OBJECTIVES: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells and remains incurable. Patients with primary refractory multiple myeloma (PRMM) show poor response to initial induction therapy. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based model to predict treatment response in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, in order to optimize therapeutic strategies. METHODS: NDMM and post-treatment MM patients hospitalized in the Department of Hematology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, between August 2022 and July 2023 were enrolled. Post-treatment MM patients were categorized into PRMM patients and treatment-responsive MM (TRMM) patients based on therapeutic efficacy. Serum metabolites were detected and analyzed via metabolomics. Based on the metabolomics analysis results and combined with transcriptomic sequencing data of NDMM patients from databases, differentially expressed amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMGs) among post-treatment NDMM patients with varying therapeutic outcomes were screened. Using bioinformatics analyses and machine learning algorithms, a predictive model for treatment response in NDMM was constructed and used to identify patients at risk for PRMM. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included: 22 NDMM, 23 TRMM, and 16 PRMM patients. Significant differences in metabolite levels were observed among the 3 groups, with differential metabolites mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism pathways. Follow-up data were available for 16 of the 22 NDMM patients, including 12 treatment responders (ND_TR group) and 4 with PRMM (ND_PR group). A total of 23 differential metabolites were identified between these 2 groups: 6 metabolites (e.g., tryptophan) were upregulated and 17 (e.g., citric acid) were downregulated in the ND_TR group. Transcriptomic data from 108 TRMM and 77 PRMM patients were analyzed to identify differentially expressed AAMGs, which were then used to construct a prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the model exceeded 0.8, and AUC values in 3 external validation cohorts were all above 0.7. CONCLUSIONS This study delineated the metabolic alterations in MM patients with different treatment response, suggesting that dysregulated amino acid metabolism may be associated with poor treatment response in PRMM. By integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics, a machine learning-based predictive model was successfully established to forecast treatment response in NDMM patients.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Machine Learning ; Male ; Female ; Metabolomics/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Transcriptome ; Computational Biology ; Adult ; Multiomics

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of pomalidomide-based regimen in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). METHODS: 60 patients with RRMM in hematology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from November 2020 to January 2023 were selected. Among them, 15 cases were treated with PDD regimen (pomalidomide + daratumumab + dexamethasone), and 45 cases were treated with PCD regimen (pomalidomide + cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone). The clinical effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The median number of treatment cycles for the entire cohort was 5 (2-11), with an overall response rate (ORR) of 75.0%. The ORR of patients treated with PDD regimen was 73.3%, while the ORR of patients treated with PCD regimen was 75.6%. The ORR of 46 patients with non high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (non-HRCA) was 86.9%, significantly higher than the 35.7% of 14 patients with HRCA (χ² =15.031, P < 0.05). The median PFS for all patients was 8.0(95%CI : 6.8-9.1) months and the median OS was 14.0 (95%CI : 11.3-16.7) months. Among patients treated with PDD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 7.0(95%CI : 4.6-9.3) months vs 4.0(95%CI : 3.1-4.8) months, χ² =5.120, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 6.0(95%CI : 1.1-10.9) months, χ² =9.870, P < 0.05]. Among patients treated with PCD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 9.0(95%CI : 6.2-11.8) months vs 6.0(95%CI : 5.4-6.6) months, χ²=14.396, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 11.0(95%CI : 6.4-15.6) months, χ² =7.471, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION The pomalidomide-based regimen has a good clinical effect and safety in the treatment of RRMM.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Thalidomide/administration & dosage* ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Aged ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Antibodies, Monoclonal

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary disease (EMD). METHODS: The clinical data of 40 pomalidomide-based multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary disease admitted to the Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from February 2019 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 40 patients, 8 were newly diagnosed with EMD and 32 were refractory/relapsed EMD. There were 21 cases with bone-related extramedullary disease (EM-B) and 19 cases with soft tissue-related extramedullary disease (EM-S). Compared with the EM-B group, the EM-S group exhibited lower LDH levels, an elevation in LDH and a shorter progression-free survival(PFS) (11 months vs 21.5 months, P =0.0363). 32 patients completed 3 courses of treatment, and the short-term efficacy was evaluated. There was no significant difference in the rate of use of 3 or more drugs and ASCT treatment between NDMM group and RRMM group (87.50% vs 93.75%, P >0.05; 25.00% vs 15.63%, P >0.05). Compared with the RRMM group, the overall response rate (ORR) of the NDMM patients was significantly higher (83.33% vs 57.70%, P < 0.05). The deep remission rate (VGPR+CR) of the NDMM group was better than that of the RRMM group (50.00% vs 29.62%, P < 0.05), and the non-response rate (SD+PD) of the NDMM group was significantly lower than that of the R/RMM group (33.33% vs 65.38%, P < 0.05), while the partial remission rate (PR) and mortality rate of the NDMM were not significantly different from those of the RRMM group(P >0.05). With a median follow-up of 26 months, the median PFS was 19 months. Univariate analysis showed that EM-S, high-risk genetic abnormalities, induction therapy did not achieve partial response(PR) or better, and more than 2 lines of treatment failure were associated with shorter PFS. Multivariate analysis showed that the best response to induction therapy did not achieve PR or better, EM-S were an independent adverses prognostic factor for PFS. The results of safety analysis showed that 16 cases had hematological adverse events, including 3 cases of grade 3/4 and 13 cases of grade 1/2. The most common non-hematological adverse events were nausea, vomiting, fatigue and abdominal distension, which were mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION Pomalidomide-based chemotherapy is effective and well tolerated in MM patients with extramedullary disease.