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International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2022In amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, small B-cell clones (mostly plasma cell clones) present in the bone marrow proliferate and secrete unstable monoclonal free... (Review)
Review
In amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, small B-cell clones (mostly plasma cell clones) present in the bone marrow proliferate and secrete unstable monoclonal free light chains (FLCs), which form amyloid fibrils that deposit in the interstitial tissue, resulting in organ injury and dysfunction. AL amyloidosis progresses much faster than other types of amyloidosis, with a slight delay in diagnosis leading to a marked exacerbation of cardiomyopathy. In some cases, the resulting heart failure is so severe that chemotherapy cannot be administered, and death sometimes occurs within a few months. To date, many clinical studies have focused on therapeutics, especially chemotherapy, to treat this disease. Because it is necessary to promptly lower FLC, the causative protein of amyloid, to achieve a hematological response, various anticancer agents targeting neoplastic plasma cells are used for the treatment of this disease. In addition, many basic studies using human specimens to elucidate the pathophysiology of AL have been conducted. Gene mutations associated with AL, the characteristics of amyloidogenic LC, and the structural specificity of amyloid fibrils have been clarified. Regarding the mechanism of cellular and tissue damage, the mass effect due to amyloid deposition, as well as the toxicity of pre-fibrillar LC, is gradually being elucidated. This review outlines the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for AL amyloidosis with respect to its molecular mechanisms.
Topics: Amyloid; Amyloidogenic Proteins; Amyloidosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis
PubMed: 35683015
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116336 -
The American Journal of Medicine Apr 2022Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a potentially fatal disease of monoclonal plasma cells that leads to accumulation of light chain amyloid fibrils, organ damage, and the...
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a potentially fatal disease of monoclonal plasma cells that leads to accumulation of light chain amyloid fibrils, organ damage, and the manifestations of clinical disease. Meanwhile, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, with the potential to cause severe systemic illness and death. There is significant overlap in the demographics and comorbidities observed in AL amyloidosis and those associated with highest risk for severe morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. This overlap creates unique challenges in caring for patients with AL amyloidosis, which are further compounded by the immunosuppressive nature of anti-plasma cell therapies, the need for frequent clinical assessments, and the exclusion of AL amyloidosis patients from initial COVID-19 vaccine trials. Herein, we highlight many of the relevant concerns related to COVID-19 and the treatment of AL amyloidosis, summarize a general approach for AL amyloidosis management amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and discuss current guidance about COVID-19 vaccination of patients with AL amyloidosis.
Topics: Amyloidosis; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Pandemics
PubMed: 35081378
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.01.005 -
Acta Haematologica 2020Amyloidosis comprises a diverse group of diseases characterized by misfolding of precursor proteins which eventually form amyloid aggregates and preceding... (Review)
Review
Amyloidosis comprises a diverse group of diseases characterized by misfolding of precursor proteins which eventually form amyloid aggregates and preceding intermediaries, which are deposited in target tissues causing progressive organ damage. In all forms of amyloidosis, vital organs may fail; depending on the specific amyloidosis type, this may occur rapidly or progress slowly. Beyond therapies to reduce the precursor protein (chemotherapy for light chain [AL] amyloidosis, anti-inflammatory therapy in serum A amyloid-osis [AA], and antisense RNA therapy in transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR]), organ transplantation may also be a means to reduce amyloidogenic protein, e.g., in types of amyloid-osis in which the variant precursor is produced by the liver. Heart transplantation is a life-saving approach to the treatment of patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis; however, amyloidosis may still be considered a contraindication to the procedure despite data supporting improved outcomes, similar to patients with other indications. Kidney transplantation is associated with particularly favorable outcomes in patients with amyloidosis, especially if the precursor protein has been eliminated. Overall, outcomes of solid organ transplantation are improving, but more data are needed to refine the selection criteria and the timing for organ transplantation, which should be performed in highly experienced centers involving multidisciplinary teams with close patient follow-up to detect amyloid recurrence.
