990-1999 (era 2), 2000-2009 (era 3), and 2010-2019 (era 4). Overall survival increased steadily with median values of 1.4, 2.6, 3.3, and 4.6 years for eras 1-4, respectively (P < 0.001). Six-month mortality decreased over time from 23% to 13%. Wide gaps in survival persisted amid patient subgroups; those with age at diagnosis ≥70 years had marginal improvements over time. Most deaths were attributable to disease-related factors, with cardiac failure (32%) and sudden unexpected death (23%) being the leading causes. AL amyloidosis-unrelated mortality increased across eras (from 3% to 16% of deaths) and with longer-term survival (29% of deaths occurring >10 years after diagnosis). Under changing standards of care, survival improved and early mortality declined over the last 40 years. These findings support a more optimistic outlook for patients with AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Stem Cell Transplantation; Survival Analysis

Oral melphalan and dexamethasone (MDex) were considered a standard of care in light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. In the past decade, bortezomib has been increasingly used in combination with alkylating agents and dexamethasone. We prospectively compared the efficacy and safety of MDex and MDex with the addition of bortezomib (BMDex).. This was a phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. Patients were stratified according to cardiac stage. Patients with advanced cardiac stage (stage IIIb) amyloidosis were not eligible. The primary end point was hematologic response rate at 3 months. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01277016.. A total of 109 patients, 53 in the BMDex and 56 in the MDex group, received ≥ 1 dose of therapy (from January 2011 to February 2016). Hematologic response rate at 3 months was higher in the BMDex arm (79%. BMDex improved hematologic response rate and overall survival. To our knowledge, this is the first time a controlled study has demonstrated a survival advantage in AL amyloidosis. BMDex should be considered a new standard of care for AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Progression-Free Survival

In immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, the depth of hematologic response to treatment is associated with improved survival and organ responses. We conducted a clinical trial using bortezomib in induction and in conditioning with melphalan before stem cell transplantation (SCT) for AL amyloidosis. The results of this clinical trial with a median follow-up of 36 months have been reported previously. Here we report the long-term results of this clinical trial with a median follow-up of 77 months. We describe survival, durability of hematologic and organ responses, and relapse rates. Thirty-five patients were enrolled between 2010 and 2013. Hematologic complete response and very good partial response (VGPR) were noted in 100% (27 of 27) of the evaluable patients at 6 months post-SCT. Four patients (15%) had hematologic relapse at a median of 42 months, and 1 patient (3.7%) had organ progression despite maintaining a VGPR at 37 months. The median overall survival and progression-free survival have not yet been reached at the time of this report. Renal and cardiac responses occurred in 65% and 88%, respectively, at 5 years post-SCT. The median time to renal and cardiac response was 12 months and 6 months, respectively. In conclusion, incorporating bortezomib into induction and conditioning yielded durable hematologic responses of AL amyloidosis, with corresponding organ responses and prolonged survival.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Myeloablative Agonists; Remission Induction; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

We retrospectively reviewed the impact of impaired renal function (eGFR < 45 ml/min/SA) on post-transplant outcomes in patients receiving ASCT for AL amyloidosis. Patients were grouped into two cohorts, those with normal renal function (NRF) eGFR ≥ 45 ml/min (n = 568) and those with impaired renal function (IRF) eGFR < 45 ml/min (n = 87). Patients with IRF had higher renal stage (>Stage 1: 100% IRF vs 37% NRF, p < 0.0001) and the majority received conditioning with melphalan <200 mg/m

Topics: Adult; Aged; Autografts; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency; Survival Rate; Transplantation Conditioning

In appropriately selected patients with AL amyloidosis, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is an established treatment modality with excellent outcomes and decreasing transplant related mortality (TRM) over time. We report on 15-year overall survival (OS) in 159 patients undergoing ASCT from 1996 to 2003, with median follow up of 17.1 years. Day 100 TRM was 13.2% (n = 21). The OS of ≥15 years was observed in 30% (47/159) of patients. Patients surviving ≥15 years were younger (53 vs 56 years, P = .02), less likely to have lambda as the involved light chain (62% vs 78%, P = .03) and were less likely to have heart involvement (32% vs 56%, P = .005). Median OS of patients with heart involvement vs not was 4.0 vs 11.1 years, P = .006 and actuarial 15-year OS was 23% vs 43%, respectively. A higher proportion of patients with OS ≥15 years received full-dose melphalan conditioning (81% vs 61%, P = .01), and achieved day 100 complete response (CR) (64% vs 24%, P < .001). Median OS amongst patients who achieved CR vs not was 19.3 vs 5.4 years, P < .001. Heart involvement, receiving full-dose melphalan and achieving CR remained independent predictors of OS. AL amyloidosis and related complications were the cause of death in 52% of patients overall (1-5 years post-transplant: 81%; 5-10 years: 62% and 10-15 years: 55%). These results reinforce the key role of ASCT in AL amyloidosis. With improvements in TRM and more options for relapsed disease, we expect the long-term survival post-transplant to improve significantly in the future.

Topics: Adult; Autografts; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Transplantation Conditioning

Chemotherapy in light chain amyloidosis aims to normalize the involved free light chain in serum, which leads to an improvement, or at least stabilization of organ function in most responding patients. We performed a prospective single center phase 2 trial with 50 untreated patients not eligible for high-dose treatment. The treatment schedule comprised 6 cycles of oral lenalidomide, melphalan and dexamethasone every 4 weeks. After 6 months, complete remission was achieved in 9 patients (18%), very good partial remission in 16 (32%) and partial response in 9 (18%). Overall, organ response was observed in 24 patients (48%). Hematologic and cardiac toxicities were predominant adverse events. Mortality at 3 months was low at 4% (n=2) despite the inclusion of 36% of patients (n=18) with cardiac stage Mayo 3. After a median follow-up of 50 months, median overall and event-free survival were 67.5 months and 25.1 months, respectively. We conclude that the treatment of lenalidomide, melphalan and dexamethasone is very effective in achieving a hematologic remission, organ response and, consecutively, a long survival in transplant ineligible patients with light chain amyloidosis. However, as toxicity and tolerability are the major problems of a 3-drug regimen, a strict surveillance program is necessary and sufficient to avoid severe toxicities.

Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Lenalidomide; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Survival Analysis; Thalidomide

The depth of hematologic response has been shown to correlate with survival and organ responses for patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. We conducted a prospective trial of 2 cycles of induction with bortezomib and dexamethasone on a twice a week schedule followed by conditioning with bortezomib and high-dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). The objectives were hematologic responses, tolerability, and survival. Thirty-five patients were enrolled from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 30 proceeded with SCT, whereas 5 did not because of clinical deterioration during induction (n = 3) or complications after stem cell collection (n = 2). Two patients developed features of an autologous graft-versus-host disease-like syndrome post-SCT, which responded to steroids; no other unusual complications were seen. Treatment-related mortality occurred in 8.5% (3/35). Hematologic responses were achieved by 100% of the 27 assessable patients (63% complete response, 37% very good partial response [VGPR]) who completed the planned treatment. By intention-to-treat, hematologic responses occurred in 77% of patients (49% complete response, 29% VGPR). With a median follow-up of 36 months, the median overall survival and progression-free survival were not reached. In conclusion, incorporating bortezomib into induction and conditioning yielded a high rate of hematologic responses after HDM/SCT in patients with AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents; Bortezomib; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Induction Chemotherapy; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Transplantation Conditioning

In Ig light chain (AL) amyloidosis, cardiac involvement is associated with worse prognosis and increased treatment-related complications. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed survival, hematologic and cardiac responses to high-dose melphalan and auto-SCT (HDM/SCT) in patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement, stratified by cardiac biomarkers brain natriuretic peptide and Troponin I, analogous to the Mayo cardiac staging. Forty-seven patients underwent HDM/SCT based upon functional measures; six patients had modified cardiac stage I disease, seventeen had modified cardiac stage II disease and twenty-four had modified cardiac stage III disease. Treatment-related mortality was 4% for all patients and 8% for patients with stage III disease. Three-year survival was 88% and EFS was 47%; these did not differ by stage. By intention-to-treat analysis, 27% of patients achieved a hematologic complete response and 32% a very good partial response, of whom 70 and 45%, respectively, have not required additional therapy at 36 months. Cardiac response was achieved in 53% of patients. We conclude that with appropriate patient selection and a risk-adapted treatment approach, HDM/SCT is safe and effective in patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Biomarkers; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Stem Cell Transplantation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Troponin I

