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Blood 2020 Jul 9. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

INSERM, Toulouse, France.

Avoiding immune destruction is a hallmark of cancer. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in understanding immune dysfunction and immunosuppression in multiple myeloma (MM), and various immunotherapeutic approaches have delivered improved clinical responses. However, it is still challenging to completely eliminate malignant plasma cells (PCs) and achieve complete cure. Read More

J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2020 Jan-Dec;8:2324709620940500

St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw, MI, USA.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is a precursor to multiple myeloma characterized by monoclonal gammopathy without evidence of end organ damage. Some patients with clonal plasma cell disorder that do not meet the requirements for multiple myeloma have been seen to develop pathologic renal disease due to direct effects from deposition of monoclonal protein, referred to as monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. In this article, we present a rare renal manifestation of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Read More

Cureus 2020 Jun 5;12(6):e8456. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Hematology Oncology, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive hematological condition characterized by the presence of plasma cells in the peripheral smear. It presents as de novo or may arise from multiple myeloma (MM), and hence is diagnosed as primary or secondary PCL, respectively. We report a case of 79-year-old patient diagnosed with MM two years prior to the admission to our institution with prior treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) and daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Read More

Cureus 2020 Jun 4;12(6):e8438. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Nephrology, Setubal Hospital Center, Setubal, PRT.

Patients requiring renal replacement therapy remain a significant burden on the healthcare system. A substantial amount of hospitalization costs for these patients are related to vascular complications, especially catheter-related thrombosis, which is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a male patient with multiple myeloma (MM) and dialysis-dependent renal failure due to light-chain cast nephropathy, who presented recurrent early catheter dysfunction. Read More

Genes (Basel) 2020 Jul 6;11(7). Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

A subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arises either from an antecedent myeloid malignancy (secondary AML, sAML) or as a complication of DNA-damaging therapy for other cancers (therapy-related myeloid neoplasm, t-MN). These secondary leukemias have unique biological and clinical features that distinguish them from de novo AML. Over the last decade, molecular techniques have unraveled the complex subclonal architecture of sAML and t-MN. Read More

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2020 Jul 5. Epub 2020 Jul 5.

Hematology Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Derqui, Argentina.

There have been several efforts to predict mortality after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), such as the Hematopoietic Cell Transplant-Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), described for allogeneic-SCT and validated for ASCT, however there is no composite score in the setting of ASCT combining comorbidities with other clinical characteristics. Our aim is to describe a comprehensive score combining comorbidities with other clinical factors and to analyze the impact of this score on non-relapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS) and early morbidity end-points (mechanical ventilation, shock or dialysis) after ASCT. For the training cohort, we retrospectively reviewed data of 2068 adult patients who received an ASCT in Argentina (10/2002-06/2017) for multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Read More

Blood 2020 Jul 8. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

Department of Medicine, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Diego, United States.

NRAS Q61 mutations are prevalent in advanced/relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) and correlate with poor patient outcomes. Thus, we generated a novel MM model by conditionally activating expression of endogenous NrasQ61R and a MYC transgene in germinal center B cells (VQ mice). VQ mice developed a highly malignant MM characterized by high proliferation index, hyperactivation of ERK and AKT signaling, impaired hematopoiesis, widespread extramedullary disease, bone lesions, kidney abnormalities, preserved PD1 and TIGIT immune checkpoint pathways, and expression of human high-risk MM gene signatures. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2020 Jul 7. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects over 100 million people worldwide, while multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10% of all hematologic malignancies in the US. There has been limited research on the intersection of psoriasis and MM, and clinicians often face difficult decisions in treating patients diagnosed with both conditions. For instance, the management of psoriasis with systemic immunotherapies in MM patients can be challenging because of concern about immunosuppression and possible worsening of MM. Read More

Cureus 2020 Jun 1;12(6):e8400. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA.