Topics: Amyloidosis; Disease Management; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Organ Transplantation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32535598
DOI: 10.1159/000508262 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jul 2022Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is an ultra-rare disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Few studies have examined the global epidemiology of...
BACKGROUND
Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is an ultra-rare disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Few studies have examined the global epidemiology of this condition.
METHODS
This study estimated the diagnosed incidence and 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year period prevalence of AL amyloidosis in 2018 for countries in and near Europe, and in the United States (US), Canada, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Russia. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify country-specific, age- and gender-specific diagnosed incidence of AL amyloidosis and observed survival data-point inputs for an incidence-to-prevalence model. Extrapolations were used to estimate incidence and prevalence for countries without registry or published epidemiological data.
RESULTS
Of 171 publications identified in the SLR, 10 records met the criteria for data extraction, and two records were included in the final incidence-to-prevalence model. In 2018, an estimated 74,000 AL amyloidosis cases worldwide were diagnosed during the preceding 20 years. The estimated incidence and 20-year prevalence rates were 10 and 51 cases per million population, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Orphan medicinal product designation criteria of the European Medicines Agency or Electronic Code of Federal Regulations indicate that a disease must not affect > 5 in 10,000 people across the European Union or affect < 200,000 people in the US. This study provides up-to-date epidemiological patterns of AL amyloidosis, which is vital for understanding the burden of the disease, increasing awareness, and to further research and treatment options.
Topics: Europe; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Incidence; Prevalence; Registries; United States
PubMed: 35854312
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02414-6 -
Journal of General Internal Medicine Aug 2021
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Multiple Myeloma; Tongue; Tongue Diseases
PubMed: 34027604
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06890-7 -
Clinical Research in Cardiology :... Jan 2020Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an underappreciated cause of morbidity and mortality. Light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis have different disease...
BACKGROUND
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an underappreciated cause of morbidity and mortality. Light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis have different disease trajectories. No data are available on subtype-specific modes of death (MOD) in patients with CA.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We retrospectively investigated 66 with AL and 48 with wild-type ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRwt) from 2000 to 2018. ATTRwt differed from AL by age (74.6 ± 5.4 years vs. 63 ± 10.8 years), posterior wall thickness (16.8 ± 3.3 mm vs. 14.3 ± 2.2 mm), left ventricular mass index (180.7 ± 63.2 g/m vs. 133.5 ± 42.2 g/m), and the proportions of male gender (91.7% vs. 59.1%), atrial enlargement (92% vs. 68.2%) and atrial fibrillation (50% vs. 12.1%). In AL NYHA Functional Class and proteinuria (72.7% vs. 39.6%) were greater; mean arterial pressure (84.4 ± 13.5 mmHg vs. 90.0 ± 11.3 mmHg) was lower. Unadjusted 5-year mortality rate was 65% in AL-CA vs. 44% in the ATTRwt group. Individuals with AL-CA were 2.28 times ([95%CI 1.27-4.10]; p = 0.006) more likely to die than were individuals with ATTRwt-CA. Information on MOD was available in 56 (94.9%) of 59 deceased patients. MOD was cardiovascular in 40 (66.8%) and non-cardiovascular in 16 (27.1%) patients. Cardiovascular [28 (68.3%) vs. 13 (80%)] death events were distributed equally between AL and ATTRwt (p = 0.51).
CONCLUSION
Our data indicate no differences in MOD between patients with AL and ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis despite significant differences in clinical presentation and disease progression. Cardiovascular events account for more than two-thirds of fatal casualties in both groups.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyloidosis; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiomyopathies; Cohort Studies; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Middle Aged; Prealbumin; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 31134330
DOI: 10.1007/s00392-019-01490-2 -
Leukemia & Lymphoma Feb 2019Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been used as treatment for immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis for over two decades with improving outcomes;... (Review)
Review
Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been used as treatment for immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis for over two decades with improving outcomes; however, the majority of patients are not candidates for this therapy at diagnosis. Novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 have been adopted from the multiple myeloma spheres with encouraging results. Herein, we discuss the role of daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody to CD38, in the treatment of AL amyloidosis. We focus on its mechanism of action, tolerability, and the current published data on its use in AL amyloidosis. Early data from phase I and phase II studies show that daratumumab is tolerated well in this population and induces rapid and deep responses. Phase III trials are currently accruing and we envision daratumumab becoming a key component in the treatment of AL amyloidosis in the future.