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Thalidomide/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of combination regimen containing daratumumab in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. METHODS: The clinical data of 14 newly diagnosed MM patients and 58 relapsed refractory MM patients treated with combination regimen containing daratumumab from November 2020 to March 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy and safety of combination regimen were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the 72 patients was 62 (38-78) years, including 35 males and 37 females. The overall response rate (ORR) of patients receiving first-line, second-line, and third-line or above treatment was 92.9% (13/14), 68.2% (30/44), and 42.9% (6/14), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached, 15.4 months, and 9.7 months in three groups, respectively (all P <0.05), while the median overall survival (OS) was all not reached. Among relapsed refractory patients, the ORR of those treated with DVd, DPd and DRd regimen was 50.0% (12/24), 40.0% (4/10) and 100% (10/10), the median PFS was 2.8 months, 10.3 months and not reached, and the median OS was 15.4 months, not reached and not reached, respectively. Furthermore, the PFS and OS in the DRd group were superior to those in the other two groups (all P <0.05). Cox univariate and multivariate analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥250 U/L and extramedullary disease were independent adverse prognostic factors for PFS, and LDH ≥250 U/L was also an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS. Hematologic adverse reactions were mainly lymphopenia (87.5%) and thrombocytopenia (52.8%), while non-hematologic adverse reactions were mainly infusion-related reactions (19.4%) and infections (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS The combination regimens containing daratumumab can be used as first-line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed MM. In patients with relapsed refractory MM, early use of regimens containing daratumumab may improve treatment response rate and prolong PFS. The DRd regimen has better therapeutic response and survival advantages. LDH is an independent prognostic factor affecting PFS and OS in MM patients.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Male ; Female ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of daratumumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone on quality of life in transplant-ineligible (TIE) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). METHODS: The clinical data of 93 TIE NDMM patients in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into D-Rd group (48 cases) and Rd group (45 cases) according to treatment regimen. The patients in Rd group were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, while those in D-Rd group were treated with daratumumab on the basis of Rd group. The QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D VAS scores of the two groups were compared at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles. The last follow-up date was June 30, 2023, and overall survival (OS) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up period in the D-Rd group was 21 (7-38) months, and the median OS was 34 months, while that in the Rd group was 16 (5-35) months, and the median OS was 28 months. There was significant difference in OS between the two groups ( P <0.05). After 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles, the QLQ-C30 score and EQ-5D VAS score of the two groups were significantly improved (all P <0.05). After 3 and 12 treatment cycles, the QLQ-C30 score and EQ-5D VAS score of D-Rd group were significantly higher than those of Rd group (all P <0.05). There were no significant differences in the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS and pain scores between the two groups of patients with age <75 years and ECOG 0-1 score after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles (P >0.05). In D-Rd group of patients with age≥75 years, the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS scores after 3 and 12 treatment cycles and QLQ-C30 pain scores after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles was significantly superior to that in Rd group (all P <0.05). In D-Rd group of patients with ECOG 2 scores, the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS and pain scores after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles was significantly superior to that in Rd group (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone can significantly improve OS in TIE NDMM patients without decrease of quality of life, especially in those with age≥75 years or ECOG 2 scores.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Lenalidomide/therapeutic use* ; Quality of Life ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stem Cell Transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of plerixafor combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in mobilizing peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells in patients with lymphoma. METHODS: The clinical data of lymphoma patients who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization using plerixafor combined with G-CSF from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients received 3 kinds of mobilization regimens: front-line steady-state mobilization, preemptive intervention, and recuse mobilization. The acquisition success rate, excellent rate of collection, and incidence of treatment-related adverse reaction were counted. The influence of sex, age, disease remission status, bone marrow involvement at diagnosis, chemotherapy lines, number of chemotherapy, platelet count and number of CD34⁺ cells on the day before acquisition in peripheral blood on the collection results were analyzed to identify the risk factors associated with poor stem cell collection. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients with lymphoma were enrolled, including 7 cases who received front-line steady-state mobilization, 19 cases who received preemptive intervention, and 17 cases who received recuse mobilization. The overall acquisition success rate was 58.1% (25/43) after use of plerixafor combined with G-CSF, and acquisition success rate of front-line steady-state mobilization, preemptive intervention, and recuse mobilization was 100%, 57.9%(11/19), and 41.2%(7/17), respectively. The excellent rate of collection was 18.6%(8/43). A total of 15 patients experienced mild to moderate treatment-related adverse reactions. The number of CD34⁺ cells < 5 cells/μl in peripheral blood on the day before collection was an independent risk factor affecting stem cell collection. CONCLUSIONS Plerixafor combined with G-CSF is a safe and effective mobilization regimen for patients with lymphoma. The number of CD34⁺ cells in peripheral blood on the day before collection is an predictable index for the evaluation of stem cell collection.
Humans ; Antigens, CD34/metabolism* ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/therapeutic use* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Heterocyclic Compounds/therapeutic use* ; Lymphoma/drug therapy* ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of plerixafor (PXF) combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (PXF+G-CSF) and cyclophosphamide (Cy) combined with G-CSF (Cy+G-CSF) in the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The clinical data of 41 MM patients who underwent PBSC mobilization using PXF+G-CSF (18 cases) or Cy+G-CSF (23 cases) in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including the count of collected CD34⁺ cells, acquisition success rate, failure rate, and optimal rate. The correlation of sex, age, disease type, DS staging, ISS staging, number of chemotherapy cycle, disease status before mobilization, and mobilization regimen with the collection results was analyzed, and the adverse reactions, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs were compared between the two mobilization regimens. RESULTS: The 41 patients underwent 97 mobilization collections, and the median number of CD34⁺ cells collected was 6.09 (0-34.07)×10⁶/kg. The acquisition success rate, optimal rate, and failure rate was 90.2%, 56.1%, and 9.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that sex, age, disease type, and disease stage had no significant correlation with the number of CD34⁺ cells collected and acquisition success rate (P >0.05), but the patients with better disease remission than partial remission before mobilization were more likely to obtain higher CD34⁺ cell count (P <0.05). The PXF+G-CSF group had a larger number of CD34⁺ cells and higher acquisition success rate in the first collection than Cy+G-CSF group (both P <0.05), and had lower infection risk and shorter length of hospital stay during mobilization (both P <0.05), but the economic burden increased (P <0.05). CONCLUSION PXF+G-CSF used for PBSC mobilization in MM patients has high first acquisition success rate, large number of CD34⁺ cells, less number of collection times, and short length of hospital stay, but the economic cost is heavy.
Humans ; Antigens, CD34/metabolism* ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/therapeutic use* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Heterocyclic Compounds/therapeutic use* ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Retrospective Studies

Daratumumab is the first CD38 monoclonal antibody drug approved for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. It can bind to CD38 expressed by tumor cells, inhibit tumor cell growth and induce myeloma cell apoptosis through a variety of immune-related mechanisms. Meanwhile, CD38 is also expressed in other cells, including regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of hematological tumor diseases other than non-multiple myeloma diseases. This article reviews the research progress and application of this part.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/pathology* ; ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology* ; Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic results of whole exome sequencing of bone marrow from new onset multiple myeloma (MM) patients to analyze the process of genetic clonal evolution in MM patients. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from bone marrow samples of 15 MM patients and the whole exomes sequencing was performed using next generation sequencing technology. Using own buccal cells as germline controls, combinated with clinical information, the mutation profile of genes from high-risk asymptomatic myeloma to symptomatic myeloma were analyzed, and genes that may be associated with the efficacy and side effects of bortezomib were screened. RESULTS: Except for two patients in whom no peripheral neuropathy was observed after a short treatment period, other patients peripheral neuropathy developed of various degrees during treatment with bortezomib containing chemotherapy, and the vast majority of patients achieved remission after receiving this bortezomib-related chemotherapy regimen. All patients had comparable levels of the inherited mutations number, but the somatic mutations was correlated with disease evolution. CONCLUSION different gene "mutational spectra" exist in myeloma patients at different stages and are associated with progression through all stages of the disease.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Bortezomib/therapeutic use* ; Bone Marrow ; Exome Sequencing ; Mouth Mucosa ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bendamustine combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPD regimen) in the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary disease. Methods: This open, single-arm, multicenter prospective cohort study included 30 relapsed MM patients with extramedullary disease diagnosed in seven hospitals including Qingdao Municipal Hospital. The patients were treated with BPD regimen from February 2021 to November 2022. This study analyzed the efficacy and adverse reactions of the BPD regimen. Results: The median age of the 30 patients was 62 (47-72) years, of which 18 (60% ) had first-time recurrence. The overall response rate (ORR) of the 18 patients with first-time recurrence was 100%, of which three (16.7% ) achieved complete remission, 10 (55.5% ) achieved very good partial remission (VGPR), and five (27.8% ) achieved partial remission (PR). The ORR of 12 patients with recurrence after second-line or above treatment was 50%, including zero patients with ≥VGPR and six patients (50% ) with PR. Three cases (25% ) had stable disease, and three cases (25% ) had disease progression. The one-year progression free survival rate of all patients was 65.2% (95% CI 37.2% -83.1% ), and the 1-year overall survival rate was 90.0% (95% CI 76.2% -95.4% ). The common grade 3-4 hematology adverse reactions included two cases (6.7% ) of neutropenia and one case (3.3% ) of thrombocytopenia. The overall adverse reactions are controllable. Conclusions: The BPD regimen has good efficacy and tolerance in relapsed MM patients with extramedullary disease.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Bendamustine Hydrochloride/therapeutic use* ; Prospective Studies ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*