Multiple myeloma is a rare malignancy that exhibits a wide range of possible clinical presentations. In recent years, with the advent of stem cell transplantation, the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma has been increasing. We searched the literature for reports of atypical myeloma presentations to aid clinicians in formulating differential diagnoses and to increase the number of cases diagnosed early. Read More

Front Immunol 2020 19;11:1155. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The introduction of proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD) has markedly increased the survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Also, the unconjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) daratumumab (anti-CD38) and elotuzumab (anti-SLAMF7) have revolutionized MM treatment given their clinical efficacy and safety, illustrating the potential of targeted immunotherapy as a powerful treatment strategy for MM. Nonetheless, most patients eventually develop PI-, IMiD-, and mAb-refractory disease because of the selection of resistant MM clones, which associates with a poor prognosis. Read More

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Servicio de Oftalmología, Terrassa, Barcelona, España.

The case is presented on an 80-year-old woman with IgA multiple myeloma (MM), who developed retinal changes similar to mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, with micro-aneurysms and intraretinal fluid. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy for MM, and with bevacizumab intravitreal injections, with control of her ocular disorder for 22 months. Anti-angiogenic therapy can be useful in the control of retinopathy secondary to MM, as long as the systemic disease has been controlled. Read More

Biomolecules 2020 Jul 4;10(7). Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany.

The popular beverage green tea possesses chemopreventive activity against various types of tumors. However, the effects of its chemopreventive effect on hematological malignancies have not been defined. In the present study, we evaluated antitumor efficacies of a specific green tea, sencha tea, on sensitive and multidrug-resistant leukemia and a panel of nine multiple myelomas (MM) cell lines. Read More

PLoS One 2020 7;15(7):e0235713. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

Department of Pathology Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis. AL amyloidosis is caused by a misfolded light chain produced by a clonal population of plasma cells. Disease status currently is defined by measuring the absolute quantity of serum free light chain protein, but this measurement often fails to identify the subclinical presence of clonal cells that may merit additional therapy. Read More

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020 Dec;35(1):1387-1402

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Aza-peptide aldehydes and ketones are a new class of reversible protease inhibitors that are specific for the proteasome and clan CD cysteine proteases. We designed and synthesised aza-Leu derivatives that were specific for the chymotrypsin-like active site of the proteasome, aza-Asp derivatives that were effective inhibitors of caspases-3 and -6, and aza-Asn derivatives that inhibited and legumains. The crystal structure of caspase-3 in complex with our caspase-specific aza-peptide methyl ketone inhibitor with an aza-Asp residue at P1 revealed a covalent linkage between the inhibitor carbonyl carbon and the active site cysteinyl sulphur. Read More

J Mol Med (Berl) 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Small molecules targeting the cereblon-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase including thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide modulate turnover of downstream client proteins and demonstrate pre-clinical and clinical anti-myeloma activity. Different drugs that engage with cereblon hold the potential of unique phenotypic effects, and we therefore studied the novel protein homeostatic modulator (PHM™) BTX306 with a unique thiophene-fused scaffold bearing a substituted phenylurea and glutarimide. This agent much more potently reduced human-derived myeloma cell line viability, with median inhibitory concentrations in the single nanomolar range versus micromolar values for lenalidomide or pomalidomide, and more potently activated caspases 3/8/9. Read More

Leukemia 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is tightly dependent on inflammatory bone marrow microenvironment. IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells (Th17) sustain MM cells growth and osteoclasts-dependent bone damage. In turn, Th17 differentiation relies on inflammatory stimuli. Read More

Leukemia 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy remains limited to select centers that can carefully monitor adverse events. To broaden use of CAR T cells in community clinics and in a frontline setting, we developed a novel CD8+ CAR T-cell product, Descartes-08, with predictable pharmacokinetics for treatment of multiple myeloma. Descartes-08 is engineered by mRNA transfection to express anti-BCMA CAR for a defined length of time. Read More

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

Department of Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA.

Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2020 Aug;46(3):513-532

Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, MS 38, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; US Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. Electronic address:

The association between malignancy and rheumatic diseases has been demonstrated in a multitude of studies. Little is understood regarding the pathogenesis of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in association with malignancy. There is strong evidence regarding the association between Sjögren syndrome and lymphoma as well as risk factors for development of lymphoma in these patients. Read More

Maturitas 2020 Aug 11;138:8-13. Epub 2020 May 11.

Alexandra Hospital, Oncology Department, Department of Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sophias 80, 11528 Athens, Greece.

The increasing lifespan of the world population and the novel therapeutic combinations for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), which are more efficacious and safer, make the question of how to manage the older patient with MM increasingly relevant. Clinical trial data come mostly from subgroup analysis, as no clinical trials have been designed for elderly patients with MM, particularly the octogenarian population. Age has been traditionally used as a surrogate marker of physiological decline but does not accurately reflect frailty on its own. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 Jul 2;12(7). Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore.

The prognosis of multiple myeloma has considerably improved due to the introduction of novel agents in the upfront setting. However, the great majority of patients ultimately relapse, and choosing a salvage treatment at first relapse remains challenging. The natural history of first relapsed disease in the current era is also not well described. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 Jun 25;12(6). Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore.

Monoclonal paraproteinaemia is an increasingly common reason for referral to haematology services. Paraproteinaemias may be associated with life-threatening haematologic malignancies but can also be an incidental finding requiring only observation. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) paraproteinaemias comprise 15-20% of monoclonal proteins but pose unique clinical challenges. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 Jul 1;12(7). Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in the immune system, especially in the recognition and clearance of cancer cells and infected cells. Their effector function is controlled by a delicate balance between the activating and inhibitory signals. We have identified 2B4 (CD244, SLAMF4) and CS1 (CD319, SLAMF7) as NK cell receptors regulating NK cell cytotoxicity. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 Jun 30;12(7). Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Divisions of Nephrology, General Pathology, and Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy.

Monoclonal Gammopathies of Renal Significance (MGRS) are a rather heterogeneous group of renal disorders caused by a circulating monoclonal (MC) immunoglobulin (Ig) component, often in the absence of multiple myeloma (MM) or another clinically relevant lymphoproliferative disorder. Nevertheless, substantial kidney damage could occur, despite the "benign" features of the bone-marrow biopsy. One example is renal amyloidosis, often linked to a small clone of plasma cells, without the invasive features of MM. Read More

Eur J Radiol 2020 Jun 24;130:109154. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.

Purpose: The aim of our study is to evaluate the spectrum of MRI findings in transplanted Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients with hip/pelvic pain and to correlate these findings with standard prognostic clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective interpretation of the MRI findings of 54 MM patients with hip/pelvic pain were done according to MY-RADS guidelines. MRI findings included: type of bone marrow involvement and incidental findings (osteonecrosis and fractures). Read More

Cancer Med 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

We determined the impact of bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) on the clinical outcomes of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in the current era of myeloma therapy. A total of 393 MM patients were included in the final analysis. The median followup was 83 months (range: 3. Read More

J Cell Mol Med 2020 Jul 6. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types. Bortezomib, the first approved proteasome inhibitor used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), has been shown to induce osteoblast differentiation, making it beneficial for myeloma bone disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of bortezomib on the cell cycle during osteogenic differentiation. Read More

J Vet Diagn Invest 2020 Jul 5:1040638720938687. Epub 2020 Jul 5.

Laboratory of Histopathology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy (Foiani, Zanardello, Carminato, Melchiotti, Vascellari).

The heterogeneous morphologic features of canine plasmacytomas (PCTs) can make their differentiation from other round cell tumors challenging. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for lambda (λ) and kappa (к) immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains is often equivocal because of high background staining. The chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technique for light chains has shown higher sensitivity compared to IHC in human plasma cell tumors. Read More

J Cancer 2020 15;11(16):4907-4916. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research; Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly invasive and incurable plasma cell malignant disease with frequent recurrence. DCZ0801 is a natural compound synthesized from osalmide and pterostilbene and has few adverse effects. Here, we aimed to observe the therapeutic effects of DCZ0801 on myeloma cells and clarify the specific molecular mechanism underlying its anti-tumor activity. Read More

Rinsho Ketsueki 2020 ;61(6):587-597

Myeloma/Amyloidosis Center, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center.

