Andrea Ceglédi1
Zoltán Csukly1
Mónika Fekete2
András Kozma3
Zsuzsanna Szemlaky1Hajnalka Andrikovics3
Gábor Mikala1*- 1Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Central Hospital of Southern Pest, National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
- 2Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- 3Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Central Hospital of Southern Pest, National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
Introduction: The selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has shown promising therapeutic potential in multiple myeloma, particularly in cases associated with t(11;14) IGH::CCND1 translocation. However, the efficacy of venetoclax in myeloma patients with the t(6;14) IGH::CCND3 translocation remains less investigated.
Methods: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the efficacy of venetoclax-based therapy in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with t(6;14) translocation. The treatment courses of three patients, that included previous therapies and responses to venetoclax, were assessed. Clinical data, laboratory results, and adverse events were analyzed to evaluate treatment outcomes.
Results: Our findings demonstrated remarkable therapeutic responses in three consecutive patients with t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma who received venetoclax-based therapy. Patient 1, a lenalidomide-bortezomib-daratumumab and alkylator treatment refractory patient, achieved sustained stringent complete remission (sCR) after combining carfilzomib-dexamethasone with venetoclax, which was his best response ever. Similarly, Patient 2, refractory to frontline bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone therapy, attained CR following a transition to bortezomib-dexamethason-venetoclax treatment. Patient 3, who was immunomodulatory (IMID)-intolerant, showed a highly favorable response to venetoclax-dexamethasone therapy after his first relapse following autologous stem cell transplantation. No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients.
Discussion: Our study provides compelling preliminary evidence for the efficacy of venetoclax in t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma. The outcomes observed in our patients suggest that venetoclax-based therapy holds substantial promise as an effective treatment option for this specific genetic subgroup. Furthermore, the similarities in treatment response between t(11;14) and t(6;14) translocation subgroups highlight the importance of personalized approaches targeting specific genetic abnormalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Introduction
Multiple myeloma is a complex hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is considered a quintessential disease of aging, as it is typically diagnosed at an average age of 70 years [1]. The incidence of multiple myeloma significantly increases with advancing age, making it more prevalent in older individuals [1]. Despite the challenges associated with an aging population, advancements in treatment options have significantly improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma. Among these therapeutic advancements, the selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has emerged as a promising avenue, demonstrating notable efficacy in multiple myeloma patients. This efficacy has been highlighted by the landmark BELLINI study, which investigated the use of venetoclax-based therapy for multiple myeloma [2]. It revealed encouraging results, demonstrating favorable response rates and improved progression-free survival in patients receiving venetoclax in combination with standard treatment regimens [2]. This promising efficacy has positioned venetoclax as an attractive addition to the therapeutic armamentarium against multiple myeloma.
Despite the therapeutic benefits observed with venetoclax [2–18], concerns have emerged regarding its safety profile, particularly in relation to infectious complications [19–21]. Subsequent investigations have indicated a higher incidence of infectious mortality within the venetoclax treatment groups, raising important questions regarding patient selection and risk management strategies. As such, there is an urgent need to identify and carefully select patients who are most likely to derive substantial benefits from venetoclax therapy while minimizing the potential risks associated with infectious complications.
The expression of Bcl-2, a key anti-apoptotic protein and the molecular target of venetoclax, has emerged as an important predictor of therapeutic response to venetoclax in myeloma patients. Multiple myeloma is characterized by significant genomic heterogeneity [22]. Expression profiles of Bcl-2 family members can vary significantly across multiple myeloma patients with different genetic backgrounds, emphasizing the distinct genetic subtypes that exist. Notably, the t(11;14) translocation has been commonly associated with elevated Bcl-2 expression, serving as a potential genetic marker for identifying patients who may particularly benefit from venetoclax treatment [2–4]. However, routine diagnostic measurement of Bcl-2 expression levels remains a challenge, hindering its widespread use in clinical practice. Further investigation into the relationship between genetic subtypes and Bcl-2 expression patterns holds great promise for refining patient selection strategies and optimizing the efficacy of venetoclax in the management of multiple myeloma.
