Multiple myeloma is a hematologic neoplasm with a unique and characteristic manifestation. This condition is responsible for 10% of hematologic malignancies, and thus represents 1% of all cases of cancer in the US. In Korea, unlike in Western society, myeloma has classically been relatively rare, due in part to racial differences. However, the incidence of this disease in Korea has increased steadily over the last 25 years. During this period, both the incidence of and mortality due to myeloma increased by up to 30-fold. Currently, incidence rate and mortality rate exceed 1.0/100,000. Possible reasons for this increase include better detection, as well as an actual increase, probably attributable to contributing factors, including pollution, exposure to chemicals, and socioeconomic change, all of which are related to rapid industrialization. Aging is another important factor contributing to this perceived increase. With the advent of targeted therapy, Korean myeloma study group was organized under the auspice of Korean society of hematology. In addition, Korean myeloma registry was established recently. In this study, epidemiological changes in the incidence and mortality of multiple myeloma in Korea are assessed and compared with the situations of the US and Japan. This article also claims the need for multicenter clinical trials as well as activation of basic researches in myeloma.
Aging ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Epidemiology ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Hematology ; Incidence ; Japan ; Korea* ; Mortality ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Prevalence ; Industrial Development

To investigate the role of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma (MM), bone marrow biopsy from 75 adults with newly diagnosed, untreated MM were evaluated. Microvessels were scored in at least 3 areas ( x 200 fields) of the highest microvessel density in representative sections of each bone marrow specimen using immunohistochemistry for CD34. Prognostic variables were also evaluated for the overall survival. Microvessel counts were significantly higher in patients with MM (n=69.42+/-9.67), compared with control (n=26.81+/-2.85). Microvessel density had a weak correlation with percentage of bone marrow plasma cells. By univariate analysis, age, beta2-microglobulin, serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum calcium, hemoglobin, platelet count, and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were correlated with survival. By multivariate analysis, age, serum albumin, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet count and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were correlated with overall survival, whereas microvessel density was not. In summary, microvessel density in bone marrow of MM is significantly increased compared to control, but was not correlated with overall survival. Further studies regarding angiogeneic molecules are needed to determine the functional role of angiogenesis in MM.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Marrow/blood supply ; Endothelial Growth Factors/physiology ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Human ; Lymphokines/physiology ; Male ; Microcirculation ; Middle Age ; Multiple Myeloma/therapy ; Multiple Myeloma/mortality ; Multiple Myeloma/blood supply* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/physiopathology* ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a rehabilitation program in terms of De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) score, in hematologic cancer patients after chemotherapy. METHODS: Hematologic cancer patients admitted for chemotherapy were reviewed. They received a rehabilitation program during their hospital stay. DEMMI score measurement was performed, before and after rehabilitation. Demographics, diagnosis, chemotherapy information, rehabilitation program duration, mortality, body mass index (BMI), and laboratory test results were collected. For analysis, patients were classified according to diagnosis (multiple myeloma, leukemia, and others), mortality, and additional chemotherapy. RESULTS: There was statistically significant improvement in DEMMI score of 10.1 points (95% confidence interval, 5.9–14.3) after rehabilitation. It was more evident in the multiple myeloma group, and they revealed less mortality. When patients were divided according to mortality, survivors received the program earlier, and in a shorter period than in mortality cases. Although survivors revealed higher initial DEMMI score, improvement after rehabilitation did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: In hematologic cancer patients, rehabilitation program was effective for recovery from deconditioning, revealing significant increase in DEMMI score. Multiple myeloma patients may be good candidates for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation could be sustained during chemotherapy and for high-risk patients.
Body Mass Index ; Demography ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy* ; Hematology ; Humans ; Inpatients* ; Length of Stay ; Leukemia ; Mortality ; Multiple Myeloma ; Rehabilitation* ; Survivors

