Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Patients Carrying the 17p Deletion: A Multi-Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Cohen Yael , Gatt Moshe E. , Lavi Noa , Ganzel Chezi , Magen Hila , Avivi Irit , Tadmor Tamar , Suriu Celia , Jarchowsky Dolberg Osnat , Papushado Amitai , Trestman Svetlana , Ram Ron 
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Improvement in overall survival (OS) is seen primarily within standard risk Multiple Myeloma (MM), however, high risk MM OS was still around 2-3 years until recently. Del17p is a genomic imbalance which includes deletion of the TP53 locus. It occurs in ~7-10% of MM at diagnosis and is associated with extramedullary disease and is a strong poor prognostic factor. Recently approved novel agents and combinations have demonstrated improved outcomes also in patients with negative cytogenetic features; however, their long term impact remains to be seen. Access to newer agents depends on time of diagnosis as well as availability of clinical trials, access programs and insurance coverage. The goal of this study is to analyze real world data including treatment patterns and outcomes among MM patients carrying 17p deletion, in a retrospective multi-site study.

Methods

An observational, retrospective, multi-center study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the 8 participating centers in Israel, diagnosed between 1.1.2008 - 3.1.2016 that were proven to carry 17p deletion by means of FISH studies (any % of plasma cells), were identified by searching hospital records including cytogenetic lab records. Data concerning patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment regimens and clinical endpoints were collected.

Results

A total of 57 patients carrying 17p deletion of FISH were identified. Patient's characteristics are described in table. Notably, most patients had bone disease; extramedullary disease (EMD) rate was relatively high, as was the presence of additional high risk FISH abnormalities. Most patients received a bortezomib-based induction, over half underwent ASCT. Fifteen (26%) of the patients participated in clinical trials or access programs (or both) (table). Overall response rate (ORR) after induction was 84%, response rate declined in subsequent treatment lines (figure 1). The median follow-up was 21 (range, 4-94) months. Median overall survival (OS) was 43 months; Median Progression free survival (PFS) was 20 months (figure 2A,B). In univariate analysis, presence of extra-medullary disease at diagnosis was associated with worse PFS (7.4 vs. 21.4 months, p=0.05, figure 2C); presence of additional high risk FISH findings also trended towards shorter PFS (13.5 vs 21.4 months, p=0.0569), while age, gender, ISS, %plasma cells, % cells with del17p, time of del17p detection, M-Spike and iFLC levels were not significantly associated with PFS. Among patients with a PFS greater than 6 months, ASCT was associated with a significant improvement in PFS (25.7 vs 9.0 months, p=0.0022 log-rank test) (figure 2D), 4 patients underwent allotransplant, with a median OS of 69 months.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the poor prognosis of myeloma patients with del17p, in a multi-site observational setting, and an even worse prognosis in the presence of extramedullary disease and additional high-risk FISH features. While ORR after induction is similar to that generally expected in a newly diagnosed myeloma patients, responses are shorter and thus PFS is inferior compared to recently reported upfront bortezomib-based regimens ranging from 30-40+ months. Responses decline further in subsequent lines yet remain non-negligible even in advanced therapeutic lines. Our data support the role of ASCT in these high risk patients, and the potential role of allotransplant in selected patients. High rate of participation in clinical trials and access programs throughout the course of therapy reflects the valued role of newer agents in the management of myeloma patients.

Disclosures

Avivi: Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical center: Consultancy, Other: consultancy to :BMS Roche.