Idecabtagene vicleucel or ciltacabtagene autoleucel for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: An international multicenter study.

Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) have revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but direct comparisons are lacking. Leveraging an international multicenter RRMM cohort, we compared the outcome of ide-cel ( = 162) versus cilta-cel ( = 42). Co-primary efficacy endpoints of the study were overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Searching for the minimum required dose of daratumumab to induce effective plasma cell depletion in antibody-mediated rejection of the kidney graft: a case report.

There is no established treatment for late or chronic antibody-mediated rejection of a kidney graft. Rituximab-based treatment is not effective, since long-lived high-affinity plasma cells do not express CD20 and do not depend on previous maturation steps to generate donor-specific antibodies. Conversely, daratumumab, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, directly targets plasma cells, with proven efficacy in multiple myeloma.

Clinical significance of complete remission and measurable residual disease in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients treated with T-cell redirecting immunotherapy.

The impact of measurable residual disease (MRD) in relapse/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients treated with T-cell redirecting immunotherapy is uncertain. We analyzed MRD dynamics using next-generation flow in 201 patients treated in clinical trials with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T-cell engagers (TCE). Achieving MRD negativity at 10 was associated with 89% reduction in the risk of progression and/or death.

Environmental impacts of oil extraction in blocks 16 and 67 of the Yasuní Reserve in the Amazonian Forest: Combined qualitative and Life-Cycle Assessment.

This research analyses 24 years of oil extraction in blocks 16 and 67 of the Yasuní National Park (YNP) in the Amazonian Forest of Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse spaces in the world and with the current presence of ancient indigenous communities. As a novel contribution, we have carried out a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) that quantifies the footprints associated with the extraction, transportation, refining, distribution and final uses of the oil in four different scenarios (oil for asphalt use, electricity, marine fuel and passenger car transport). This study also sheds light on the energy return at the point of use of different oil-derivatives, and complements this with a qualitative analysis of the social, cultural and environmental implications for the Waorani communities.

Gelatin-tyramine addition and low hydrogel density improves cell attachment, migration, and metabolic activity in vitro and tissue response in vivo in enzymatically crosslinkable dextran-hyaluronic acid hydrogels.

Hydrogels are receiving increasing attention for their use in 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and bioprinting applications. Each application places specific mechanical and biological demands on these hydrogels. We developed a hydrogel toolbox based on enzymatically crosslinkable polysaccharides via tyramine (TA) moieties, allowing for rapid and tunable crosslinking with well-defined stiffness and high cell viability.

The academic point-of-care anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell product varnimcabtagene autoleucel (ARI-0001 cells) shows efficacy and safety in the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (var-cel) is an academic anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) product used for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the CART19-BE-01 trial. Here we report updated outcomes of patients with NHL treated with var-cel. B-cell recovery was compared with patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Report of Consensus Panel 3 from the 11th International workshop on Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: Recommendations for molecular diagnosis in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.

Apart from the MYD88 mutation, extensive information exists on the molecular mechanisms in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia and its potential utility in the diagnosis and treatment tailoring. However, no consensus recommendations are yet available. Consensus Panel 3 (CP3) of the 11th International Workshop on Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (IWWM-11) was tasked with reviewing the current molecular necessities and best way to access the minimum data required for a correct diagnosis and monitoring.

Strategies to Enhance CO Electrochemical Reduction from Reactive Carbon Solutions.

CO electrochemical reduction (CO ER) from (bi)carbonate feed presents an opportunity to efficiently couple this process to alkaline-based carbon capture systems. Likewise, while this method of reducing CO currently lags behind CO gas-fed electrolysers in certain performance metrics, it offers a significant improvement in CO utilization which makes the method worth exploring. This paper presents two simple modifications to a bicarbonate-fed CO ER system that enhance the selectivity towards CO.

Diagnostic Potential of the Serological Response to Synthetic Peptides from Antigens for Discrimination Between Active and Latent Tuberculosis Infections.

Diagnosis and treatment of active tuberculosis (ATB) as well as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are required for effective tuberculosis (TB) control, especially in TB endemic area. The usefulness of conventional tests to distinguish between ATB and LTBI has remained challenging. The present study was aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of the serological response to synthetic peptides from () antigens for discrimination between ATB and LTBI in Warao Amerindians.

Predictors of return to work after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.

Return to work (RTW) is a marker of functional recovery in cancer patients, with quality of life, financial and social implications. We investigated frequency and factors associated with RTW in a cohort of patients younger than 66 years, with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), uniformly treated with a bortezomib-based induction followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Socio-economic and working status data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire.