Cost-effectiveness of the sequential application of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is an important issue in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Similarly, although overall survival (OS) has tremendously improved, the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), including 12 new drugs, typically costs more than $100,000 per year. This price should not be judged in isolation but rather evaluated in the context of clinical benefit, which can be assessed by cost-effectiveness analyses such as the total cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Read More

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China. Electronic address:

Background: Primary plasma cell leukemia (PPCL) is a rare and aggressive plasma cell disorder. The use of novel agents, together with autologous stem cell transplantation, has improved survival outcome in PPCL. However, the prognosis is still very poor, and the optimal treatment remains an unmet clinical need. Read More

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020 Jun 11. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Department of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Background: Lenalidomide and ixazomib maintenance improve long-term outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. However, there is less evidence to support bortezomib (BTZ) maintenance therapy, and real-life data on maintenance are scarce. We investigated the efficacy and safety of BTZ maintenance therapy in NDMM. Read More

Leuk Lymphoma 2020 Jul 5:1-8. Epub 2020 Jul 5.

School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

This study determined whether 85 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) double-refractory to primary induction therapy with triplet regimens had a homogenous prognosis. The overall response rate (ORR) after the second-line therapy was 51%. Patients who proceeded to immediate autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had better ORR than those who received conventional therapies (62% vs. Read More

Leuk Lymphoma 2020 Jul 4:1-12. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Department of Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders, Division of Plasma Cell Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a chronically managed blood cancer with a median age of 69 years at the time of diagnosis. Although high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains a standard of care for eligible patients, more than half of the newly diagnosed MM patients are deemed ineligible due to comorbidities or complications of the disease by itself. In this setting, where ASCT is deemed inappropriate, patients could still achieve durable and deep responses if given the appropriate treatment plan. Read More

CEN Case Rep 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Belcolle Hospital, Via Sammartinese, Snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt and usually reversible decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Patients with AKI must be evaluated promptly to determine cause. Different disorders can BE associated with AKI, and biopsy is the most accurate instrument for diagnosis of different types of diseases. Read More

Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea.

Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines are recognized as a promising immunotherapeutic strategy against cancer; however, the efficacy of immunotherapy with DCs is controlled via immune checkpoints, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). PD-L1 expressed on DC and tumor cells binds to programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptors on the activated T cells, which leads to the inhibition of cytotoxic T cells. Blocking of PD-L1 on DC may lead to improve the efficacy of DC therapy for cancer. Read More

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Electronic address:

Immune effector cell (IEC) therapy is emerging as a promising approach in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Clinical IEC trials, predominantly using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have shown excellent responses in CD19 positive B cell malignancies and multiple myeloma. In solid tumors, preclinical data are encouraging, but clinical data are in their infancy, and there are challenges in using CAR T therapy in this setting, including i) on-target off-tumor toxicity, ii) optimal target identification, iii) effective trafficking into bulky tumor tissue, and iv) resistance to tumor immune evasion mechanisms. Read More

Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2020 Jun 25. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Background: Most data on autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) in myeloma are based on the use of innovator formulation of melphalan. Comparative bioequivalence and efficacy studies of generic melphalan are lacking.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we report long-term outcomes of auto-HCT in myeloma using innovator (Alkeran, Aspen Pharma; n = 41) and generic melphalan (Alkacel, Celon Labs, India; n = 55) formulations. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2020 May 15;26(5). Epub 2020 May 15.