Recognizing the striking similarity in gene expression profiles between patients with t(11;14) and t(6;14) translocations [23–25], our recent endeavors have focused on implementing venetoclax-based therapy specifically for patients harboring the t(6; 14) translocation. This decision finds support in studies, which extensively compared the transcriptomes of multiple myeloma cells across diverse genetic backgrounds [25]. Analysis of the molecular landscape of various genetic subtypes underscores the noteworthy presence of elevated Bcl-2 expression and thus the potential effectiveness of venetoclax in t(6;14) translocation-associated multiple myeloma. By leveraging this knowledge, our objective is to broaden treatment options for patients with the t(6;14) translocation, fostering personalized approaches that specifically target genetic abnormalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Within this context, our present pilot study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of venetoclax in a distinct subset of multiple myeloma patients. By analyzing the clinical data of a meticulously selected relapsed/refractory patient cohort exhibiting the t(6;14) translocation, our study seeks to elucidate the therapeutic potential of venetoclax for this particular genetic subtype. Furthermore, our research endeavors to provide valuable insights into the identification and selection of patients who are most suited to receive venetoclax-based therapy, thus maximizing therapeutic outcomes while ensuring that their safety remains paramount.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of three patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma characterized by the presence of the t(6;14) founding translocation, who received treatment that included venetoclax. The publication of this report was approved by the ethics committee of Central Hospital of South Pest/National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, and written informed consent was obtained from the patients. Each individual therapy was a preapproved “off-label” therapy authorized by the Hungarian National Institute for Pharmacy and Public Health (OGYÉI/22147-2/2021).
Data were collected from the patient’s medical records, which included comprehensive information such as laboratory test results, imaging studies, surgical reports, and medication administration records. The patients’ clinical courses were meticulously tracked from their initial admission to our department up to the present day. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the patient’s clinical data, including laboratory test results and medication regimens. The changes in M protein and λFLC (free light chain) over time were graphically depicted to illustrate the treatment response. Assessment of therapy response additionally encompassed monitoring clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, and the occurrence of adverse events.
Results
Case report: patient #1
Patient Information: A 56 year-old male was diagnosed with IgG kappa myeloma in June 2013. He presented with an International Staging System (ISS) score of III and demonstrated the IGH::CCND3 translocation and monosomy 13 based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis.
Treatment History: The patient underwent multiple treatment lines over the course of his disease. From 06/14/2013 he received 5 cycles of VDT (combination therapy with bortezomib, dexamethasone, and thalidomide), followed by high-dose cyclophosphamide (HDCy priming; 6,000 mg) mobilization and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT; in 05/20/2015; 400 mg Melphalan). In subsequent treatment lines, the patient received 4 cycles of Len-Dex (lenalidomide and dexamethasone). The 5th and 6th cycles of Len-Dex were unsuccessfully combined with per os Melphalan treatment. In 2017, he was administered daratumumab monotherapy, followed by daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone triplet treatment in 2020. Despite the various treatment approaches, the patient’s myeloma remained refractory to available therapies, as evidenced by the serial measurements of the M protein, a key marker of myeloma (Figure 1A). He also developed a paramedullary plasmacytoma in the cervical spine, further complicating his medical condition. The clinical situation became increasingly desperate, prompting a thorough evaluation. Genetic analysis from CD138+ sorted plasma cells confirmed the presence of the t(6; 14) translocation, further contributing to the complexity of the case.
FIGURE 1. Time course of venetoclax therapy-induced changes in M protein in three myeloma patients. Sequential serum concentrations of M protein throughout the disease course are presented for three patients. Panels (A–C) depict the individual patients (patients 1, 2, and 3, respectively), showcasing the treatment type and duration (Patient #1 is treated for 24 months, patient #2 is treated for 12 months, patient #3 is treated for 6 months, therapies for patients #2 and #3 are currently ongoing, patient #1 is in treatment-free remission). Patient 3 results also include serial measurements of λ FLC to further demonstrate treatment response. VDT: Bortezomib, Dexamethasone, and Thalidomide; VD, Bortezomib, Dexamethasone; D, Dexamathasone; ASCT, Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation; Len, Lenalidomide; KD, Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone.
