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Blood Advances Oct 2023Bispecific antibodies, a novel immunotherapy with promising efficacy against multiple myeloma, form immune synapses between T-cell surface marker CD3 and malignant cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Bispecific antibodies, a novel immunotherapy with promising efficacy against multiple myeloma, form immune synapses between T-cell surface marker CD3 and malignant cell markers, including B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), FcRH5, and G protein-coupled receptor GPRC5D. These bispecific antibodies so effectively deplete plasma cells (and to some extent T-cells) that patients are at increased risk of developing infections. A systematic review and meta-analysis of infections in published studies of patients with myeloma treated with bispecific antibodies was conducted to better characterize the infection risks. A literature search used MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane to identify relevant studies between inception and February 10, 2023, including major conference presentations. Phase 1b-3 clinical trials and observational studies were included. Sixteen clinical trials comprising 1666 patients were included. Median follow-up was 7.6 months and 38% of the cohort had penta-drug refractory disease. Pooled prevalence of all-grade infections was 56%, whereas the prevalence of grade ≥3 infections was 24%. Patients who were treated with BCMA-targeted bispecifics had significantly higher rates of grade ≥3 infections than non-BCMA bispecifics (25% vs 20%). Similarly, patients treated with bispecifics in combination with other agents had significantly higher rate of all-grade infection than those receiving monotherapy (71% vs 52%). In observational studies (n = 293), excluded from the primary analysis to ensure no overlap with patients in clinical trials, several infections classically associated with T-cell depletion were identified. This systematic review identifies BCMA-targeted bispecifics and bispecific combination therapy as having higher infection risk, requiring vigilant infection screening and prophylaxis strategies.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Antibodies, Bispecific; B-Cell Maturation Antigen; Immunotherapy; T-Lymphocytes; CD3 Complex
PubMed: 37467036
DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010539 -
Blood Cancer Journal Sep 2023Rituximab-based chemo-immunotherapy is currently the standard first-line treatment for Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM), while ibrutinib has emerged as an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Rituximab-based chemo-immunotherapy is currently the standard first-line treatment for Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM), while ibrutinib has emerged as an alternative. In the absence of randomised trials (RCTs) comparing these regimens, the optimal first-line treatment for WM remains uncertain. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of first-line treatment regimens for WM. We searched key databases from January 2007 to March 2023, including phase II and III trials, including treatment-naïve WM patients treated with rituximab-based regimens or ibrutinib. Response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were evaluated. Four phase III and seven phase II trials were included among 736 unique records. Pooled response rates from all comparative and non-comparative trials were 46%, 33% and 26% for bendamustine rituximab (BR), bortezomib-dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, rituximab (BDRC) and ibrutinib rituximab (IR), respectively. Two-year pooled PFS was 89%, 81% and 82% with BR, BDRC and IR, respectively. Neuropathy was more frequent with bortezomib, while haematologic and cardiac toxicities were more common with chemo-immunotherapy and ibrutinib-based regimens respectively. Our findings suggest that BR yields higher response rates than bortezomib or ibrutinib-based combinations. RCTs comparing BR against emerging therapies, including novel Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia; Rituximab; Bortezomib; Clinical Protocols; Cyclophosphamide
PubMed: 37679351
DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00916-5 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Dec 2023A registered (PROSPERO - CRD42022346462) systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of all-grade infections amongst adult patients receiving CAR-T therapy for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A registered (PROSPERO - CRD42022346462) systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of all-grade infections amongst adult patients receiving CAR-T therapy for haematological malignancy. Meta-analysis of pooled incidence, using random effects model, was conducted. Cochran's Q test examined heterogeneity. 2678 patients across 33 studies were included in the primary outcome. Forty-percent of patients (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.48) experienced an infection of any grade. Twenty-five percent of infection events (95% CI: 0.16 - 0.34) were severe. Late infections were as common as early infections (IRR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.38 - 1.98). All-grade infections, bacterial and viral infections were highest in myeloma patients at 57%, 37% and 28% respectively. Patients with NHL more commonly experienced late infections. Pooled rate of invasive candidiasis/yeast infections was 2% in studies utilizing anti-yeast prophylaxis. This review identified a high rate of all-grade infections, moderate rate of severe infections, and myeloma as a high-risk haematological group.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Hematologic Neoplasms; Hematology
PubMed: 37739146
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104134 -
BMC Nephrology Jan 2024It is crucial to identify patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) from those without MGRS but with monoclonal gammopathy and concomitant kidney... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
It is crucial to identify patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) from those without MGRS but with monoclonal gammopathy and concomitant kidney diseases. However, there have been few studies with large sample sizes, and their findings were inconsistent. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of MGRS to describe the general characteristics of MGRS and its predictive factors.
