BackgroundCardiac impairment is associated with high morbidity and mortality in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) type amyloidosis, for which early identification and risk stratification is vital. For myocardial tissue characterization, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a classic and most commonly performed cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameter. T1 mapping with native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) are recently developed quantitative parameters. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of native T1, ECV and LGE in patients with AL amyloidosis.MethodsEighty-two patients (55.5 ± 8.5 years; 52 M) and 20 healthy subjects (53.2 ± 11.7 years; 10 M) were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent CMR with LGE imaging and T1 mapping using a Modified Look-Locker Inversion-recovery (MOLLI) sequence on a 3 T scanner. Native T1 and ECV were measured semi-automatically using a dedicated CMR software. The left ventricular (LV) LGE pattern was classified as none, patchy, and global groups. Global LGE was considered when there was diffuse, transmural LGE in more than half of the short axis images. Follow-up was performed for all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.ResultsThe patients demonstrated an increase in native T1 (1438 ± 120 ms vs. 1283 ± 46 ms, P = 0.001) and ECV (43.9 ± 10.9% vs. 27.0 ± 1.7%, P = 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Native T1, ECV and LGE showed significant correlation with Mayo Stage, and ECV and LGE showed significant correlation with echocardiographic E/E’ and LV ejection fraction. During the follow-up for a median time of 8 months, 21 deaths occurred. ECV ≥ 44.0% (hazard ratio [HR] 7.249, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.751–13.179, P = 0.002) and global LGE (HR 4.804, 95% CI 1.971–12.926, P = 0.001) were independently prognostic for mortality over other clinical and imaging parameters. In subgroups with the same LGE pattern, ECV ≥ 44.0% remained prognostic (log rank P = 0.029). Median native T1 (1456 ms) was not prognostic for mortality (Tarone-Ware, P = 0.069).ConclusionsDuring a short-term follow-up, both ECV and LGE are independently prognostic for mortality in AL amyloidosis. In patients with a similar LGE pattern, ECV remained prognostic. Native T1 was not found to be a prognostic factor.

We determined the best extraction buffer for proteomic investigation using formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. A Zwittergent 3–16 based buffer, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-containing buffer with/without polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG20000), urea-containing buffer, and FFPE-FASP protein preparation kit were compared for protein extraction from different types of rat FFPE tissues, including the heart, brain, liver, lung, and kidney. All of the samples were divided into two groups of laser microdissected (LMD) and non-LMD specimens. For both kinds of specimens, Zwittergent was the most efficient buffer for identifying peptides and proteins, was broadly applicable to different tissues without impairing the enzymatic digestion, and was well compatible with mass spectrometry analysis. As a high molecular weight carrier substance, PEG20000 improved the identification of peptides and proteins; however, such an advantage is limited to tissues containing submicrograms to micrograms of protein. Considering its low lytic strength, urea-containing buffer would not be the first alternative for protein recovery. In conclusion, Zwittergent 3–16 is an effective buffer for extracting proteins from FFPE specimens for downstream proteomics analysis.

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare autoimmune neurological syndrome observed in lung cancer patients. We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and prognoses in 16 PLE patients who were subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. Fifteen patients initially presented with disturbance of consciousness, 13 with disorientation, and 12 with seizures. Thirteen patients had autoantibodies, including eight with gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABABR) antibodies and eight with Hu antibodies. PET-CT revealed lung neoplasms in 13 patients, nine of whom exhibited abnormal metabolic activity in the temporal lobe and hippocampus. Fifteen cases were confirmed as limited-stage small cell lung cancer and one as stage IV large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Eleven patients received immunomodulatory therapy, and four showed neurological improvement, who all had antibodies against GABABR. Fifteen patients received chemotherapy, of which 14 maintained or improved their PLE status. The overall cancer response rate was 75%, and two-year overall survival was 74.7%. Our results suggest patients with GABAB encephalitis might respond better to immunotherapy than the classical PLE patients with anti-Hu antibodies. Anti-cancer treatment could further improve neurological symptoms. Lung cancer patients with PLE, especially those in limited stage, might have better outcome due to earlier diagnosis and prompt anti-cancer treatment.