KD-Venetoclax Treatment: Given the patient’s refractory myeloma, the presence of a plasmacytoma, and the identification of t(6;14) translocation, a decision was made to initiate KD (carfilzomib plus dexamethasone)-Venetoclax (400 mg) therapy in 2021. This therapeutic approach aimed to target the identified genetic abnormality and overcome the patient’s refractoriness to previous treatments. Regular monitoring of treatment response, disease progression, and potential adverse effects was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of the KD-Venetoclax regimen.
Best Response Ever: Stringent Complete Remission: Remarkably, the patient demonstrated an unprecedented response to the KD-Venetoclax treatment. Serial measurements of the M protein revealed a complete remission, indicating the absence of detectable levels (Figure 1A) and normal free light-chain ratio. This profound response to the KD-Venetoclax regimen represents the best response achieved thus far in the patient’s treatment history. Furthermore, the patient now enjoys ongoing CR for a year without any maintenance therapy, reflecting a very low disease burden achieved with venetoclax-based therapy Such positive outcome offers hope for improved long-term outcomes and underscores the potential effectiveness of targeted therapies tailored to specific genetic abnormalities.
Conclusion: Patient #1, a 56 year-old male with IgG kappa myeloma, faced multiple treatment lines with limited success. The presence of cervical spine plasmacytoma and the identification of t(6;14) translocation posed significant challenges in managing his refractory disease. The initiation of KD-Venetoclax therapy aimed to address these complexities, providing a targeted approach against the identified genetic abnormality. The remarkable sustained complete remission observed following KD-Venetoclax treatment represents a significant milestone in the patient’s journey and highlights the potential of tailored therapies in improving treatment outcomes. Continuous monitoring and further investigation are required to assess the durability and long-term benefits of this exceptional treatment response.
Case report: patient #2
Patient Information: A 78 year-old male was diagnosed with IgG kappa myeloma in January 2022. The ISS score was determined as I, and FISH analysis from CD138+ selected plasma cells revealed an atypical IGH::CCND3 fusion with the absence of CCND3::IGH on the derivative chromosome 6. Notably, three intact FGFR3 genes (possible trisomy 4) and three intact CCND1 genes (possible trisomy 11) were also detected by interphase FISH.
Treatment History: The patient initially received VDT (bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethason) treatment, but not even minimal response (MR) was observed. The patient’s condition and the refractoriness to VDT treatment necessitated salvage treatment. Due to the presence of t(6;14) translocation, the treatment was switched to a combination of VDT with Venetoclax (400 mg) in March 2022 and to a combination of VD (bortezomib and dexamethasone) with Venetoclax (400 mg) from September 2022 to March 2023. Notably, the patient achieved a rapid VGPR concluding into complete immunohematological response following the treatment combination with Venetoclax/dexamethasone (bortezomib was stopped at month 7 of therapy). Serial measurements of the M protein indicating complete remission are shown in Figure 1B.
Case report: patient #3
Patient Information: A 73 year-old male was diagnosed with IgA lambda myeloma in September 2020, accompanied by significant light chain excretion. The ISS score was determined as II, and FISH analysis revealed the presence of a t(6;14) translocation, as well as gains of chromosomes 1q21, 11, and 17.
Treatment History: The patient initially received VDT. However, due to intolerance to thalidomide (adverse skin reaction), the treatment line was discontinued. From November VD treatment was combined with lenalidomide, however, due to again adverse skin reactions, this treatment line had to be discontinued. From the end of November, VD treatment (bortezomib and dexamethasone) was administered until February. At the end of February 2021, the patient received high-dose cyclophosphamide (HDCy) priming treatment for peripheral stem cell mobilization, and in March 2021 autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was performed with standard melphalan conditioning. The patient achieved a complete immunohematological response following this treatment combination. Serial measurements of the M protein and λFLC indicating a temporal complete remission are shown in Figure 1C. Unfortunately, due to IMID intolerance, the patient was unable to receive lenalidomide maintenance. After a remission period of 10 months, in December 2022 the disease presented with its first relapse (Figure 1C). As a salvage therapy, Venetoclax (400 mg) plus dexamethasone treatment was initiated on January 20, 2022. Partial remission was achieved as indicated by the serial measurements of the M protein and λFLC shown in Figure 1C.