Although the exact etiology of cutaneous angiosarcoma remains unclear, MYC gene amplification has been recently discovered as a new pathogenesis. MYC is a proto-oncogene, and aberration of MYC signaling in malignancies is associated with tumor metastasis, recurrence, and mortality. Moreover, upregulation of the miRNA polycistron, miR-17-92 cluster, were confirmed in both cutaneous angiosarcoma and multiple myeloma with MYC amplification. The correlation between MYC and miRNA expression is predictable as the coincident aberrant phenotype in two diseases. Moreover, the exploiting MYC dependency may be an attractive disease-specific strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of patients who are unaware of the causes of cutaneous angiosarcoma. Herein, a rare case of cutaneous angiosarcoma of the foot, which is also the first case of cutaneous angiosarcoma accompanied by multiple myeloma, has been described.
Diagnosis ; Foot ; Genes, myc ; Hemangiosarcoma ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; Mortality ; Multiple Myeloma ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Phenotype ; Proto-Oncogenes ; Recurrence ; Up-Regulation

BACKGROUND: Metastatic pathological fractures of the spine are a major problem for cancer patients; however, there is no consensus on treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various treatment options by analyzing their patterns for metastatic pathological fractures of the spine. METHODS: In this study, 54 patients (male:female = 36:18) who were diagnosed with metastatic pathological fractures of spine were recruited. Demographic data, origin of cancer, type of treatment, and results were obtained from electronic medical records. Treatment options were divided into radiotherapy (RT), vertebroplasty (VP) or kyphoplasty (KP), operation (OP), and other treatments. Treatment results were defined as aggravation, no response, fair response, good response, and unknown. The survival time after detection of pathologic fractures was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62.3 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common cancer of primary origin (n = 9), followed by multiple myeloma (n = 8). RT was the most common primary choice of treatment (n = 29, 53.7%), followed by OP (n = 13, 24.1%), and VP or KP (n = 10, 18.5%). Only 13 of 29 RT cases and 7 of 13 OP cases demonstrated a fair or good response. The mean survival time following detection of pathological spinal fractures was 11.1 months for 29 patients, who died during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: RT was the most common primary choice of treatment for metastatic pathological fractures of the spine. However, the response rate was suboptimal. Although OP should be considered for the relief of mechanical back pain or neurologic symptoms, care should be taken in determining the surgical indication. VP or KP could be considered for short-term control of localized pain, although the number of cases was too small to confirm the conclusion. It is difficult to determine the superiority of the treatment modalities, hence, a common guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic pathological fractures of the spine is required.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma/mortality/pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/etiology/mortality/*radiotherapy/*surgery ; Spinal Neoplasms/*complications/secondary ; Spine ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bortezomib-based chemotherapy has proven to be an effective salvage regimen for refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma patients in many clinical trials. However, few reports have shown the outcomes and adverse events of bortezomib-based salvage chemotherapy in clinical practice. METHODS: From April 2006 to September 2011, 37 patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 19 patients received bortezomib therapy and 18 patients received bortezomib plus dexamethasone therapy. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 18.13 months (range, 0.97-87.20 months). The median number of cycles administered was four (range, 1-13). The overall response rate by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) 2006 criteria was 64.9%, including six complete responses (16.2%). The median number of cycles to best response was three (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-4.64). Six patients achieved their best responses after four cycles of bortezomib therapy. The median time to progression and overall survival were 5.10 (95% CI 4.03-6.17), and 23.10 (95% CI, 9.24-36.96) months, respectively. The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was 29.7% and 64.9%, respectively. A total of 27.0% patients experienced grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. Herpes zoster developed in 11 patients (29.7%). Treatment was stopped in 22 patients (59.5%) due to adverse events after bortezomib-based therapy, and treatment-related mortality occurred in 4 of 25 deaths in total. CONCLUSIONS: Bortezomib-based therapy is a very effective salvage regimen in real clinical practice, although patients relapse after multiple chemotherapies. Despite intolerable in some patients, management of toxicities and extended cycles of therapy could benefit more patients, resulting in higher response rates.
Dexamethasone ; Drug Therapy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Herpes Zoster ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Neutropenia ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Salvage Therapy ; Thrombocytopenia

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; complications ; diagnosis ; mortality ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies found a range of prognostic factors but no consensus about the proper staging system for multiple myeloma has been achieved. This study explored the prognostic factors to find a staging system for multiple myeloma most suitable for Chinese patients.

METHODSBetween February 1990 to August 2004, 206 patients (138 men and 68 women, mean aged (59 +/- 11) years) who were initially diagnosed as multiple myeloma in Changzheng Hospital (Shanghai, China) and had followup records were enrolled in this study. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Four staging systems were applied to compare their suitability for the patients.

