Blood Res 2020; 55(3):
Published online September 30, 2020
https://doi.org/10.5045/br.2020.2020102
© The Korean Society of Hematology
Correspondence to : Angela Rago
Haematology Unit, ASL Roma 1, Santo Spirito Hospital of Rome, Lungotevere in Sassia 1, Rome 00198, Italy
E-mail: angelarago78@gmail.com
This is an Open Access article distributed unAcute myeloid leukemia, New FDA approvalsder the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 was first described by Frederich von Recklinghausen in 1882. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by brown skin macules, iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules), and skeletal deformities [1]. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a relatively common inherited disorder that affects about one in 2,500 to one in 3,000 people worldwide, irrespective of sex or ethnic origin [2]. The neurofibromatosis gene, located on chromosome 17q11.2, encodes a 220 kDa cytoplasmic protein called neurofibromin. This protein functions, in part, as a negative regulator of the
We describe a case of IgG-k MM with neurofibromatosis type 1. A comprehensive review of the literature looking for clinical-biologic correlations helping in identifying some aspect of the pathogenesis of the disease improve the manuscript.
A 69-year-old female with anemia, monoclonal component, and back pain was found to have MM. The neurofibromatosis type 1 had been diagnosed 40 years before. Molecular testing for neurofibromatosis gene mutations was performed and the results showed that patient one was heterozygous for the c.6855C>A (Tyr2285Ter) mutation.
The mutation was not found in MMM cells. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis and Bence-Jones immunofixation on urine evidenced the presence of an IgG monoclonal component and kappa light chains, respectively. Protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal spike with an IgG-k monoclonal component of 0.18 mg/dL. The determination of serum free light chains detected a kappa/lambda ratio of 168. The calcium and hemoglobin levels were normal. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of purified CD138+ plasma cells identified the presence of del(13q) but did not show del(17p). In addition, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the presence of 70% plasma cell infiltration kappa restricted. A low dose computed tomography scan showed multiple collapses localized at dorsal and lumbar vertebrae. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a collapse localized in the lumbar region based on the involvement of MM (Fig. 1).
Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with symptomatic IgG-k MM stage III according to the International Staging System (ISS) and was judged eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. The first line of therapy consisted of six 28-day cycles of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (VTD regimen) [4], from June 2019 to November 2019. A stringent complete response was achieved. Subsequently, the patient underwent mobilization by cyclophosphamide plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor followed by collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells; the patient is currently still waiting for the transplant procedure.
As far as we know, this is the fourth case of a possible association between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1 reported in the literature [5, 6]. However, the reason for this association is unknown. In our case, we have not observed a bad prognosis in this association. In Table 1, we summarize the clinical characteristics of the four cases reported in the literature. All the patients were affected by MM and were diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Table 1 Summary of case reports on NF1 and MM.
Case No. | Age/sex | Diagnosis | NF type | Interval from NF1 | Cytogenetic | Therapy | Outcome | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 59/M | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | Del 13q, tris 9 and 15 | VTD+auto-sct | VGPR | Accardi |
2 | 76/M | SMM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | ND | Follow-up | Accardi | |
3 | 69/F | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | 40 yr | Del 13q | VTD | sCR | Our case |
4 | 63/M | MM light chain disease, Lambda | 1 | ND | (1q+), 8q+, 13q+,i (17q), i (18q), and +M. | ND | ND | Zengin |
Abbreviations: auto-sct, autologous stem cell transplantation; MM, multiple myeloma; ND, not detectable; Ref, references; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response; VTD, bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone.