Discussion
The three cases presented in this report underscore the potential efficacy of venetoclax treatment in myeloma patients with the t(6;14) translocation. These findings further extend the initial observations from the BELLINI study, emphasizing the importance of targeted therapies in specific genetic subtypes of multiple myeloma. Importantly, our study contributes novelty by specifically evaluating the response to venetoclax in patients with the t(6;14) translocation, a relatively understudied area.
The t(6;14) translocation is rarely seen in multiple myeloma, accounting for approximately 1%–3% of cases. This translocation leads to distinct alterations in gene expression profiles. One of the notable consequences of the t(6;14) translocation is the dysregulation of the CCND3 (Cyclin D3) gene, which is involved in cell cycle regulation. This dysregulation results in increased expression of Cyclin D3, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and contributing to the pathogenesis of myeloma with t(6;14) translocation. Prognostically, myeloma patients with t(6;14) translocation tend to exhibit distinct molecular patterns, clinical features, and outcomes compared to those without this translocation. Studies with limited power have suggested that myeloma cases with t(6;14) translocation may be associated with a higher risk of disease progression, shorter survival times, and poorer responses to conventional treatments. The presence of this translocation may correlate with a more aggressive disease course and with a more challenging clinical scenario. Given the unique gene expression profile and uncertain prognosis associated with myeloma harboring t(6;14) translocation, there is a need for targeted therapeutic approaches.
The BELLINI study provided valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of venetoclax in multiple myeloma. It demonstrated promising efficacy and improved progression-free survival in patients receiving venetoclax in combination with standard treatment regimens [2]. However, in multiple myeloma BCL-2 expression is varied significantly across molecular and cytogenetic subgroups in multiple myeloma [26, 27]. As a result, the efficacy of venetoclax is also likely to differ accordingly. Previous studies reported the highest expression of BCL-2 among patients with t(11;14) molecular subtypes (CD1, CD2, ie Cyclin D1 high expressor subgroups 1 and 2). Myeloma patients with translocation t(6;14) also characteristically belong either to the CD1 or CD2 subgroups of the TC (Translocation/Cyclin expression) classification system. There is compelling evidence that venetoclax is unusually effective in patients with the t(11;14) translocation [26–29]. However, neither the BELLINI study nor subsequent similar studies focused specifically on the effects of venetoclax in rare patients with the t(6;14) translocation. The unique aspect of our study lies in its dedicated evaluation of venetoclax treatment in this specific genetic subgroup.
The treatment outcomes observed in our three patients with t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma provide compelling evidence of the rapid and deep therapeutic responses achieved with venetoclax-based therapies. Patient 1, who had been battling myeloma for nearly a decade and experienced partial responses alternating with relapses during previous treatments, achieved sustained complete remission (CR) when carfilzomib-dexamethasone treatment was combined with venetoclax. Similarly, Patient 2, who exhibited complete refractoriness to frontline VDT therapy, attained CR after transitioning to VD-venetoclax treatment. Patient 3, an IMID-intolerant individual with the t(6;14) translocation, demonstrated a highly favorable response to Venetoclax-Dexamethasone therapy in his first relapse after ASCT. These outcomes highlight the efficacy of venetoclax in this specific genetic subgroup and reinforce its potential as a valuable therapeutic option. Notably, no significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients.
