The emergence of oligoclonal bands (OB) in patients with multiple myeloma achieving a complete remission (CR) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and the use of novel agents is a well-recognized event. The presence of OB is associated with favorable outcome. However, the emergence of OB in light-chain (AL) amyloidosis has never been investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, natural history, and prognostic impact of OB in 50 patients with AL amyloidosis who achieved at least a partial response either after upfront ASCT (20 patients [40%]) or after conventional treatment in patients ineligible for transplantation (30 patients [60%]). OB were observed in 60% of the patients, with IgG-kappa (30.7%) the most frequently detected isotype. This phenomenon was more prevalent in patients achieving CR than those in other response categories (88% versus 32%, P = .0001). The landmark analysis at 1 year after diagnosis demonstrates a significantly longer progression-free survival and an improvement trend in overall survival (P = .04 and P = .06, respectively). This prognostic impact was also observed in patients who achieved CR and in patients with more advanced stage. In summary, this is the first report of OB in patients with AL amyloidosis. Although its biological meaning remains unclear, it could reflect a more robust humoral immune response.
Keywords: Amyloidosis; Immunoglobulin; Oligoclonal band; Prognostic factors; Transplantation.
Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.