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Background Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T-cell) therapy are immunocompromised and at high risk of viral infection, including SAR2-CoV-2 infection. However, the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in these recipients is not well characterized. The present meta-analysis evaluated the serologic response and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in these population. Methods Literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, MedRvix and BioRvix) were searched for original studies with serologic response post COVID-19 vaccination in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients published until July 14, 2022. The analysis included 27 observational studies with a total of 2899 patients receiving allogeneic HSCT (2506), autologous HSCT (286) or CAR T-cell therapy (107), and 683 healthy participants with serologic response data. Random effects models were used to pool the rate of serologic response to COVID-19 vaccination in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients and odds ratio comparing with healthy controls. Results The pooled seropositivity rates in HSCT and CAR T-cell recipients were 0.624 [0.506–0.729] for one dose, 0.745 [0.712–0.776] for two doses. The rates were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (nearly 100%). In subgroup analysis, CAR T-cell recipients exhibited an even lower seroconversion rate (one dose: 0.204 [0.094–0.386]; two doses: 0.277 [0.190–0.386]) than HSCT counterparts (one dose: 0.779 [0.666–0.862]; two doses: 0.793 [0.762–0.821]). The rates were comparable between autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients. Other possible impact factors related to seropositivity were time interval between therapy and vaccination, use of immunosuppressive drugs and immune cell counts. Most vaccine-related adverse effects were mild and resolvable, comparable to general population. Conclusions This analysis revealed a diminished response to COVID-19 vaccines in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients. Our findings may inform regular COVID-19 vaccination at appropriate intervals after HSCT or CAR T-cell therapy.

Objectivesmultiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells mainly affecting elderly patients. Despite the wealth of information available on therapeutic strategies, the etiology and pathogenesis of myeloma remain unclear. In the current study, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the possible association between rheumatoid arthritis and myeloma.Methodsa literature search was conducted with PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for relevant studies published by December 25, 2013. Additionally, we searched annual meeting abstracts of the American Society of Hematology from 2004 to 2013. Only original studies that investigated the association between rheumatoid arthritis and myeloma were included. In total, 8 case-control and 10 cohort studies were identified for analysis.Resultsthe meta-estimate of the association between rheumatoid arthritis and myeloma was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.97–1.33) overall, with significant heterogeneity among studies. The relationship between myeloma and other autoimmune diseases was additionally examined from available data. Our results showed that myeloma risk is increased 1.31 to 1.65-fold in pernicious anemia and 1.36 to 2.30-fold in ankylosing spondylitis patients.ConclusionRheumatoid arthritis does not appear to alter the risk of myeloma, while between-study heterogeneity analyses suggest caution in the interpretation of results. Pernicious anemia and ankylosing spondylitis may be potential risk factors for myeloma development. Future large-scale epidemiological studies with reliable exposure biomarkers are necessary to establish the possible contribution of autoimmune disorders to multiple myeloma.

Background: Previous cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies have shown that both late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular (LV) strain have prognostic value in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, but the right ventricular (RV) strain has not yet been studied. We aim to determine the incremental prognostic value of LV and RV LGE and strain in AL amyloidosis.Methods: This prospective study recruited 87 patients (age, 56.9±9.1 years; M/F, 56/31) and 20 healthy subjects (age, 52.7±8.1 years; M/F, 11/9) who underwent CMR. The LV LGE was classified into no, patchy and global groups. The RV LGE was classified into negative and positive groups. Myocardial deformation was measured using a dedicated software. Follow-up was performed for all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier curves.

Background: Doxycycline was demonstrated in a retrospective study to be associated with greater survival in patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Therefore, we prospectively compared the efficacy of bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (CyBorD) and CyBorD combined with doxycycline for cardiac AL amyloidosis. Methods: This was a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial. Patients with Mayo 2004 stage II-III AL amyloidosis were included. Patients were randomized to doxycycline 100 mg twice daily along with 9 cycles of CyBorD (doxycycline group) or to 9 cycles of CyBorD alone (control group). The primary outcome was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). PFS was defined as the time from randomization to death, hematologic progression or organ progression (heart, kidney or liver). Hematologic progression was defined based on substantial increase in free light chain. Increase in either N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide or cardiac troponin was the main criterion for defining cardiac progression. Cardiac PFS, defined as the time from randomization to cardiac progression or death, was compared between groups in an exploratory analysis. The corresponding treatment hazard ratio was estimated using a Cox regression model. Results: 140 patients underwent randomization, with 70 in each group. The median age was 61 (range, 33-78) years with a male: female ratio of 1.75:1. Stage II disease was present in 34 (48.6%) and 33 (47.1%) patients in the doxycycline and control groups, respectively. After a median follow-up duration of 24.4 months, 32/70 (45.7%) of patients in the doxycycline group and 30/70 (42.9%) of patients in the control group experienced progression. PFS was not significantly different between groups (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% CI, 0.59-1.60, p =0.91). Cardiac progression occurred in 29/70 (41.4%) of patients in the doxycycline group and 26/70 (37.1%) of patients in the control group. The death rates for both groups by the end of follow-up was the same, 25/70 (35.7%). There were no significant differences observed for either cardiac PFS (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI, 0.54-1.55, p =0.74) or overall survival (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI, 0.60-1.81, p =0.89). Conclusions: Our trial demonstrated that doxycycline combined with CyBorD failed to prolong PFS or cardiac PFS compared with CyBorD alone in cardiac AL amyloidosis. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT03401372.