We designed a trial using two sequential cycles of modified high-dose melphalan at 100 mg/m(2) and autologous SCT (mHDM/SCT) in AL amyloidosis (light-chain amyloidosis, AL), AL with myeloma (ALM) and host-based high-risk myeloma (hM) patients through SWOG-0115. The primary objective was to evaluate OS. From 2004 to 2010, 93 eligible patients were enrolled at 17 centers in the United States (59 with AL, 9 with ALM and 25 with hM). The median OS for patients with AL and ALM was 68 months and 47 months, respectively, and has not been reached for patients with hM. The median PFS for patients with AL and ALM was 38 months and 16 months, respectively, and has not been reached for patients with hM. The treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 12% (11/93) and was observed only in patients with AL after SCT. Grade 3 and higher non-hematologic adverse events were experienced by 81%, 67% and 57% of patients with AL, ALM and hM, respectively, during the first and second HDM/SCT. This experience demonstrates that with careful selection of patients and use of mHDM for SCT in patients with AL, ALM and hM, even in the setting of a multicenter study, OS can be improved with acceptable TRM and morbidity.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Prognosis; Thalidomide; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous

High-dose melphalan and auto-SCT (HDM/SCT) induces hematological complete responses (HCRs) in 40% of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. However, relapses occur in 8% of patients who initially achieve HCR. We conducted a study to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a second HDM/SCT in this setting. Eleven patients were enrolled. Five patients underwent repeat stem cell mobilization with G-CSF; the others had stem cells cryopreserved from the first mobilization. Six patients received 200 mg/m(2) HDM; five patients received modified HDM at 140 mg/m(2). Engraftment occurred at a median of 10 days for neutrophils and 12 days for platelets. There was no treatment-related mortality or death within the first year, but significant grade III/IV non-hematological toxicities occurred. In all, 4 of 11 patients (36%) achieved HCR at 1 year. Two of these patients are in continuous remission at 3 and 6 years; the other two relapsed at 2 and 3 years. Of the four patients who achieved partial hematological response at 1 year, three have relapsed at a median of 3 years. Three patients died of progressive disease at 1-2 years. In conclusion, one-third of patients with AL amyloidosis who relapse after HDM/SCT can achieve HCR with a second SCT.

Topics: Adult; Amyloidosis; Cohort Studies; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Survival Analysis

Systemic light chains is the most common systemic amyloidosis. In patients with AL amyloidosis, the prognosis is influenced by the extent of organ damage, especially cardiac involvement. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a highly effective treatment for AL amyloidosis for selective patient METHODS: One hundred patients treated with ASCT for AL amyloidosis were reviewed in the Samsung Medical Center amyloidosis cohort. The cardiac, renal, and hematologic response was analyzed, and survival results compared based on organ involvement and hematologic response.. The most common involved organ was kidney (n = 62) followed by heart (n = 50). The organ response rate was 44.0% and 37.1% in the patients with cardiac and renal involvement, respectively. In hematologic response, overall response rate (ORR) was 79.0%, including 48.0% complete response (CR). Median overall survival (OS) in patients with and without hematologic CR were not reached and 64.2 months (95% CI, 19.5 to 109.0), respectively (P < .001). The survival rate was not significantly different between patients with or without cardiac or renal involvement. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) in 30 days and 100 days was 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively.. ASCT is an effective treatment option for eligible patients with AL amyloidosis. Achieving hematologic CR is essential for long-term survival.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Republic of Korea; Retrospective Studies; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare hematologic disease that may involve multiple organs. Amongst the organs, cardiac involvement causes the greatest concern as its treatment is challenging. Diastolic dysfunction rapidly progresses to decompensated heart failure, pulseless electrical activity, and atrial standstill due to electro-mechanical dissociation resulting in death. High-dose melphalan plus autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM-ASCT) is the most radical treatment but its risk is very high and thus only less than 20% of patients can receive this therapy under criteria that can suppress treatment-related mortality. In substantial proportion of patients, levels of M protein remain elevated, and organ response cannot be achieved. Moreover, relapse may occur, making prediction of treatment response and judgement of disease eradication very difficult. Herein we report a case of AL amyloidosis who was treated with HDM-ASCT, resulting in preserved cardiac function and resolution of proteinuria for more than 17 years after HDM-ASCT ensuing atrial fibrillation and complete atrioventricular block required management by catheter ablation and pacemaker implantation 10 years and 12 years after transplantation, respectively.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrioventricular Block; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Amyloidosis; Benchmarking; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous

AL amyloidosis is a systemic amyloidosis and is associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. High dose intravenous melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation was developed for the treatment of AL amyloidosis in the early 1990s and was prompted by its success in multiple myeloma. This application has evolved significantly over the past three decades. These guidelines provide a comprehensive assessment of eligibility criteria, stem cell collection and mobilisation strategies and regimens, risk-adapted melphalan dosing, role for induction and consolidation therapies, specific supportive care management, long-term outcome with respect to survival, haematologic response and relapse and organ responses following stem cell transplantation. These guidelines are developed by the experts in the field on behalf of the stem cell transplant working group of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) and European Haematology Association (EHA).

Topics: Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Objective High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) therapy for AL amyloidosis are now associated with reduced mortality based on the application of strict criteria. However, there is no long-term evidence concerning the performance of induction therapy with newer agents, such as bortezomib or daratumumab. Concerns regarding long-term relapse despite treatment with ASCT exist, and missing the opportunity to perform ASCT might occur if induction proves to not be efficacious and cardiac amyloidosis progression deprives the patients of a chance to receive ASCT. We herein report good amyloid control by vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD) induction therapy and argue the importance of induction therapy before ASCT. Methods We compared patients who underwent VAD induction and ASCT (VAD+ASCT) with patients who underwent frontline ASCT in our hospital. Patients A total of 26 patients with histologically proven AL amyloidosis were included (18 in the VAD+ASCT group and 8 in the frontline ASCT). Results In the VAD+ASCT group, the 10-year overall survival and renal response rates were 82% and 43%, respectively. The renal response rate at two years in the VAD+ASCT group was significantly better than that in the frontline ASCT group. Although there was no significant difference in the survival rates between the two groups, the time to next treatment or death was significantly better in the VAD+ASCT group than in the the frontline ASCT group. Acute kidney injury was the most frequent reason for failure to receive two courses of VAD, and early mortality was mainly due to gastrointestinal complications. Conclusion Considering that only those who underwent 2 courses of VAD experienced a 10-year renal response, induction therapy was deemed to be directly related to the long-term control of AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Doxorubicin; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Retrospective Studies; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Vincristine

High-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) is an effective treatment for selected patients with AL amyloidosis. We report the long-term outcomes of 648 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT over 25 years. Hematologic CR was achieved by 39% of patients. The median duration of hematologic CR was 12.3 years, and 45% of patients with a hematologic CR had no evidence of a recurrent plasma cell dyscrasia at 15 years after HDM/SCT. With a median follow-up interval of 8 years, the median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.3 and 7.6 years, respectively. Patients with a hematologic CR had a median OS of 15 years, and 30% of these patients survived >20 years. On multivariable analysis, dFLC >180 mg/L and BM plasma cells >10% were independently associated with shorter EFS, whereas BNP >81 pg/mL, troponin I > 0.1 ng/mL, and serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL were independently associated with shorter OS. We developed a prognostic score for EFS, which incorporated dFLC >180 mg/L and BMPC% >10% as adverse risk factors. Patients with low-risk (0 factors), intermediate-risk (1 factor), and high-risk (2 factors) disease had median EFS estimates of 5.3, 2.8, and 1.0 years, respectively (p < .001). The 100-day treatment-related mortality rate was 3% in the latest treatment period (2012-2021), and the 25-year risk of t-MDS/AML was 3%. We conclude that HDM/SCT induces durable hematologic responses and prolonged survival with improved safety in selected patients with AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Longitudinal Studies; Melphalan; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease. Treatment is challenging, justified in part by systemic compromise and limited scientific evidence.. Develop evidencebased recommendations that allow adequate treatment of patients with amyloidosis AL.. A list of PICO format questions focused on the effectiveness and safety of amyloidosis AL treatment was generated. PubMed, Cochrane and Epistemonikos were searched. The levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were based on the GRADE system.. 11 recommendations were generated. In selected patients with amyloidosis AL, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is recommended after induction with bortezomibbased regimens and conditioning with melphalan, since it could deepen the hematological and organ response, its durability and improve survival. In patients not eligible for ASCT, first-line treatment with bortezomib-based regimens is recommended, since it is likely to achieve a higher rate of hematological and organ response and improve survival. In patients with a contraindication or inaccessibility to bortezomib, treatment with alkylating agents and corticosteroids is recommended, since they are likely to achieve haematological and organ response and improve survival.. These treatment recommendations are based on the available evidence and the experience of the panel of experts, in a scenario of limited available resources, according to developing countries.. Introducción: La amiloidosis por cadenas livianas de inmunoglobulinas (AL) es una enfermedad poco frecuente. El tratamiento implica un desafío, justificado en parte por el compromiso sistémico y la evidencia científica escasa. Objetivos: Elaborar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia que permitan realizar un adecuado tratamiento de pacientes con amiloidosis AL. Métodos: Se generó un listado de preguntas con formato PICO centradas en la efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento de la amiloidosis AL. Se realizó la búsqueda en PubMed, Cochrane y Epistemonikos. Los niveles de evidencia y los grados de recomendación se basaron en el sistema GRADE. Resultados: Se generaron 11 recomendaciones. En pacientes con amiloidosis AL seleccionados, se recomienda el trasplante autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH) posterior a una inducción con esquemas basados en bortezomib y el acondicionamiento con melfalán, ya que podría profundizar la respuesta hematológica, de órgano, su durabilidad y mejorar la supervivencia. En pacientes no elegibles para TCPH, se recomienda el tratamiento de primera línea con esquemas basados en bortezomib, dado que es probable que logre mayor tasa de respuesta hematológica, de órgano y mejore la supervivencia. En pacientes con contraindicación o inaccesibilidad al bortezomib, se recomienda el tratamiento con agentes alquilantes y corticoides, dado que es probable que logren la respuesta hematológica, de órgano y mejoren la supervivencia. Discusión: Estas recomendaciones de tratamiento se basan en la evidencia disponible y la experiencia del panel de expertos, en un escenario de recursos disponibles limitados, acorde a los países en vías de desarrollo.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) induces deep hematologic responses (HR) in patients with newly diagnosed systemic immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Modifying melphalan conditioning dose (mHDM <140 mg/m

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Transplantation, Autologous

For eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis, high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a standard and widely used consolidation therapy. Autologous HCT requires specialized care at a transplantation center and investment from patients and caregivers. We studied the safety and feasibility of delivering transplantation care in a homebound setting to decrease the burden of therapy and increase access to autologous HCT. Patients with MM and AL amyloidosis undergoing autologous HCT were eligible if they resided in designated ZIP codes and had a full-time caregiver, Wi-Fi connection, HCT Comorbidity Index ≤3, and Karnofsky Performance Status score ≥80. High-dose melphalan (on day -2) and hematopoietic cell reinfusion (day 0) were administered in the outpatient clinic. Protocol-specific home care was provided from day +1 through engraftment. Patients were assessed and blood was drawn daily by advanced practice providers. Interventions were delivered by registered nurses. Attending physicians communicated daily through telemedicine. Quality of life, patient and caregiver satisfaction, and fecal microbiota profiling data were collected. Fifteen patients were enrolled and received transplantation care at home starting on day +1 following hematopoietic cell infusion. Patients remained in the program for an average of 12 days and required an average of 2 outpatient visits while receiving home care. Seven of 15 patients were admitted for a median of 4 days (range, 3 to 10 days); admission occurred on day +7 in 5 patients, on day +8 in 1 patient, and on day +12 in 1 patient for neutropenic fever in 2 patients, fever attributed to engraftment syndrome in 2 patients, diarrhea in 2 patients, and dehydration in 1 patient. Only 1 patient had a documented infection (Clostridioides difficile). One patient admitted with neutropenic fever required intensive care unit admission for a gastrointestinal bleed. Forty-seven percent of the patients experienced a grade ≥3 nonhematologic toxicity. There were no deaths on the study. Patients and caregivers reported high satisfaction with care. Microbiota diversity patterns were similar to those of autologous HCT recipients who did not receive post-HCT care at home, although a subset of the cohort maintained microbiota diversity throughout. Homebound HCT in an urban setting is safe and feasible, with less than one-half of patients requiring inpatient adm

Topics: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Multiple Myeloma; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Transplantation, Autologous

Cardiac light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a condition with a very poor prognosis. We report a retrospective analysis comparing the traditional melphalan and dexamethasone protocol with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone in late-stage cardiac AL amyloidosis. The primary end points were overall survival and haematological response. Both regimens provided meaningful responses in this difficult to treat patient group.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Retrospective Studies

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a common complication of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The difference in incidence of ES between melphalan formulations has not been widely reported throughout the literature and would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of both melphalan formulations.. This retrospective, single-center, observational study evaluated 83 adult multiple myeloma and immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis patients who received either propylene glycol-containing (PG) or propylene glycol-free (PG-free) melphalan 140 mg/m. The incidence of ES for PG and PG-free melphalan did not differ significantly, 14/39 (35.9%) and 12/44 (27.3%) (P = 0.4), respectively. No potential risk factors for ES were identified on multivariate logistic regression analysis. A statistically significant difference in number of days to engraftment was identified for PG and PG-free melphalan, 15.56 vs. 13.82 days (P = 0.01), respectively; although, this did not translate to a decrease in LOS, 19.9 vs. 18.59 days (P = 0.14).. The incidence of ES did not differ significantly between melphalan formulations. Future research is needed to determine whether the faster time to engraftment seen with PG-free melphalan may translate to a decrease in LOS.

Topics: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Incidence; Melphalan; Multiple Myeloma; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) in patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. However, its incidence, predictors and outcomes are not well known.. This observational study included 223 patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent HDM/SCT. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine to ≥1.5 times the baseline occurring within the first 30 days of HDM/SCT.. The median age was 58 years (range: 30-77). Kidney and cardiac involvement were present in 86.1% and 56.8%, respectively. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 83.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range: 9-213) and proteinuria was 2899 mg/day (range: 0-19 966). AKI occurred in 29.1% of patients. Dialysis was initiated in 15 patients (6.7%) and of these 12 (80%) were able to discontinue dialysis. Most of the episodes of AKI occurred within the first 2 weeks; with a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range: 0.1-16.5), AKI was associated with increased overall mortality [hazard rato (HR) = 4.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2-10.23]. The 10-year overall survival was 87.1% without AKI, versus 56.9% with AKI. AKI was also associated with an increased risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (HR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.44-14.38). The risk of developing ESKD at 10 years was 18.9% with AKI, versus 8.1% without AKI. Several risk factors were found and using multivariate logistic regression, a prediction model was developed that included three readily available variables: eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, interventricular septal thickness in diastole >12 mm and albumin <3 g/dL. This model was able to predict AKI development with an area under the curve of 0.8.. AKI is common in the post-HDM/SCT period and it leads to increased risk for ESKD and death. Our prediction model is an easily deployable tool in clinical settings as part of the discussion with patients who are being prepared for HDM/SCT.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Transplantation, Autologous

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a disease wherein amyloid proteins derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains produced by abnormal plasma cells are deposited in the tissues through the whole body and cause organ failure. The treatment aims to minimize treatment-related toxicity and mortality to achieve a deeper and more persistent hematologic response as early as possible. Stem cell transplantation is preferred; however, only 20% of patients are eligible. Patients are selected as per strict transplant indication criteria. Transplant-ineligible patients receive chemotherapy with high efficacy, such as melphalan/dexamethasone, bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone, and daratumumab/bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone. The prognosis of advanced cardiac amyloidosis remains poor, and delays in diagnosis are fatal. Early diagnosis and early treatment are important to prevent and minimize organ damage.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Liver; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Survival Rate

The goal of therapy in AL amyloidosis is to inhibit further production of the amyloidogenic light chains, thereby allowing organ recovery and improving survival. We aimed to assess the impact of depth of hematologic response prior to ASCT on survival. We conducted a retrospective study of 128 newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients who received induction prior to ASCT between January 2007 and August 2017 at Mayo Clinic. The overall response rate to induction was 86% (CR 18%, VGPR 31% and PR 38%). With a median follow up of 52 months, the median PFS and OS was 48.5 months and not reached, respectively. Response depth to induction therapy was associated with improved PFS and OS. The median PFS was not reached for patients achieving ≥VGPR prior to ASCT and 34.1 months for patients achieving PR or less (P = 0.0009). The median OS was longer in patients with deeper responses (not reached for ≥VGPR vs. 128 months for PR or less (P = 0.02)). On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of OS were melphalan conditioning dose (RR = 0.42; P = 0.036) and depth of response prior to transplant (RR 0.37; P = 0.0295). Hematologic response prior to transplant predicts improved post transplant outcomes in AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Retrospective Studies; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

We report a 58-year-old Japanese woman who presented with nephrotic syndrome. Steroid therapy and cyclosporine A administration were initiated, but hematological remission and renal response were not achieved. Renal biopsy revealed amyloid deposits in the mesangial region and the small arteries. Proteomic analysis based on laser microdissection and mass spectrometry showed that the amyloid deposits were composed of the constant region of the lambda light chain. She received vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone therapy followed by high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation, resulting in hematological complete remission and renal response with negative urinary Bence-Jones protein and proteinuria. Renal biopsy was performed four times during follow-up, demonstrating that amyloid deposits decreased gradually, while glomeruli showing global sclerosis increased from 3 to 62%. This case suggests that glomerular amyloid deposits can be cleared via tissue remodeling, if stem cells producing amyloid precursors are completely replaced by unrelated cells after stem cell transplantation.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Asian People; Combined Modality Therapy; Dexamethasone; Doxorubicin; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Myeloablative Agonists; Nephrotic Syndrome; Plaque, Amyloid; Proteomics; Remission Induction; Transplantation, Autologous; Vincristine

The prognosis of cardiac light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is considered to be very poor. We studied the treatment efficacy and outcomes by retrospectively analyzing the clinical results of 45 patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis treated at our hospital between September 2008 and March 2016. The group of patients analyzed included 29 males and 16 females with a median age of 68 years. Their baseline median NT-proBNP, cTnT, and dFLC were 3167 pg/ml, 0.080 ng/ml, and 286.17 mg/l, respectively. Twenty-eight patients were in Cardiac Stage (CS) III and 17 patients were in Revised Prognostic Stage (RPS) IV. At the median follow-up of 10 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 16 months and 3-year OS was 35.9%. The patients in CS III showed significantly poorer survival rate than those in CS I or II (3-year OS: 12.2% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.0115) and the patients in RPS IV showed significantly poorer survival rate than those in RPS I, II, or III (3-year OS: 11.0% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.000914). Regardless of the therapeutic approaches, patients who achieved hematological CR or cardiac organ response demonstrated significantly improved prognosis. Therefore, achievement of hematological and organ responses is important in the treatment of cardiac AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Bortezomib; Cardiomyopathies; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Japan; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic; Severity of Illness Index

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Standard of Care

Hematologic complete response (hemCR) in AL amyloidosis requires absence of monoclonal protein by immunofixation electrophoreses (IFE) and normal serum free light chain ratio (FLCR). Recent literature suggests that an involved free light chain (iFLC) <20 mg/L or difference in free light chains (dFLC) <10 mg/L may more accurately predict outcomes after treatment. We evaluated overall survival in 340 patients treated with high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation (SCT). Of 305 patients evaluable 6 months after SCT, 90 (30%) achieved hemCR, 132 (43%) dFLC <10 mg/L, 118 (39%) iFLC <20 mg/L, and 176 (58%) normal FLCR. Of 215 patients without hemCR, 65 (30%) had dFLC <10 mg/L and 86 (40%) had normal FLCR. Overall survival (OS) in those achieving dFLC <10 mg/L or normal FLCR without hemCR was inferior to those achieving hemCR (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001). OS was not significantly different in patients achieving iFLC <20 mg/L without hemCR compared with hemCR (p = 0.243). Of those with hemCR, OS was not significantly improved if dFLC <10 mg/L was also achieved (p = 0.852), but OS was improved for those with hemCR who also attained iFLC <20 mg/L (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis demonstrated absence of monoclonal protein in IFE and iFLC <20 mg/L as independent predictors of survival. Attainment of hemCR remains a treatment goal, although achieving iFLC <20 mg/L may also predict improved OS.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Stem Cell Transplantation; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome

High-dose melphalan is the standard conditioning regimen for patients with AL amyloidosis receiving autologous stem cell transplantation. Conventional formulations require propylene glycol (PG) as a co-solvent and melphalan has limited solubility and chemical stability after reconstitution, with potential risks for propylene glycol-related complications. Captisol-stabilized propylene glycol-free (PG-free) melphalan has been developed with improved solubility and chemical stability. We compared a cohort of patients with AL amyloidosis receiving PG melphalan (n = 96) to those receiving PG-free melphalan (n = 48) as conditioning for autologous stem cell transplantation. Median time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was the same; 14 days PG melphalan vs 14 days PG-free melphalan, p = 0.73 and 16 days PG melphalan vs 16 days PG-free melphalan, p = 0.52, respectively. Hospitalization rate was similar in both cohorts, 68% PG melphalan vs 58% PG-free melphalan, p = 0.27. All-cause mortality at 100 days was not statistically significant, 3% PG melphalan vs 2% PG-free melphalan, p > 0.99. Overall response rate (ORR) and rates of complete response (CR) were similar (ORR 93% PG melphalan vs 94% PG-free melphalan, p > 0.99 and CR 39% PG melphalan vs 32% PG-free melphalan, p = 0.46). PG-free melphalan showed a comparable safety and efficacy profile to PG melphalan in patients with AL amyloidosis receiving stem cell transplantation.

Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous

At present, a diverse array of treatment regimens are available for systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Both cyclophosphamide + thalidomide + dexamethasone (CTD) and melphalan + dexamethasone (MD) regimens have been recommended as first-line therapies, but no detailed comparative studies of the two have been performed. This study is the first to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the CTD and MD regimens in the treatment of AL amyloidosis.. We retrospectively reviewed data from consecutive patients with AL amyloidosis who were treated with MD or CTD as the initial regimen between June 2012 and January 2018.. In the final analysis, 38 patients received CTD, and 30 received MD. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including age, sex, renal function, involved organs, level of free light chains, and Mayo Clinic amyloidosis prognostic staging. The overall hematologic response rates in the CTD and MD groups were 69.0% versus 68.0%, respectively (P = 0.94), including a complete response in 27.6% versus 8.0% (P = 0.14). Neither group reached the estimated median overall survival, and the difference between the 2 groups was not significant (P = 0.17). The median progression-free survival times were 36 versus 14 months (P = 0.24) in the CTD and MD groups, respectively. The CTD group achieved a numerically but not statistically higher prevalence of kidney response (52.9% vs 37.0%; P = 0.22). The most common adverse events in the 2 treatment groups were fatigue (48.5% vs 21.7%; P = 0.04) and constipation, anemia, nausea/vomiting, neutropenia, and syncope (all, P = NS). Deaths occurred in 6 patients in the CTD group and 9 patients in the MD group; none were considered by the investigators as related to the study treatments. There were no other serious adverse events observed in our study.. The CTD regimen may not be inferior to standard oral MD in terms of overall hematologic response and overall survival. Although this study was of retrospective and negative-control design with some additional limitations, it may provide a therapeutic option for use in developing countries where patients cannot afford bortezomib or melphalan.

Topics: China; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Diseases; Melphalan; Retrospective Studies; Thalidomide

Amyloidosis is a rare and variable disease, characterized by extracellular deposits of amyloid protein in different tissues and organs. Patients may present with a range of symptoms, depending on the extent of involvement. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice.. A 72-y-old woman presented with a 1-y history of droopy upper left eyelid, resulting in decreased visual acuity, and progressive tongue swelling, resulting in dysarthria, dysphagia, and sleep apnea. Physical examination revealed puffy eyes, moderate swelling up to 1 cm of the upper left eyelid, swollen submental region, and protrusion of the tongue, causing an inability to close the mouth. An abnormal serum free light chain ratio implied the presence of monoclonal gammopathies, and Congo red staining revealed amyloid deposits in specimens from both the tongue and left eyelid. Therefore, a diagnosis of systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis was confirmed. The patient then received oral melphalan therapy and surgical intervention for macroglossia. Clinical symptoms including dysarthria, dysphagia, and sleep apnea were under control at 6-month follow-up.. We report an uncommon case presenting initially with both ptosis and macroglossia, for which a final diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis was made. Detailed history and laboratory investigation must be implemented on suspicion of amyloidosis, because early recognition of amyloid-associated diseases and appropriate treatment can improve clinical outcomes.

Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Blepharoptosis; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Macroglossia; Melphalan

The kidney is the most common organ affected by immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD), often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). High-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) is effective for selected patients with AL amyloidosis, with high rates of complete hematologic response and potential for improved organ dysfunction. Data on tolerability and response to HDM/SCT in patients with ESRD due to AL amyloidosis and MIDD are limited. We analyzed data on toxicity, efficacy, and hematologic and renal response of HDM/SCT in 32 patients with AL amyloidosis and 4 patients with MIDD who were dialysis-dependent for ESRD treated at Boston Medical Center between 1994 and 2016. The most common grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities were infections (75%), metabolic abnormalities (56%), mucositis (42%), constitutional symptoms (39%), pulmonary complications (39%), and diarrhea (28%). Treatment related mortality (defined as death within 100 days of SCT) occurred in 8% (3 of 36). A complete hematologic response was achieved in 70% of evaluable patients (19 of 27) at 1 year after HDM/SCT. In the entire cohort, median overall survival (OS) after HDM/SCT was 5.8 years; median OS was 1 year for those who did not achieve a complete hematologic response and 8 years for those who did achieve a complete hematologic response. Twelve patients (33%) underwent kidney transplantation after successful treatment with HDM/SCT at a median of 2.4 years after SCT. HDM/SCT is safe and effective in inducing hematologic complete responses and prolonging survival in patients with ESRD from AL amyloidosis and MIDD. Achievement of a durable hematologic response can make these patients possible candidates for renal transplantation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis; Stem Cell Transplantation; Treatment Outcome

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our institute to undergo evaluation for proteinuria (5.4 g/day) with lambda-type Bence-Jones protein (BJP). Primary amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis and acquired factor X deficiency were diagnosed. High-dose melphalan combined with autologous stem cell transplantation was performed. After three years, the patient's proteinuria normalized, he was negative for urinary BJP, and his factor X activity improved to 105%. Serial renal biopsy showed no progression of amyloid deposition at a biopsy after 5 years, but showed a slight increase in the amyloid deposition after 11 years. This therapy can improve the prognosis of AL amyloidosis; however, there are limitations to the strategy.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bence Jones Protein; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Doxorubicin; Etoposide; Factor X Deficiency; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Transplantation, Autologous

The management of light chain (AL) amyloidosis has improved in recent years thanks to accurate biomarker-based staging systems and response criteria and availability of novel effective therapies. However, previous studies have focused on newly diagnosed patients, and little is known on relapsed patients, despite the fact that trials of new agents are often performed in this setting. In the present study, we report the outcome of 259 patients who responded to up-front therapy. Ninety-two patients (35%) needed second-line therapy after a median of 49 months. Cardiac and renal progression were observed in 22% and 12% of patients who received second-line therapy, respectively. Complete response after up-front treatment and frontline therapy with combined bortezomib, melphalan, and dexamethasone independently prolonged time to second-line therapy. Median survival of relapsing patients was 59 months. Patients who had a "high-risk dFLC progression," which we defined as a difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLC) of >20 mg/L, a level >20% of baseline value, and a >50% increase from the value reached at best response, had a shorter survival after initiation of second-line therapy on univariate, but not on multivariate, analysis, where cardiac progression was the only independent predictor of survival after starting rescue treatment. Patients with AL amyloidosis who need second-line therapy after response to up-front treatment generally have a good outcome. A "high-risk dFLC progression" should trigger rescue treatment, and cardiac progression should not be awaited.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents; Bortezomib; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Dexamethasone; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Lenalidomide; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Thalidomide; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Brachial Plexus Neuritis; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Aged; Algorithms; Antigens, CD34; Benzylamines; Cyclams; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Heterocyclic Compounds; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies

To estimate healthcare utilization and costs in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis.. AL amyloidosis patients were identified in 2007-2015 claims databases if they had ≥1 inpatient/≥2 outpatient claims consistent with AL amyloidosis and received ≥1 AL-specific treatment. Descriptive statistics were reported.. 50.1% (n = 3670) were admitted ≥1 time during the year, 11.3% (n = 827) ≥3 times. From 2007 to 2015, bortezomib use increased from 4.6 to 25.3%; melphalan use decreased from 18.9 to 2.0%; costs increased from 92,866 to $114,030. Among incident patients with at least 2 years of follow-up, healthcare utilization and costs decreased from first to second year post-diagnosis.. AL chemotherapy-based prescribing practices changed. Total annual healthcare costs increased over time among AL amyloidosis patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Bortezomib; Databases, Factual; Female; Health Care Costs; Health Resources; Hospitalization; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; United States; Young Adult

Topics: Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Melphalan; Prognosis; Proteinuria; Stem Cell Transplantation

Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Propylene Glycol; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been used in treatment for immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis for over 2 decades and is generally reserved for patients younger than 70 years. Herein we report on outcomes of ASCT in a cohort of patients with AL amyloidosis aged 70 years or older. Between August of 2002 and April of 2017, 34 patients aged 70 years or older, with biopsy-proven AL amyloidosis, received an ASCT at the Mayo Clinic Rochester. Seventy percent of patients (n = 24) were transplanted within 6 months of diagnosis, and 74% (n = 25) received reduced-intensity conditioning with melphalan <200 mg/m

Topics: Aged; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Dexamethasone; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is characterized by the deposition of abnormal amyloid protein produced by a pathological plasma cell clone in various organs and soft tissues. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective way to treat AL amyloidosis. Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease (AID) and HSCT is a potential treatment for severe AIDs. We report a rare case of AL amyloidosis coincidence with psoriasis obtained continuous complete remission of the 2 diseases by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT).. A 58-year-old man with a 30-year history of psoriasis complaining of edema and hypotension for 2 weeks was referred to our institution. His urine protein was quantified 2.83 g/day, without hematuria and decrease of glomerular filtration rate.. Renal biopsy confirmed AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma was excluded by bone marrow cytomorphologic examination.. Chemotherapy regimen based on bortezomib and thalidomide had achieved hematologic partial remission, but the kidney had no response and psoriasis was still active. Furthermore, he received a standard myeloablative conditioning with high dose melphalan followed by ASCT.. The erythema with slivery scales of psoriasis vulgaris gradually improved and almost disappeared after granulocyte implantation. He obtained persistent hematological complete remission, organ response and recovery of psoriasis.. We report a rare case of AL amyloidosis coincidence with psoriasis treated by ASCT. The outcome of this patient indicated that ASCT has therapeutic values both in AL amyloidosis and AIDs.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Bortezomib; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Psoriasis; Thalidomide; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Dyspnea; Fatigue; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Pain; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease-Free Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Paraproteins; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Salvage Therapy

Topics: Adult; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Incidence; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Stem Cell Transplantation

Primarye systemic AL amyloidosis is a rare hematologic disorder. The majority of the therapeutic guidelines are based on phase II studies or on retrospective comparisons and case series. Our study aimed to describe all the cases of primary AL amyloidosis reported in 2 military hospitals and to make a comparison between standard melphalan-dexamethasone protocol and new agents in first-line treatment of patients with this disease. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive and multicentric study of all patients with AL amyloidosis whose data were collected during the period July 2009-June 2016. Twenty five patients were enrolled in the study (12 patients treated with melphalan-dexamethasone and 13 with bortezomib-based protocol or lenalidomide-based protocol). There was no significant difference in the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features between the 2 groups. After a median follow up of 40 months, median overall survival was 54 months in the melphalan-dexamethasone-treated group and 60 months in the new therapies-treated group (P = 0.98). Progression-free survival was 18 months in the standard treatment group vs 11 months in the 2nd group (p = 0.08). In our small case series we haven't found a superiority of the new therapies compared to the standard protocol. This result should be confirmed by a true prospective study, mainly because of the cost of these new molecules that are not always accessible, especially in developing countries.

Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitals, Military; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Lenalidomide; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Thalidomide; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Bortezomib; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Leiomyoma; Melphalan; Middle Aged

Bortezomib-dexamethasone (BD) and high-dose melphalan (HDM) are effective for systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, but have not been compared in detail. We retrospectively investigated patients treated with BD or HDM at our center between September 2001 and June 2016. Among 234 patients, 20 were treated with BD and 30 received HDM. With the exception of age, transplant eligibility, and previous history of other chemotherapy, there were no significant differences in most background parameters between the two groups. Median age was higher (63.2 vs. 55.8, P = 0.001), number of transplant-eligible patients was lower (60.0 vs. 96.7%, P = 0.002), and number of previously treated patients was higher (35.0 vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001) in the BD group. The BD group showed trends toward lower treatment-related mortality (5.0 vs. 10.0%, P = 0.641), greater hematological response (partial response or better) (90.0 vs. 73.3%, P = 0.279), higher complete response (60 vs. 50%, P = 0.487), and similar survival with the HDM group (neither reached, P = 0.705). In conclusion, BD was as effective and safe as HDM. Notably, BD achieved this outcome among patients with poorer clinical backgrounds compared with HDM.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Asian People; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome

To determine whether echocardiographic longitudinal systolic strain (LS) parameters identify short-term improvement following chemotherapy for light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Among patients with CA, standard echocardiographic measures are commonly unchanged at 1 year following successful chemotherapy, despite observed reductions in cardiac biomarkers.. We retrospectively identified 61 patients with AL-CA treated with high-dose melphalan or bortezomib-based regimens. Patients were classified by hematologic response at 1 year into two groups: complete response (CR; n = 18, or 30%) or non-CR (non-CR; n = 43, or 70%), and followed for 20 months. Serum free light chains (FLC), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin I (TnI), and echocardiography including LS, were acquired at baseline and 1 year. Seven patients died (11.5%), all in the non-CR group (P < 0.01). At 1 year, while reductions were observed in BNP (44% CR, 18% non-CR) and FLC (94% CR, 73% non-CR), both P < 0.05 from baseline, there were no differences in wall thickness, EF, or diastolic function in either group. LS improved only in the CR group with notable improvement in apical to basal strain ratio (P < 0.05). Strain improvement and BNP reduction were correlated (R = 0.6, P < 0.01). Baseline global LS < -10.2% was associated with survival and proved superior to BNP and TnI. The addition of global LS to biomarkers identified the patients at highest risk of mortality.. These data suggest that LS is a sensitive measure of pre-treatment cardiac functional impairment in AL-CA, can predict survival over and above that of cardiac biomarkers, and detect early cardiac functional improvement following chemotherapy.

Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biomarkers; Bortezomib; Boston; Cardiomyopathies; Cohort Studies; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Function Tests; Hospitals, University; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Hematologic response criteria in light chain (AL) amyloidosis were updated in 2012 to incorporate free light chain responses. These criteria have been validated in autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in AL at 6 and 12 months after transplantation. Using a transplantation registry, we assessed day 100 responses in AL amyloidosis. We validate the prognostic significance of the new criteria at this time point. Further, we show that patients who do not achieve at least a very good partial response by this time point have equally worse outcomes, regardless of depth of response (partial versus no response). Thus, we conclude that the new criteria help identify the poor responders by day 100 after transplantation and that this subset of patients should be studied for early evaluation in consolidation trials.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Biomarkers; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Myeloablative Agonists; Prognosis; Registries; Risk Assessment; Survival Analysis; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

To explore the feature of primary light chain amyloidosis patients treated with high-dose melphalan with auto peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT) and bortezomib plus dexamethasone (VD).. Thirty-eight patients diagnosed from September 2004 to September 2012 were analyzed retrospectively, including 15 cases received auto-PBSCT, 23 cases exposed with VD.. The median follow-up duration for the patients was 34 months (range, 1-112 months), including auto-PBSCT group of 38 months (range, 5-112 months) and VD group of 31 months (range, 1-108 months). The organ response rate in all the patients was 39.5% (15/38), and the organ response rate between these two groups has no significant difference [33.3% (5/15) vs 43.5% (10/23), P=0.532]. However, the median time of organ response was significant difference [6 (3-10) months vs 3 (1-6) months, respectively (P=0.032)]. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates in the two groups were 72.0% and 66.9%, and their average survival were 84.7 months and 75.9 months, respectively (P=0.683). In the patients with auto-PBSCT, the occurrence of III-IV grade of bone marrow suppression (P<0.001), fever (P<0.001), nausea and infection (P=0.006) were obviously higher than those with VD, but there was no statistically significant difference in pulmonary infection (P=0.069) and bloodstream infection (P=0.059).. The preliminary results have presented that primary light chain amyloidosis patients treated with auto-PBSCT or VD had similar organ response rate and survival. However, more adverse events occurred in the group of auto-PBSCT.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Myeloablative Agonists; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Retrospective Studies

High-dose melphalan with stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) extends survival and induces hematologic and clinical responses in patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Eighty percent of melphalan is bound to plasma proteins (60% albumin-bound). We hypothesized that patients with profound hypoalbuminemia have a greater free melphalan fraction and more toxicity. Patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT between 2011 and 2014 with severe hypoalbuminemia (SH), defined as serum albumin ⩽2 g/dL were studied retrospectively. Sixteen patients with SH were identified. Forty-one patients without severe hypoalbuminemia (WSH) treated between 2011 and 2012 served as control. The incidence of acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis was 25% among patients with SH, compared with 5% among patients WSH (P=0.05). Not all patients who needed dialysis required it long term; 6.25% for SH and 2.44% for WSH (P=0.49). The rates of grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia and gastrointestinal toxicities were not significantly different between the groups. Engraftment kinetics were similar for both groups. Grade 4 renal toxicity and grade 3 lightheadedness were more frequent in patients with SH undergoing HDM/SCT for AL amyloidosis. Further studies into the mechanism of increased renal toxicity in patients with SH are warranted.

Topics: Case-Control Studies; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Hypoalbuminemia; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney Diseases; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation, Autologous

The prognosis in light chain (AL) amyloidosis has been linked to several variables, which are primarily related to end-organ damage. Recently, bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC) burden >10% has also been described as an adverse prognostic factor. We reviewed data pertaining to 546 patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent high-dose melphalan (HDM) and stem cell transplantation (SCT) to determine if BMPC > 10% was a negative prognostic factor. Of these patients, 445 had a BMPC burden ≤ 10% and 101 had a BMPC burden > 10%. Patients with BMPC > 30% were excluded from the study. The median overall survival (OS) was 7.86 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.69 to 9.83) in patients with BMPC ≤ 10% and 6.8 years (95% CI, 5.75 to 10.17) for those with BMPC >10% (hazard ratio, 1.106; 95% CI, .78 to 1.45; P = .70) after HDM/SCT. Of the 101 patients with a BMPC burden > 10%, 25 received induction therapy. The median OS was 7.78 years (95% CI, 5.4 to 13.4) for those without induction therapy and 5.75 years (95% CI, 3.94 to not available; P = .28) for those with induction therapy. Furthermore, hematologic response and relapse rates did not differ in these 2 groups after HDM/SCT. We conclude that BMPC > 10% and < 30% is not a poor prognostic factor with respect to survival in patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/SCT and that induction therapy in this group does not impact OS.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Bone Marrow Examination; Cell Count; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Plasma Cells; Survival Analysis; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Male; Melphalan; Neoplasm Staging; Stem Cell Transplantation

High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/ASCT) is widely used in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, but the benefit is debated mainly because of the high treatment-related mortality (24% in a randomised study comparing HDM/ASCT with oral melphalan/dexamethasone). We report here on the long-term outcome of all patients treated with HDM/ASCT for AL amyloidosis in Sweden between 1994 and 2009. Seventy-two patients were treated at eight Swedish centres. Median follow-up was 67.5 months. At least partial response (organ or haematological) was seen in 64% of the patients. Median overall survival was 98 months or 8.2 years, with 5-year survival 63.9% and 10-year survival 43.4%. In patients with cardiac involvement or multiple organ involvement, survival was significantly shorter, median overall survival 49 and 56 months, respectively. All mortality within 100 days from ASCT was 12.5% for all patients and 17.2% in the patients with cardiac involvement. For patients treated in the earlier time period (1994-2001), 100-day mortality was 23.8% compared with 7.8% in the later period (2002-2009). In conclusion, long survival times can be achieved in patients with AL amyloidosis treated with HDM/ASCT, also in smaller centres. Early mortality is high, but with a decreasing trend over time.

Topics: Adult; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Multiple Organ Failure; Survival Rate; Sweden; Time-to-Treatment; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (so-called reverse seroconversion) is a rare but known complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy, or high-dose chemotherapy plus rituximab. This event is linked to a treatment-related fall in titers of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb) below the protective threshold level.. A 77-year-old Korean man diagnosed with primary amyloidosis was started on melphalan/dexamethasone combination therapy. During treatment, laboratory indices of hepatic function suddenly deteriorated, and he developed acute hepatitis through reverse HBV seroconversion, becoming positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and negative for HBsAb. HBV DNA was also detectable in serum to a profound extent. Normal liver function was gradually restored during the course of antiviral therapy (entecavir).. HBV reactivation may lead to fatal liver disease in a significant percentage of patients. As a result, physicians often screen for HBsAg and HBsAb prior to initiating chemotherapy, advising antiviral treatment in patients seropositive for HBsAg, even in the absence of hepatitis B e antigen. Here, a case of HBV reactivation is described, involving a patient given relatively low-dose chemotherapy (melphalan/dexamethasone) for primary amyloidosis.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Antiviral Agents; Dexamethasone; Guanine; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Antibodies; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Virus Activation

The clinical presentation of AL amyloidosis is highly variable. In this series, we describe five cases of AL amyloidosis with vertebral compression fractures as initial presentation. All five patients had evidence of bone marrow replacement on magnetic resonance imaging and bone marrow biopsies demonstrating diffuse interstitial amyloid deposition. Hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes, consistent with liver involvement with amyloidosis, were also seen in each case. All five patients responded well to anti-plasma cell chemotherapy, with normalization of serum free light chain levels, reduction in alkaline phosphatase and improvement in pain and functional status. Although rare, AL amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of selected patients with spontaneous vertebral compression fractures. Moreover, there seems to be an association of vertebral compression fractures with liver involvement in AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Marrow; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fractures, Compression; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hepatomegaly; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Liver; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Plasma Cells; Spinal Fractures

The combination of oral melphalan and dexamethasone is considered standard therapy for patients with light-chain amyloidosis ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. However, previous trials reported different rates of response and survival, mainly because of the different proportions of high-risk patients. In the present study, including a total of 259 subjects, we treated 119 patients with full-dose melphalan and dexamethasone (dexamethasone 40 mg days 1-4), and 140 patients with advanced cardiac disease with an attenuated dexamethasone schedule (20 mg). Hematologic response rates were 76% in the full-dose group and 51% in the patients receiving the attenuated schedule; the corresponding complete response rates were 31% and 12%, respectively. The median survival was 7.4 years in the full-dose group and 20 months in the attenuated-dose group. Use of high-dose dexamethasone, amino-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide type-B >1800 ng/L, a difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains of >180 mg/L, troponin I >0.07 ng/mL, and response to therapy were independent prognostic determinants. In relapsed/refractory subjects bortezomib combinations granted high hematologic response rates (79% and 63%, respectively), proving the most effective rescue treatment after melphalan and dexamethasone. In summary, melphalan plus dexamethasone was highly effective with minimal toxicity, confirming its central role in the treatment of AL amyloidosis. Future randomized trials will clarify whether bortezomib is best used in frontline combination with melphalan and dexamethasone or as rescue treatment.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyloidosis; Dexamethasone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Retreatment; Treatment Failure; Treatment Outcome

Nearly half of AL amyloidosis patients have cardiac involvement, an independent predictor of poor prognosis. High-dose melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) can induce complete hematologic responses and prolong survival in AL amyloidosis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced mobilization of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) in AL amyloidosis patients is associated with volume overload, arrhythmias and capillary leak syndrome. Plerixafor has a different mechanism of action and has non-overlapping toxicities with G-CSF. We describe our experience in five patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement who received plerixafor with G-CSF for PBSC mobilization. Median age was 56 years; two patients had undergone heart transplantation within the year prior to HDM/SCT. Three patients received plerixafor after an initial trial of mobilization with G-CSF alone. No patient had any significant toxicities during mobilization and PBSC collection. The median total yield of PBSCs collected was 5.9 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg; the median number of leukapheresis days was 2. Neutrophil engraftment after HDM/SCT occurred at a median of nine days, platelet engraftment at a median of 13 days. Plerixafor was effective and well tolerated when used upfront or as rescue for PBSC mobilization in AL amyloidosis patients with cardiac involvement.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Benzylamines; Cyclams; Female; Graft Survival; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Heart Failure; Heart Transplantation; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Heterocyclic Compounds; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hospitalization; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Melphalan; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation Conditioning

Troponin-T (cTnT) and NT-proBNP provide prognostic information in light-chain amyloidosis (AL). Thus, these biomarkers are widely used in clinical routine for risk stratification. Recently, plasma level of osteopontin (OPN), a secreted phosphoglycoprotein expressed by a variety of cell types, has been reported as a risk predictor in various cardiovascular diseases.. OPN was determined retrospectively in 150 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with AL amyloidosis. All patients were evaluated according to a routine protocol including electrocardiography, echocardiography and laboratory testing.. Mean OPN was 591 ± 37 ng/mL. Cardiac involvement was established in 83 (55.3%). Median OPN plasma level were associated with number of organs involved, renal function, eligibility for high-dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, and severity of cardiac amyloidosis. Median follow-up was 19.2 months. 1-year all-cause-survival was 83.4%. The cut-offs discriminating 1-year all-cause-mortality for NT-proBNP, troponin T, and OPN were 2544 ng/L, 0.035 µg/L, and 426.8 ng/mL, respectively. Outcome was worse in patients with biomarkers above the individual ROC derived cut-off. A significant improvement of survival was observed in patients with cTNT >0.035 µg/L or NT-proBNP >2544 ng/L and OPN below ROC-derived cut-off of 426.8 ng/mL as compared to patients with OPN above 426.8 ng/L. No further discrimination was achieved by OPN in the cohorts of low troponin T or low NT-proBNP, respectively. Separate multivariate models identified OPN (cut-off 426.8 ng/mL) and troponin T (cut-off 0.035 µg/L) as independent predictors of all-cause-mortality.. These data demonstrated that OPN appears to be a valuable marker in the clinical routine for evaluation of patients with AL amyloidosis, especially if it is used in combination with cTNT and/or NT-proBNP.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Biomarkers; Cardiomyopathies; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Osteopontin; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stem Cell Transplantation; Survival Analysis; Transplantation, Autologous; Troponin T

A 52-year-old woman with a high serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level underwent a liver biopsy, which showed diffuse heavy deposition of Aκ amyloid, and was diagnosed as having immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Although she received high-dose melphalan with stem cell transplantation and achieved a hematologic complete response (CR), her ALP level began to increase one year after treatment. Further examinations revealed that she was still in a CR state with dominant bone-type ALP, and re-biopsied liver specimens demonstrated marked regression of amyliod deposition, providing important evidence that the turnover of hepatic amyloid proteins can actually occur more rapidly than previously thought.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Liver; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Stem Cell Transplantation; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Transplantation, Autologous

High-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/ASCT) is a promising treatment option for eligible patients with systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. We present the results of ASCT following risk-adapted melphalan conditioning on the basis of criteria proposed by our group, including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Ten patients with primary systemic AL amyloidosis treated at our institute were evaluated. A full dose of melphalan (200 mg/m(2)) was administered to patients who met all the following: performance status, 0 or 1; number of organs involved, 2 or less; serum creatinine, 1.5 mg/dL or less; EF 50 % or more and BNP 200 pg/mL or less; otherwise 140 mg/m(2). The hematologic complete response was achieved in four and organ response was seen in two patients. The median event-free survival (EFS) of all patients was 21.5 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 47.0 months. EFS and OS were significantly longer for patients who received 200 mg/m(2) of melphalan than for those who received lower dose (EFS: not reached vs. 13.9 months, P = 0.0217; OS: not reached vs. 13.8 months, P = 0.0186). No treatment-related mortality within 100 days from ASCT was observed. Evaluation of cardiac diastolic function may contribute to safer HDM/ASCT and improve outcome of AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Adult; Amyloidosis; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Systemic immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell dyscrasia resulting in multisystem organ failure and death. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) has been widely used to treat patients with AL. However, treatment-related mortality remains high and reported series are subject to selection bias.. To define the role of patient selection in stem cell transplantation, we evaluated 24 consecutive AL patients transplanted at our center.. Complete hematologic response was achieved in all 20 patients surviving >100 days posttransplantation. The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate after ASCT was 78.5%. The 5- and 10-year progression-free and OS rates were 57% and 47%, respectively. Treatment-related deaths owing to cardiovascular problems occurred in 16% of cases.. ASCT for AL amyloidosis can be safely performed in experienced transplantation centers, and increased risk is associated mainly with cardiovascular system involvement.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Myeloablative Agonists; Patient Selection; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Transplantation, Autologous