The neurofibromatosis gene produces a GTPase-activating protein, which functions as a tumor suppressor. Either a duplication of 17q, containing the neurofibromatosis type 1 locus, or a loss of 17p containing p53 may provide the evaluation of tumor. Further, a normal or mutated neurofibromatosis type 1 gene may affect the other genes at the same locus or those in nearby loci and may contribute to tumorigenesis [7]. The increased frequency of neoplasms in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients is partly explained by the genetic basis of the disorder that results from mutations of the neurofibromatosis type 1 locus at chromosome 17. The neurofibromatosis gene is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes for neurofibromin, a GTPase-activating protein, which downregulates Ras [8, 9]. The neurofibromatosis gene mutations are likely to produce a non-functional neurofibromin protein, which results in the deregulation of Ras pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in
In addition, the International Myeloma Working Group consensus updated the definition for high-risk MM based on cytogenetics. Several cytogenetic abnormalities such as t(4;14), del(17/17p), t(14;16), t(14;20), non hyperdiploidy, and gain (1q) that confer poor prognosis were identified [13]. Currently, FISH is the standard technique for analysis of cytogenetic abnormalities. FISH is useful to detect genomic aberrations in situ and to enumerate the percentage of cells harboring such abnormalities, but it does not detect single-nucleotide variants. For example, TP53 on chromosome 17p is detected in 7% of myelomas, yet it is mutated at a much higher frequency in myelomas based on exome sequencing [14]. The neurofibromatosis gene is located in region 17q11.2, and the MM patients with this type of p53 (17p13) cytogenetic abnormality have a shorter progression free survival and overall survival [15]. Zengin
In conclusion, we suggest that the association between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1 may be a mere coincidence. However, during the work-up of MM in patients with neurofibromatosis, it is important to consider the possibility of del(17) that indicated a poor prognosis. Further studies are needed to deeply explore the possible link between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1.
No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.
Blood Res 2020; 55(3): 187-189
Published online September 30, 2020 https://doi.org/10.5045/br.2020.2020102
Copyright © The Korean Society of Hematology.
Angela Rago, Attilio Tordi, Agostina Siniscalchi, Cristina Andrizzi, Selenia Campagna, Tommaso Caravita di Toritto
Haematology Unit, ASL Roma 1, Santo Spirito Hospital of Rome, Italy
Correspondence to:Angela Rago
Haematology Unit, ASL Roma 1, Santo Spirito Hospital of Rome, Lungotevere in Sassia 1, Rome 00198, Italy
E-mail: angelarago78@gmail.com
This is an Open Access article distributed unAcute myeloid leukemia, New FDA approvalsder the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 was first described by Frederich von Recklinghausen in 1882. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by brown skin macules, iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules), and skeletal deformities [1]. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a relatively common inherited disorder that affects about one in 2,500 to one in 3,000 people worldwide, irrespective of sex or ethnic origin [2]. The neurofibromatosis gene, located on chromosome 17q11.2, encodes a 220 kDa cytoplasmic protein called neurofibromin. This protein functions, in part, as a negative regulator of the
We describe a case of IgG-k MM with neurofibromatosis type 1. A comprehensive review of the literature looking for clinical-biologic correlations helping in identifying some aspect of the pathogenesis of the disease improve the manuscript.
A 69-year-old female with anemia, monoclonal component, and back pain was found to have MM. The neurofibromatosis type 1 had been diagnosed 40 years before. Molecular testing for neurofibromatosis gene mutations was performed and the results showed that patient one was heterozygous for the c.6855C>A (Tyr2285Ter) mutation.
The mutation was not found in MMM cells. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis and Bence-Jones immunofixation on urine evidenced the presence of an IgG monoclonal component and kappa light chains, respectively. Protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal spike with an IgG-k monoclonal component of 0.18 mg/dL. The determination of serum free light chains detected a kappa/lambda ratio of 168. The calcium and hemoglobin levels were normal. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of purified CD138+ plasma cells identified the presence of del(13q) but did not show del(17p). In addition, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the presence of 70% plasma cell infiltration kappa restricted. A low dose computed tomography scan showed multiple collapses localized at dorsal and lumbar vertebrae. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a collapse localized in the lumbar region based on the involvement of MM (Fig. 1).
Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with symptomatic IgG-k MM stage III according to the International Staging System (ISS) and was judged eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. The first line of therapy consisted of six 28-day cycles of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (VTD regimen) [4], from June 2019 to November 2019. A stringent complete response was achieved. Subsequently, the patient underwent mobilization by cyclophosphamide plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor followed by collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells; the patient is currently still waiting for the transplant procedure.