RESULTSThe median survival time of the patients was 33 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 80.18%, 48.08% and 33.7% respectively. Factors identified as adversely affecting survival were older age, severe bone lesions, low haemoglobin, low platelet, low serum calcium, low serum albumin, high proportion of plasma cells in marrow, high serum creatinine, high serum beta(2) microglobulin and high C-reactive protein. Among these, only C-reactive protein, beta(2) microglobulin, albumin and age were the independent prognostic factors. There were statistically significant survival differences among the three groups in Durie Salmon staging system and Bataille staging system, but not in British Medical Research Council staging system or International Staging System.

CONCLUSIONSHigh beta(2) microglobulin, high C-reactive protein, low albumin and old age are independent prognostic factors of multiple myeloma. Bataille staging system appears to be optimal for Chinese multiple myeloma patients.

Adult ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood ; mortality ; pathology ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUNDElderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients often tend to suffer a variety of diseases, so the treatment of choice is very difficult for the elderly myeloma patients. The overall survival (OS) time and side effects with elderly patients are unclear in China. The study tried to find out the role of geriatric assessment in the Chinese elderly MM.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 628 newly diagnosed patients from six hospitals from June 2011 to June 2013. A geriatric assessment had been performed to assess comorbidities, cognitive, and physical status for these patients. The primary endpoint was to evaluate different physical states of elderly patients with OS time and treatment-related side effects.

RESULTSAn additive scoring system (range: 0-5), based on age, Katz's Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) ≤5 and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was developed to identify three groups: fit (score = 0); intermediate-fitness (score = 1); and frail (score ≥2). The 3-year OS was 63% in fit patients, 63% in intermediate-fitness patients, and 49% in frail patients ≥3 hematologic adverse events (AEs) were documented in 45 (35.4%) fit, 34 (34%) intermediate-fitness, and 121 (30.2%) frail patients. The risk of a grade ≥3 hematologic AEs was not significantly increase in intermediate-fitness (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-1.47, P = 1.000) and in frail patients (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.70-1.93, P = 0.558) compared with fit ones.

CONCLUSIONSMM occurs earlier in life and being advanced when the diagnosis is made in the mainland of China. The overall survival in frailty with International Staging System (ISS) II/III was the worst in all patients.

Activities of Daily Living ; Aged ; China ; Cognition ; physiology ; Female ; Geriatric Assessment ; methods ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Multiple Myeloma ; mortality ; physiopathology ; psychology ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDThalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic drug that has shown promise in patients with myeloma. Trials comparing efficacy of standard melphalan and prednisone (MP) therapy with MP plus thalidomide (MPT) in transplant-ineligible or elderly patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have provided conflicting evidence. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide in previously untreated elderly patients with myeloma.

METHODSMedline, the Cochrane Controlled Trials register, conference proceedings of the American Society of Hematology (1995-2014), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1995-2014), and CBM, VIP, and CNKI databases were searched for randomized control trials with the use of the medical subject headings "MM " and "thalidomide ". Trials were assessed by two reviewers for eligibility. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed effects model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the findings.

RESULTSOverall, seven trials were identified, covering a total of 1821 subjects. The summary hazard ratio (thalidomide vs. control) was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.94) for overall survival (OS), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.58-0.73) for progression-free survival, in favor of thalidomide treated group. The risk ratio of complete response with induction thalidomide was 3.48 (95% CI: 2.24-5.41). A higher rate of III/IV adverse events were observed in MPT arm compared with the MP arm. However, analysis of sub-groups administering anticoagulation as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis suggested no difference in relative risk of thrombotic events between two arms (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.43-5.07, P = 0.54). Further analysis of trials on the treatment effects of MPT versus MP on adverse events-related mortality showed no statistical difference between two arms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: [0.95-1.63], P = 0.120).

CONCLUSIONThalidomide appears to improve the OS of elderly and/or transplant-ineligible patients with MM when it is added to standard MP therapy.

Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Melphalan ; therapeutic use ; Multiple Myeloma ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Prednisone ; therapeutic use ; Thalidomide ; therapeutic use