Symptomatic cardiac involvement is the most important prognostic factor in AL amyloidosis patients. Longterm survival is limited not only by cardiac involvement condition, but also by limited choice of treatment with unsatisfactory results. The aim of the present report is to assess the effect of achieved treatment response on survival of AL amyloidosis patients with symptomatic cardiac involvement under conventional treatment.. The monitored patient set consisted of 19 patients with systemic AL amyloidosis and symptomatic cardiac involvement, treated and monitored at the III. Clinic of Internal Medicine between 2004 and 2012. The male : female ratio was 17 : 2, and the age median was 64 (range 48 to 78 years). Thirteen patients died within the monitored period. Functional status was defined according to the NYHA classification, where five patients had class II involvement, 10 patients had class III involvement, and four patients had class IV involvement. Treatment response was assessed by the application of modified IMWG and ISA criteria; all patients were undergoing conventional treatment. Nine patients were treated by a combination of alkylating agents (alkeran, cyclophosphamide), six were treated by a combination treatment with thalidomide, and four were treated by a combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone. Data were analyzed with software SPSS v. 15 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, USA). Log Rank Test was applied to survival evaluation.. The statistical analysis included only 13 patients who underwent at least three months of treatment, where six patients attained complete remission (CR), four patients attained partial remission (PR), and three patients attained only stabilization of disease (SD). Significant difference in patient survival was found to be correlated with attained hematological response, where the patients who attained CR had median survival of 39 months vs 10 months in patients who attained PR or SD (p = 0.005).. The results indicate that attainment of complete hematological remission is associated with significantly longer survival of AL amyloidosis patients with symptomatic cardiac involvement.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Boronic Acids; Bortezomib; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Female; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Pyrazines; Remission Induction; Thalidomide; Treatment Outcome

We present three long-term survivors treated with high-dose melphalan with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation(auto PBSCT)for primary AL amyloidosis. Because melphalan toxicity is dose-related, patient age and the extent of organ involvement are very important factors for the success of high-dose melphalan treatment with PBSCT. The patients were therefore given high-dose melphalan using the risk-adapted approach to melphalan dosing. They received 3 courses of a vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone(VAD)regimen, along with high-dose melphalan(100-200mg/m2)with auto PBSCT. There were no serious complications or transplantation-related mortalities. Patients survived for an average of 68 months(22-100 months)in partial response. A risk-adapted approach to melphalan dosing with PBSCT is an effective treatment in patients with primary AL amyloidosis.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Primary systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL.) is an incurable clonal plasma cell disorder in which fragments of Ig light chain are deposited in tissues. High dose melphalan and hematopoietic cell transplantation (SCT) is a preferred technique, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Nontransplant candidates can be offered MelDex (melphalan-dexamethasone). Demonstrate comparable efficacy of treatment protocols including immunomodulatory drugs such as TCD (thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone), LMP (lenalidomide, melphalan, prednisone), or bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone. Results of treatment of patients with AL. based on immunomodulatory drugs are promising but require further multicenter clinical trial comparing the MelDex. The main obstacle to effective treatment of AL. still remains a late diagnosis of the disease.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Boronic Acids; Bortezomib; Cyclophosphamide; Dexamethasone; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Immunologic Factors; Lenalidomide; Melphalan; Prednisone; Pyrazines; Thalidomide

To investigate the treatment of primary amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to further examine the survival, hematologic response, and improvement of amyloid-related organ dysfunction.. Retrospective analysis of 20 patients with primary amyloidosis treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The status of major organ function before transplantation, mobilization programs and conditioning regimen as possible risk factors for survival were also investigated.. Of 20 cases, 11 out of 15 evaluable cases achieved hematologic response, among them, 6 got complete remission (CR, 40%) and 5 partial remission (PR, 33%). The median onset time was 3.0 months (1.5 - 4.0 months) and 4 months (3 - 5 months), respectively after transplantation. The overall hematologic response was 73%. The 11 hematologic responders also had kidney responses. The median time to achieve kidney response was 3 months (2 - 6 months). The 3-year overall survival of the cohort of cases was 71.4%. The major causes of death were heart failure, renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding. G-CSF alone could obtain satisfactory mobilization results and most of patients well tolerated to the conditioning regimen of melphalan doses from 140 mg/m(2) to 200 mg/m(2).. Treatment of primary amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation produced high efficacy. The cardiovascular system involvement, renal dysfunction and the abnormality of coagulation function before transplantation may be the risk factors for survival.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Cardiovascular System; Female; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Kidney; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Survival Rate; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Amyloid; Amyloidosis; Biopsy; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prednisolone; Skin

Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia. Delay in diagnosis is the major hurdle in improving the outcomes of AL patients. Almost all patients with systemic AL need cytotoxic therapy. Treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life, as well as extend survival. Supportive care is an integral part of the treatment plan. Severity of cardiac involvement is an important determinant of prognosis and influences the choice of therapy. Cardiac biomarkers and serum free light chain assay are important tools for assessing prognosis and monitoring treatment response. Myeloablative chemotherapy with melphalan and autologous stem cell rescue appears to offer survival benefit; however, it is an option for only a quarter of AL patients. Standard-dose combination chemotherapy with steroids and alkylating agents is a safe and effective treatment strategy that can result in improvement of organ function in many patients. Newer agents such as bortezomib and lenalidomide have shown promising activity and are being evaluated as part of combination regimens in clinical trials.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biomarkers; Boronic Acids; Bortezomib; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Lenalidomide; Melphalan; Myeloablative Agonists; Myocardium; Pyrazines; Steroids; Survival Analysis; Thalidomide; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome

Although about 10 to 15% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) develop AL amyloidosis, liver-restricted fatal amyloidosis is rare. We encountered such an MM patient. A 73-year-old female without a history of carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed with IgG-κ MM (Stage I by Durie & Salmon) in January, 2005. Because MM was exacerbated to Stage III in May, 2007, VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) chemotherapy was performed with minor response, despite 3 courses of this regimen. Three courses of salvage chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide+melphalan; CM) were then performed with near partial response. In March, 2008, just before the 4th cycle of CM chemotherapy, she was slightly icteric with elevated biliary tract enzymes; therefore, treatment was switched to oral cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. At this time, she did not have macroglossia, skin eruption, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or bleeding. Echocardiography was also non-specific. One month later, she developed a marked bleeding tendency and leg edema. Laboratory tests showed a severe deterioration in liver function. In the middle of May, 2008, she progressed to hepatic coma and died of intracranial hemorrhage several days later. Autopsy showed that the liver was almost substituted by AL amyloid substance.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Fatal Outcome; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Liver Failure; Melphalan; Multiple Myeloma; Vincristine

High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM) is an effective treatment for systemic amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis but the eligibility criteria exclude many patients with this disorder. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate treatment strategies for systemic AL amyloidosis according to each patient's clinical condition in Japan.. Historical cohort study. Fifty-three patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (those with malignancies were excluded) were treated in our hospital with HDM (15 patients), melphalan + prednisolone (MP) (17 patients), vincristine + adriamycin + dexamethasone (VAD) (11 patients), or supportive treatment (no chemotherapy, 10 patients). We compared the survival rates among these treatment groups.. Mean survival was significantly longer in the HDM group than in the other three groups (P < 0.01, log-rank test). This trend remained the same when patients were divided into those with and without cardiac amyloid involvement. Furthermore, in patients with heart involvement, survival in the VAD therapy group was significantly inferior to that in the MP therapy group (P < 0.01 by log-rank test). Significant factors related to the survival rate included the presence or absence of heart involvement and treatment modality.. HDM should be considered the treatment of choice in eligible patients with systemic AL amyloidosis even in the presence of cardiac amyloidosis. If HDM is not eligible, indications for VAD therapy should be carefully evaluated in patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cohort Studies; Combined Modality Therapy; Dexamethasone; Doxorubicin; Female; Heart Diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Liver Diseases; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Survival Rate; Vincristine

Topics: Amyloidosis; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Medical Oncology; Melphalan; Patient Care; Treatment Outcome