Department of Dermatology, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Mohammed V university of Rabat, Rabat.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin condition. It can be associated with a number of systemic diseases. Association with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is uncommon, but prognosis may be different depending upon the type of MGUS. Read More

Ann Hematol 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an established role in cell biology. Among their functions is the regulation of hematopoiesis. They characterize the different stages of hematopoiesis in a more lineage-restricted expression pattern than coding mRNAs. Read More

Skeletal Radiol 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

Objective: To determine association of body composition measurements on CT and PET with progression of smoldering myeloma to multiple myeloma.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study in 65 patients with smoldering myeloma and PET/CT at diagnosis was performed at a tertiary cancer center. Subjects were between 38 and 87 years of age (mean 64) and included 37 males. Read More

Ann Epidemiol 2020 May 15. Epub 2020 May 15.

Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Electronic address:

Purpose: To visualize variation in multiple myeloma (MM) incidence and mortality rates by race-ethnicity and geographic location and evaluate their correlation with neighborhood-level population covariates within New York City (NYC).

Methods: Trends and racial differences in MM incidence and mortality for the United States [Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Cancer Registry (SEER), National Center for Health Statistics], and NYC [New York State Cancer Registry] were compared using Joinpoint regression. Pearson's correlation coefficients measured neighborhood-level MM-covariate relationships (n = 34). Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2020 Jun 27:102869. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.

MOBILIZATION: of stem cells into peripheral blood is a crucial step in the procedure of autologous stem cell transplantation. Mobilization can be affected by many variables;underlying diseases, prior treatment and age. Many genetic polymorphisms mainly in adhesion molecules are thought to affect mobilization success. Read More

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020 May 26. Epub 2020 May 26.

Department of Hematology-Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Electronic address:

Cancer Sci 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan.

Although next-generation sequencing-based panel testing is well-practiced in the field of cancer medicine for the identification of target molecules in solid tumors, the clinical utility and clinical issues surrounding panel testing in hematological malignancies have yet to be fully evaluated. We conducted a multicenter prospective clinical-sequencing study to verify the feasibility of a panel test for hematological tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Out of 96 eligible patients, 79 patients (82%) showed potentially actionable findings, based on the clinical-sequencing assays. Read More

FASEB Bioadv 2020 Jun 15;2(6):339-353. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Myeloma Research Laboratory Adelaide Medical School Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide Australia.

N-cadherin is a homophilic cell-cell adhesion molecule that plays a critical role in maintaining vascular stability and modulating endothelial barrier permeability. Pre-clinical studies have shown that the N-cadherin antagonist peptide, ADH-1, increases the permeability of tumor-associated vasculature thereby increasing anti-cancer drug delivery to tumors and enhancing tumor response. Small molecule library screens have identified a novel compound, LCRF-0006, that is a mimetic of the classical cadherin His-Ala-Val sequence-containing region of ADH-1. Read More

Open Forum Infect Dis 2020 Jun 15;7(6):ofaa166. Epub 2020 May 15.

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

is a ubiquitous environmental saprophyte with worldwide distribution. Commonly found in soil and decomposing organic material [1, 2], can also be isolated from drinking water [3] and indoor and outdoor air [4-6]. In immunocompetent hosts, has been reported as a cause of locally invasive disease including prosthetic valve endocarditis [7, 8], endophthalmitis [9, 10], rhinosinusitis [11, 12], and dialysis-associated peritonitis [13, 14]. Read More

Cureus 2020 May 30;12(5):e8357. Epub 2020 May 30.

Oncology, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, USA.

Multiple myeloma (MM) infrequently involves the central nervous system (CNS). The usual sites of involvement are skull and meninges; however, intracranial tumors are exceedingly rare. We report the case of a 60-year-old female who presented to our center for the complaint of recurrent syncope. Read More

Clin Cancer Res 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology, University of Torino, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino

Introduction: Duration of first remission is important for the survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Methods: From the CoMMpass study (NCT01454297), 926 newly diagnosed MM patients, characterized by next-generation sequencing, were analyzed to evaluate those who experienced early progressive disease (PD) (time to progression, TTP≤18 months).

Results: After a median follow-up of 39 months, early PD was detected in 191/926 (20. Read More