2021 European Myeloma Network review and consensus statement on smoldering multiple myeloma: how to distinguish (and manage) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

According to the updated International Myeloma Working Group criteria, smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma cell disorder characterized by an M-component >3 g/dL, bone marrow plasma cell infiltration >10% and <60%, and absence of any myeloma-defining event. Active multiple myeloma is preceded by SMM, with a median time to progression of approximately 5 years. Cases of SMM range from the extremes of "monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-like", in which patients never progress during their lifetimes, to "early multiple myeloma", in which transformation into symptomatic disease, based on genomic evolution, may be rapid and devastating.

Gut Microbiota Influence in Hematological Malignancies: From Genesis to Cure.

Hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia, are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They originate from uncontrolled growth of hematopoietic and lymphoid cells from different stages in their maturation/differentiation and account for 6.5% of all cancers around the world.

International Myeloma Working Group risk stratification model for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor state of multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, MM was redefined to include biomarkers predicting a high risk of progression from SMM, thus necessitating a redefinition of SMM and its risk stratification. We assembled a large cohort of SMM patients meeting the revised IMWG criteria to develop a new risk stratification system.

On-surface condensation of low-dimensional benzotriazole-copper assemblies.

The reactivity of benzotriazole with copper on a gold surface has been studied by a combination of surface sensitive methods with support from DFT (density functional theory) calculations. For some time benzotriazole has been known to enhance the corrosion resistance of copper at the monolayer level, although the exact mechanism is still a matter of discussion and disagreement in the literature. A single crystal Au(111) surface allows evaluation of the interaction of weakly physisorbed, intact benzotriazole molecules with copper atoms dosed to sub-monolayer amounts.

GPRC5D is a target for the immunotherapy of multiple myeloma with rationally designed CAR T cells.

Early clinical results of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for multiple myeloma (MM) appear promising, but relapses associated with residual low-to-negative BCMA-expressing MM cells have been reported, necessitating identification of additional targets. The orphan G protein-coupled receptor, class C group 5 member D (), normally expressed only in the hair follicle, was previously identified as expressed by mRNA in marrow aspirates from patients with MM, but confirmation of protein expression remained elusive. Using quantitative immunofluorescence, we determined that GPRC5D protein is expressed on CD138 MM cells from primary marrow samples with a distribution that was similar to, but independent of, BCMA.

Innovative strategies minimize engraftment syndrome in multiple myeloma patients with novel induction therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is standard for young patients in MM and its TRM has decreased after the 2000s. Bortezomib and immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) in MM have improved the outcome. However, they seem to boost pro-inflammatory stage increasing the incidence of engraftment syndrome (ES).

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Self-assembled Monolayers on Copper and Gold: Dramatic Effect of Wingtip Groups on Binding, Orientation and Assembly.

Self-assembled monolayers of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) on copper are reported. The monolayer structure is highly dependent on the N,N-substituents on the NHC. On both Cu(111) and Au(111), bulky isopropyl substituents force the NHC to bind perpendicular to the metal surface while methyl- or ethyl-substituted NHCs lie flat.

The BET bromodomain inhibitor CPI203 improves lenalidomide and dexamethasone activity in and models of multiple myeloma by blockade of Ikaros and MYC signaling.

Most patients with multiple myeloma treated with current therapies, including immunomodulatory drugs, eventually develop relapsed/refractory disease. Clinical activity of lenalidomide relies on degradation of Ikaros and the consequent reduction in IRF4 expression, both required for myeloma cell survival and involved in the regulation of MYC transcription. Thus, we sought to determine the combinational effect of an MYC-interfering therapy with lenalidomide/dexamethasone.

Concordance between IFNγ gene +874 A/T polymorphism and interferon-γ expression in a TB-endemic indigenous setting.

Introduction:: Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a crucial role in resistance to mycobacterial diseases; accordingly, variants of the gene encoding this cytokine may be associated with elevated risk of contracting pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Methods:: Blood samples were collected from 135 Warao indigenous individuals with newly diagnosed sputum culture-positive TB. Of these, 24 were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (ATB).

Prognostic impact of circulating plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma: implications for plasma cell leukemia definition.

The presence of circulating plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma is considered a marker for highly proliferative disease. In the study herein, the impact of circulating plasma cells assessed by cytology on survival of patients with multiple myeloma was analyzed. Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears of 482 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma or plasma cell leukemia were reviewed and patients were classified into 4 categories according to the percentage of circulating plasma cells: 0%, 1-4%, 5-20%, and plasma cell leukemia with the following frequencies: 382 (79.