Topics: ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Disease Management; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Membrane Glycoproteins; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30033840
DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1485914 -
Proceedings of the Royal Society of... Jan 1957
Topics: Amyloidosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Neoplasms, Plasma Cell
PubMed: 13400854
DOI: No ID Found -
Circulation. Cardiovascular Imaging Jul 2023Apo AI amyloidosis (AApoAI) and Apo AIV amyloidosis (AApoAIV) are rare but increasingly recognized causes of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). We sought to define the cardiac...
BACKGROUND
Apo AI amyloidosis (AApoAI) and Apo AIV amyloidosis (AApoAIV) are rare but increasingly recognized causes of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). We sought to define the cardiac phenotype in AApoAI and AApoAIV using multimodality imaging.
METHODS
We identified all patients with AApoAI and AApoAIV assessed at our center between 2000 and 2021, and 2 cohorts of patients with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis matched for age, sex, and cardiac involvement.
RESULTS
Forty-five patients had AApoAI, 13 (29%) of whom had cardiac involvement, 32 (71%) renal involvement, 28 (62%) splenic involvement, 27 (60%) hepatic involvement, and 7 (16%) laryngeal involvement. AApoAI-CA commonly presented with heart failure (n=8, 62%) or dysphonia (n=7, 54%). The Arg173Pro variant universally caused cardiac and laryngeal involvement (n=7, 100%). AApoAI-CA was associated with right-sided involvement, with a thicker right ventricular free wall (8.6±1.9 versus 6.3±1.3 mm versus 7.7±1.2 mm, =0.004), greater incidence of tricuspid stenosis (4 [31%] versus 0 [0%] versus 0 [0%], =0.012) and tricuspid regurgitation (6 [46%] versus 1 [8%] versus 2 [15%], =0.048) than AL-CA and transthyretin CA. Twenty-one patients had AApoAIV, and cardiac involvement was more common than in AApoAI (15 [71%] versus 13 [29%], =0.001). AApoAIV-CA most commonly presented with heart failure (n=12, 80%), and a lower median estimated glomerular filtration rate than AL-CA and transthyretin CA (36 mL/[min·1.73 m²] versus 65 mL/[min·1.73 m²] versus 63 mL/[min·1.73 m²], <0.001). All AApoAIV-CA patients had classical CA features on echocardiography/cardiac magnetic resonance, including an apical-sparing strain pattern, which was less common in AApoAI-CA (15 [100%] versus 7 [54%], =0.003), whereas cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy was less common in AApoAIV-CA than AApoAI-CA (all grade 1) (14% versus 82%, <0.001). Patients with AApoAI and AApoAIV had a good prognosis (median survival >172 and >30 months, respectively), and a lower risk of mortality than matched patients with AL-amyloidosis (AL versus AApoAI: hazard ratio, 4.54 [95% CI, 2.02-10.14]; <0.001; AL versus AApoAIV: hazard ratio, 3.07 [95% CI, 1.27-7.44]; =0.013).
CONCLUSIONS
Dysphonia, multisystem involvement, or right-sided cardiac disease should raise suspicion of AApoAI-CA. AApoAIV-CA presents most commonly with heart failure and always displays classical CA imaging features, mimicking common forms of CA. Both AApoAI and AApoAIV are associated with a good prognosis and a lower risk of mortality than matched patients with AL-amyloidosis.
Topics: Humans; Apolipoprotein A-I; Dysphonia; Prealbumin; Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Heart Failure; Echocardiography; Cardiomyopathies
PubMed: 37431665
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.123.015259 -
Blood Dec 2021
Topics: Amyloidosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis
PubMed: 34940822
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021013817