The collective evidence derived from these cases strongly suggests that venetoclax holds substantial promise as an effective treatment option for myeloma patients harboring the t(6;14) translocation. The notable efficacy of venetoclax in both t(11;14) and t(6;14) translocation subgroups can be attributed to the striking similarity in gene expression profiles observed between these two subgroups. Recent studies suggest that venetoclax-sensitive myeloma cell lines retain a B cell–like pattern of gene expression and chromatin accessibility [26]. It is also likely that gene expression signatures that determine venetoclax sensitivity in myeloma cells are linked to the expression/activity of components of the electron transport chain [28]. The observed treatment responses, such as complete remission and immunohematological response, underscore the potential of venetoclax to overcome refractoriness to prior therapies and deliver significant clinical benefits within these specific genetic subgroups. These patients did not receive CYP3A4 inhibitors to enhance venetoclax blood levels and activity, indicating that in this subgroup of patients the 400 mg daily dose may be sufficient to induce remission. These findings emphasize the critical significance of personalized therapeutic strategies that effectively target specific genetic abnormalities, including the t(6;14) translocation, to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance the overall prognosis for affected patients.
In addition to the treatment outcomes observed in our three patients, our study plays a pivotal role in addressing a significant gap in the existing literature by specifically investigating the efficacy of venetoclax in the context of t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma. By focusing on this specific genetic abnormality, we provide novel insights into the management of a subgroup that has historically faced limited treatment options. Through our ongoing research, we aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge surrounding this specific genetic alteration, ultimately advancing the understanding and therapeutic management of t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma. A comprehensive investigation of venetoclax's efficacy in t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma will provide valuable information for clinicians and researchers, offering potential new avenues for improving patient outcomes.
It is important to acknowledge certain limitations associated with this retrospective analysis. These include the potential for missing or incomplete data within the medical records and the lack of Bcl-2 expression analysis, which would have provided valuable insight into the relationship between Bcl-2 expression levels and treatment response. Additionally, these case reports represent the experiences of a limited number of patients and may not be entirely generalizable to other individuals with similar conditions. Further studies involving larger patient cohorts and prospective designs are required to confirm and expand upon our findings.
In conclusion, our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the targeted efficacy of venetoclax in t(6;14) IGH::CCND3 translocation-associated myeloma, thus extending the existing evidence from the BELLINI study. However, further research and larger studies are necessary to validate these findings and optimize treatment strategies specifically tailored to this genetic subtype. The exploration of personalized approaches targeting specific genetic abnormalities, including the t(6;14) translocation, holds great potential for improving outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma [30–33]. Therefore, when we encounter myeloma patients with an IgH-related translocation lacking an identified partner, pursuing further genetic investigations is of utmost importance. This diligent approach allows us to identify the rare occurrences of t(6;14) translocation, which may constitute only 3% of cases. Nevertheless, such identification presents a valuable opportunity for these individuals to receive highly effective therapies. It is crucial to note that the random application of venetoclax-based therapeutic regimens in other cytogenetic contexts is not recommended in the absence of Bcl-2 expression measurement.
Data availability statement
The raw data supporting the conclusion of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.
Ethics statement
The studies involving humans were approved by Országos Gyógyszerészeti és Élelmezés-egészségügyi Intézet. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.
Author contributions
GM, AC, ZC, and ZS: treated the patients. AC and MF wrote the initial manuscript. AC, AK, HA, and GM: analyzed the data, all authors contributed the revised versions of the manuscript. GM conceptualized the study, obtained the necessary permission and treatment funding coverage and supervised the entire study.
Conflict of interest
GM received research funding and honoraria from AbbVie.
The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the patients for allowing us to publish their case reports.
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Keywords: multiple myeloma, venetoclax, translocation t(6;14), IGH::CCND3, personalized therapy
Citation: Ceglédi A, Csukly Z, Fekete M, Kozma A, Szemlaky Z, Andrikovics H and Mikala G (2023) Effective venetoclax-based treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with translocation t(6;14). Pathol. Oncol. Res. 29:1611375. doi: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611375
Received: 28 June 2023; Accepted: 31 October 2023;
Published: 10 November 2023.
Edited by:
Agota Szepesi, Semmelweis University, HungaryCopyright © 2023 Ceglédi, Csukly, Fekete, Kozma, Szemlaky, Andrikovics and Mikala. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Gábor Mikala, gmikala@dpckorhaz.hu