METHODS
Cohort or case-control studies published through December 2022 and related to clinicopathological features of MGRS were retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Two researchers searched for studies that met the inclusion criteria. In the univariate analysis, fixed- or random- effects models were used to obtain pooled estimates of the weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) for risk factors. In the multivariate analysis, the ORs of the independent risk factors from each study were pooled after transforming the original estimates.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included six studies. Univariate analysis showed that the following variables were statistically significant in MGRS: age (WMD = 1.78, 95%CI 0.21-3.35), hypertension (OR = 0.54, 95%CI 0.4-0.73), diabetes (OR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.29-0.59), albumin (WMD = - 0.26, 95%CI - 0.38--0.14), urinary protein level (WMD = 0.76, 95%CI 0.31-1.2), urinary protein ≥ 1.5 g/d (OR = 1.98, 95%CI 1.46-2.68), lambda-chain value (WMD = 29.02, 95%CI 16.55-41.49), abnormal free light-chain ratio (OR = 4.16, 95%CI 1.65-10.47), bone marrow puncture rate (OR = 5.11, 95% CI 1.31-19.95), and abnormal bone marrow outcome rate (OR = 9.63, 95%CI 1.98-46.88). Multivariate analysis showed urinary protein ≥ 1.5 g/d (OR = 2.80, 95%CI 1.53-5.15) and an abnormal free light-chain ratio (OR = 6.98, 95%CI 4.10-11.91) were associated with predictors of MGRS.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with non-MGRS patients with monoclonal gammopathy and concomitant kidney diseases, patients with MGRS were older, had fewer underlying diseases, more urinary protein, more abnormal free light-chain ratio, and more abnormal bone marrow results. Urinary protein ≥ 1.5 g/d and an abnormal free light-chain ratio were independent risk factors for MGRS.
Topics: Humans; Paraproteinemias; Kidney; Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance; Kidney Diseases; Immunoglobulin Light Chains
PubMed: 38229028
DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03458-5 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jul 2023Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the progressive deposition of abnormal proteins that can occur in any organ. In the oral cavity, the tongue is the most common...
BACKGROUND
Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the progressive deposition of abnormal proteins that can occur in any organ. In the oral cavity, the tongue is the most common affected site, usually causing macroglossia. Biopsy is essential for the diagnosis and the occurrence of its systemic form is mandatory to be investigated. This systematic review evaluated the existing information in the literature on Amyloidosis in the oral cavity to allow a more comprehensive and updated analysis of its clinicopathological characteristics, as well as to explore the main forms of treatment and prognostic factors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Electronic searches were undertaken in five databases supplemented by manual scrutiny.
RESULTS
A total of 111 studies were included with 158 individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
The disease had a higher prevalence in women, the tongue was the most affected site, as well as the systemic form of the disease. The worst prognosis was for cases of systemic amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma.
Topics: Humans; Female; Amyloidosis; Macroglossia; Multiple Myeloma; Tongue Diseases; Tongue
PubMed: 37330968
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.25761 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the exponential growth of malignant plasma cells. Individuals diagnosed with MM exhibit a deficiency... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the exponential growth of malignant plasma cells. Individuals diagnosed with MM exhibit a deficiency in vitamin D and may suffer fatigue, a loss of muscular strength, persistent musculoskeletal aches, and pain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in individuals diagnosed with MM.
METHODS
We searched five electronic databases using relevant keywords. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the critical appraisal tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We employed a random-effects model and presented the findings in the form of percentages accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CI). This protocol has been officially registered in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42021248710.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis comprised a total of eighteen studies and found that, among patients with MM, the occurrence of serum vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 39.4% (95% CI: 25.8 to 52.9, n = 3746) and 34.1% (95% CI: 20.9 to 47.2, n = 3559), respectively. The findings indicate that a greater proportion of newly diagnosed patients exhibited vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, with rates of 43.0% and 41.6%, respectively, compared to those receiving treatment (rates of 41.6% and 32.3%, respectively). The findings of the sensitivity analyses were consistent, and most of the studies (72.2%) were deemed to be of high quality. The results of Egger's test indicated the absence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients diagnosed with MM have been found to exhibit significantly elevated levels of both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to consider vitamin D testing as an additional parameter in the current criteria for the clinical evaluation of MM.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Prevalence; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Pain
PubMed: 37513645
DOI: 10.3390/nu15143227 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy are common disease manifestations in systemic amyloidosis. The neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuron-specific biomarker, is... (Review)
Review
Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy are common disease manifestations in systemic amyloidosis. The neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuron-specific biomarker, is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid after neuronal damage. There is a need for an early and sensitive blood biomarker for polyneuropathy, and this systematic review provides an overview on the value of NfL in the early detection of neuropathy, central nervous system involvement, the monitoring of neuropathy progression, and treatment effects in systemic amyloidosis. A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed on 14 February 2024 for studies investigating NfL levels in patients with systemic amyloidosis and transthyretin gene-variant (v) carriers. Only studies containing original data were included. Included were thirteen full-text articles and five abstracts describing 1604 participants: 298 controls and 1306 v carriers or patients with or without polyneuropathy. Patients with polyneuropathy demonstrated higher NfL levels compared to healthy controls and asymptomatic carriers. Disease onset was marked by rising NfL levels. Following the initiation of transthyretin gene-silencer treatment, NfL levels decreased and remained stable over an extended period. NfL is not an outcome biomarker, but an early and sensitive disease-process biomarker for neuropathy in systemic amyloidosis. Therefore, NfL has the potential to be used for the early detection of neuropathy, monitoring treatment effects, and monitoring disease progression in patients with systemic amyloidosis.
Topics: Humans; Prealbumin; Intermediate Filaments; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Amyloidosis; Polyneuropathies; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38612579
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073770 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Bispecific antibody (BsAbs) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach with manageable toxicity and noteworthy preliminary efficacy in treating patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Bispecific antibody (BsAbs) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach with manageable toxicity and noteworthy preliminary efficacy in treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted BsAbs and non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs in the treatment of RRMM patients.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and meeting libraries were searched from inception to August 16th, 2023. The efficacy evaluation included the complete objective response rate (ORR), complete response (CR) rate, stringent CR (sCR) rate, partial response (PR) rate, and very good PR (VGPR) rate. The efficacy evaluation included any grade adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥ 3 AEs.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with a total of 1473 RRMM patients were included. The pooled ORR of the entire cohort was 61%. The non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs group displayed a higher ORR than the BCMA-targeted BsAbs group (74% . 54%, < 0.01). In terms of hematological AEs, BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy exhibited higher risks of neutropenia (any grade: 48% . 18%, < 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 43% . 15%, < 0.01) and lymphopenia (any grade: 37% . 8%, < 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 31% . 8%, = 0.07). Regarding non-hematological AEs, there were no significant differences in the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS, any grade: 64% . 66%, = 0.84; grade ≥ 3: 1% . 1%, = 0.36) and infections (any grade: 47% . 49%, = 0.86; grade ≥ 3: 24% . 20%, = 0.06) between the two groups. However, non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy was associated with a higher risk of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS, any grade: 11% . 2%, < 0.01) and lower risks of fatigue (any grade: 14% . 30%, < 0.01) and pyrexia (any grade: 14% . 29%, < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
This analysis suggest that non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may offer a more favorable treatment response and tolerability, while BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may be associated with diminished neurotoxic effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42018090768.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Antibodies, Bispecific; B-Cell Maturation Antigen; Prospective Studies; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Neutropenia
PubMed: 38482019
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348955 -
Cancers Sep 2023The presence of a serum paraprotein (PP) is usually associated with plasma-cell dyscrasias, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and... (Review)
Review
The presence of a serum paraprotein (PP) is usually associated with plasma-cell dyscrasias, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and cryoglobulinemia. However, PP is also often reported in other high- and low-grade B-cell malignancies. As these reports are sparse and heterogeneous, an overall view on this topic is lacking, Therefore, we carried out a complete literature review to detail the characteristics, and highlight differences and similarities among lymphoma entities associated with PP. In these settings, IgM and IgG are the prevalent PP subtypes, and their serum concentration is often low or even undetectable without immunofixation. The relevance of paraproteinemia and its prevalence, as well as the impact of IgG vs. IgM PP, seems to differ within B-NHL subtypes and CLL. Nonetheless, paraproteinemia is almost always associated with advanced disease, as well as with immunophenotypic, genetic, and clinical features, impacting prognosis. In fact, PP is reported as an independent prognostic marker of poor outcome. All the above call for implementing clinical practice, with the assessment of paraproteinemia, in patients' work-up. Indeed, more studies are needed to shed light on the biological mechanism causing more aggressive disease. Furthermore, the significance of paraproteinemia, in the era of targeted therapies, should be assessed in prospective trials.
PubMed: 37760410
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184440 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2023Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy. Venetoclax (VEN) shows a meaningful effect in MM patients who are relapsed or refractory (RR) to previous standard... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy. Venetoclax (VEN) shows a meaningful effect in MM patients who are relapsed or refractory (RR) to previous standard therapies.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of VEN-based treatments in RR MM patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Comprehensive studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library. Efficacy was assessed by overall response rate (ORR), strict complete response rate (sCR), complete response rate (CR), very good partial response rate (VGPR) and partial response rate (PR).
RESULTS
Seven studies containing 482 subjests were included. The pooled ORR, ≥ CR (sCR + CR), VGPR and PR were 68% (51%-85%), 24% (13%-35%), 25% (17%-34%) and 17% (11%-24%) respectively. Multi-drug treatments were superior to VEN ± dexamethasone (Dex) treatments in ORR (82% vs 42%, = .003) and ≥ CR (36% vs 7%, < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated patients achieve higher ORR who harboring t(11;14) translocation or containing high BCL-2 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
VEN-containing regimens could be suggested as effective and safe treatments to RR MM patients with t(11;14) or high BCL-2 levels.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Prospective Studies; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
PubMed: 36911885
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2186480