As far as we know, this is the fourth case of a possible association between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1 reported in the literature [5, 6]. However, the reason for this association is unknown. In our case, we have not observed a bad prognosis in this association. In Table 1, we summarize the clinical characteristics of the four cases reported in the literature. All the patients were affected by MM and were diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Table 1 . Summary of case reports on NF1 and MM..
Case No. | Age/sex | Diagnosis | NF type | Interval from NF1 | Cytogenetic | Therapy | Outcome | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 59/M | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | Del 13q, tris 9 and 15 | VTD+auto-sct | VGPR | Accardi |
2 | 76/M | SMM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | ND | Follow-up | Accardi | |
3 | 69/F | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | 40 yr | Del 13q | VTD | sCR | Our case |
4 | 63/M | MM light chain disease, Lambda | 1 | ND | (1q+), 8q+, 13q+,i (17q), i (18q), and +M. | ND | ND | Zengin |
Abbreviations: auto-sct, autologous stem cell transplantation; MM, multiple myeloma; ND, not detectable; Ref, references; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response; VTD, bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone..
The neurofibromatosis gene produces a GTPase-activating protein, which functions as a tumor suppressor. Either a duplication of 17q, containing the neurofibromatosis type 1 locus, or a loss of 17p containing p53 may provide the evaluation of tumor. Further, a normal or mutated neurofibromatosis type 1 gene may affect the other genes at the same locus or those in nearby loci and may contribute to tumorigenesis [7]. The increased frequency of neoplasms in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients is partly explained by the genetic basis of the disorder that results from mutations of the neurofibromatosis type 1 locus at chromosome 17. The neurofibromatosis gene is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes for neurofibromin, a GTPase-activating protein, which downregulates Ras [8, 9]. The neurofibromatosis gene mutations are likely to produce a non-functional neurofibromin protein, which results in the deregulation of Ras pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in
In addition, the International Myeloma Working Group consensus updated the definition for high-risk MM based on cytogenetics. Several cytogenetic abnormalities such as t(4;14), del(17/17p), t(14;16), t(14;20), non hyperdiploidy, and gain (1q) that confer poor prognosis were identified [13]. Currently, FISH is the standard technique for analysis of cytogenetic abnormalities. FISH is useful to detect genomic aberrations in situ and to enumerate the percentage of cells harboring such abnormalities, but it does not detect single-nucleotide variants. For example, TP53 on chromosome 17p is detected in 7% of myelomas, yet it is mutated at a much higher frequency in myelomas based on exome sequencing [14]. The neurofibromatosis gene is located in region 17q11.2, and the MM patients with this type of p53 (17p13) cytogenetic abnormality have a shorter progression free survival and overall survival [15]. Zengin
In conclusion, we suggest that the association between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1 may be a mere coincidence. However, during the work-up of MM in patients with neurofibromatosis, it is important to consider the possibility of del(17) that indicated a poor prognosis. Further studies are needed to deeply explore the possible link between MM and neurofibromatosis type 1.
No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.
Table 1 . Summary of case reports on NF1 and MM..
Case No. | Age/sex | Diagnosis | NF type | Interval from NF1 | Cytogenetic | Therapy | Outcome | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 59/M | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | Del 13q, tris 9 and 15 | VTD+auto-sct | VGPR | Accardi |
2 | 76/M | SMM IgG-Kappa | 1 | ND | ND | Follow-up | Accardi | |
3 | 69/F | MM IgG-Kappa | 1 | 40 yr | Del 13q | VTD | sCR | Our case |
4 | 63/M | MM light chain disease, Lambda | 1 | ND | (1q+), 8q+, 13q+,i (17q), i (18q), and +M. | ND | ND | Zengin |
Abbreviations: auto-sct, autologous stem cell transplantation; MM, multiple myeloma; ND, not detectable; Ref, references; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response; VTD, bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone..