The t(11;14)(q13;q32) results in up-regulation of cyclin D1 and is the most common translocation detected in multiple myeloma, where it is also associated with a lymphoplasmacytic morphology. We performed an interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) study to determine the clinical and biologic significance of the abnormality when testing a large cohort of myeloma patients. Bone marrow slides from multiple myeloma patients entered into the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group phase III clinical trial E9486 and associated laboratory correlative study E9487 were analyzed using interphase FISH combined with immune-fluorescent (cytoplasmic immunoglobulin–FISH) detection of clonal plasma cells. We used FISH probes that hybridize to the 14q32 and 11q13 chromosomal loci. The t(11;14)(q13;q32) was correlated with known biologic and prognostic factors. Of 336 evaluable patients, 53 (16%) had abnormal FISH patterns compatible with the t(11;14)(q13;q32). These patients appeared to be more likely to have a serum monoclonal protein of less than 10 g/L (1 g/dL) (28% vs 15%, P = .029) and a lower plasma cell labeling index (P = .09). More strikingly, patients were less likely to be hyperdiploid by DNA content analysis (n = 251, 14% vs 62%, P < .001). Patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) appeared to have better survival and response to treatment, although this did not reach statistical significance. Multiple myeloma with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) is a unique subset of patients, not only characterized by cyclin D1 up-regulation and a lymphoplasmacytic morphology, but is also more frequently associated with small serum monoclonal proteins and is much less likely to be hyperdiploid. These patients do not have a worsened prognosis as previously thought.

Translocations involving chromosome 14 at band q32, the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus, are thought to be important and initiating events for a large proportion of plasma cell dyscrasias, because they have been detected in almost all human myeloma cell lines studied.1-7 Accordingly, many multiple myeloma patients have IgH translocations, of which the t(11;14)(q13;q32) is the most common.8 This translocation is detectable in 5% of multiple myeloma patients by conventional cytogenetic analysis9-11 and in 15% to 20% of multiple myeloma patients by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).12 Because this translocation has been documented at the earliest stage of the plasma cell dyscrasias, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), it is likely an early cytogenetic event.13 14 

IgH translocations in multiple myeloma are thought to originate from errors during physiologic DNA recombination, mostly at the time of isotype class switching in terminally differentiated B cells.1-7 Most of these translocations result in breakpoints at the 5′ end of the switch-μ region in the der14 chromosome while the breakpoint located in the der partner is usually located in the 3′-switch region of one of the constant region genes. However, IgH translocations in multiple myeloma involving chromosome 11q13 also have 14q32 breakpoints in the IgH joining (JH) region.1,2,4 5 Thus, these are postulated to occur earlier than those occurring during isotype class switching and presumptively due to errors of somatic hypermutation.

The t(11;14)(q13;q32) results in up-regulation of cyclin D1,1 the overexpression of which theoretically favors cell cycle progression, as seen in mantle cell lymphoma.15In about 25% of human multiple myeloma cell lines cyclin D1messenger RNA is overexpressed as detected by Northern blot, and the corresponding protein is detected by immunoprecipitation.1-7 Only human myeloma cell lines with t(11;14)(q13;q32) have cyclin D1 up-regulation, with the exception of U266, where a process of excision and insertion juxtaposes IgH enhancers next to cyclin D1 at 11q13.16Thus, in the human myeloma cell lines there is an obligate relationship between cyclin D1 up-regulation and the t(11;14)(q13;q32). It has been recently reported that the t(11;14)(q13;q32) can also dysregulate other putative oncogenes such as myeov.17Up-regulation of cyclin D1 is also detectable in multiple myeloma patients by immunohistochemistry in approximately 20% to 30%,18-20 by Northern Blot in 17%,21 and by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 35%.22 

The presence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and/or other 11q abnormalities in multiple myeloma patients has been associated with a worsened outcome and clinical features suggestive of aggressiveness when detected by karyotype analysis23,24 and interphase FISH.12Biologic and pathologic features, including lymphoplasmacytic morphology and increased numbers of circulating plasma cells, have been suggested to be associated with the presence of this translocation.11,19 25 However, most studies are limited by smaller numbers of patients analyzed and detection of the t(11;14(q13;q32) through karyotype analysis. There is as yet no published systematic evaluation of a large group of patients of the prognostic significance of the t(11;14)(q13;q32). Therefore, we conducted a thorough cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (cIg)–FISH analysis of genetic studies in a large cohort of multiple myeloma patients entered on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trials who also have prolonged follow-up information and known clinical outcomes. The goal of our investigation is to characterize myeloma and the t(11;14)(q13;q32), validating the unique clinical, prognostic, and biologic features of this subgroup of patients and the clonal plasma cell forming their disease.

Patient demographics

The E9486 phase III clinical trial and its correlative laboratory study E9487 were opened to accrual in February 1988 and closed in May 1992. All patients had newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The clinical trial is described in detail elsewhere.26Briefly, the clinical trial was a randomized phase III study aimed at comparing standard combination chemotherapy with vincristine, carmustine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (VBMCP), versus VBMCP and interferon-α2, versus VBMCP and high-dose cyclophosphamide as treatment intensification. The total number of patients enrolled was 653, with patient follow-up continuing until the time of death. The major end point of this study was overall survival to be measured from the date of randomization, and secondary end points included response rate, duration of response, and toxicity. Patients had all relevant biologic and prognostic factors tested. The median survival for all patients was 40.5 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 29%. The median follow-up for survivors is now 108 months (range 86-127 months). A total of 351 unselected patients were included in this study (Table1). These patients did not appear to differ in clinical demographics from the larger cohort (n = 561) of patients entered into the E9487 study (data not shown). No patient had primary plasma cell leukemia. Conventional cytogenetic analysis results are not available, because they were not required at the time of study entry. DNA ploidy analysis was performed on the light chain–restricted cells as previously published by us.27 We used the following cutoff values for ploidy determination: hyperploidy, more than 1.05 DNA index; (pseudo) diploid, DNA index 0.95 to 1.05; and hypodiploid, DNA index less than 0.95.27 

Table 1.

Clinical and laboratory features of patients

All* (n = 351)t(11;14)(q13;q32) (n = 53)Other (n = 283)
Median age, y (range) 62.6  (34-84) 62.2  (34-79) 62.6  (34-84)  
Descriptive features, %    
 Gender, male, female 62.1, 37.9 67.9, 32.1 60.8, 39.2  
 ECOG performance status 0-1, 2-4 86.3, 13.7 90.6, 9.4 85.9, 14.1 
 Plasmacytoma present 10.0  5.7 11.4 
 Weight loss, more than 10%  7.2  7.5  7.6 
 Hypercalcemia, serum calcium more than 12 mg/dL 24.5 23.1 24.6 
 Serum monoclonal protein 82.9 71.7 84.8 
 Urine monoclonal protein 74.2 69.2 75.6 
 Bone disease 79.1 81.0 78.4 
 X-ray lytic lesions 79.4 78.6 78.8 
 Light chain1-153    
  κ 64.8 60.5 66.5 
  λ 35.2 39.5 33.5 
Median laboratory values (range)    
 Hemoglobin, g/dL 10.7  (5.1-15.8) 10.5  (6.2-15.4) 10.7  (5.1-15.8)  
 Leukocytes, × 106/mL 5.8  (1.6-56.0) 6.2  (2.5-12.1) 5.8  (1.6-56)  
 Peripheral blood plasma cells, % 0  (0-93) 0  (0-10) 0  (0-93)  
 Bone marrow plasma cells by flow, % 0.25  (0.01-0.86) 0.29  (0.02-0.86) 0.24  (0.01-0.80)  
 Platelets, × 106/mL 233  (40-637) 237  (85-535) 233  (40-637)  
 Bone marrow plasma cells, % 43  (2-99) 50  (8-96) 44  (2-99)  
 Creatinine, mg/dL 1.2  (0.4-4.9) 1.3  (0.5-4.7) 1.2  (0.4-4.9)  
 Calcium, mg/dL 9.5  (4.5-15.8) 9.4  (4.5-15.6) 9.5  (7.1-15.8) 
 Albumin, g/L 3.5  (1.1-5.4) 3.6  (2-5.2) 3.5  (1.1-5.4)  
 Bilirubin, mg/dL 0.4  (0.1-1.4) 0.4  (0.1-1.4) 0.4  (0.1-1.2)  
 CD4+ cells, % of PBL 25  (0-73) 29  (0-73) 25  (0-68) 
 CD19+ cells, % of PBL 13  (0-79) 10  (0-72) 14  (0-79)  
 C-reactive protein, mg/dL 0.3  (0.1-20.3) 0.4  (0.1-5.6) 0.3  (0.1-20.3)  
 sIL-6R, ng/mL 187  (50-1067) 157  (65-800) 187  (50-80) 
All* (n = 351)t(11;14)(q13;q32) (n = 53)Other (n = 283)
Median age, y (range) 62.6  (34-84) 62.2  (34-79) 62.6  (34-84)  
Descriptive features, %    
 Gender, male, female 62.1, 37.9 67.9, 32.1 60.8, 39.2  
 ECOG performance status 0-1, 2-4 86.3, 13.7 90.6, 9.4 85.9, 14.1 
 Plasmacytoma present 10.0  5.7 11.4 
 Weight loss, more than 10%  7.2  7.5  7.6 
 Hypercalcemia, serum calcium more than 12 mg/dL 24.5 23.1 24.6 
 Serum monoclonal protein 82.9 71.7 84.8 
 Urine monoclonal protein 74.2 69.2 75.6 
 Bone disease 79.1 81.0 78.4 
 X-ray lytic lesions 79.4 78.6 78.8 
 Light chain1-153    
  κ 64.8 60.5 66.5 
  λ 35.2 39.5 33.5 
Median laboratory values (range)    
 Hemoglobin, g/dL 10.7  (5.1-15.8) 10.5  (6.2-15.4) 10.7  (5.1-15.8)  
 Leukocytes, × 106/mL 5.8  (1.6-56.0) 6.2  (2.5-12.1) 5.8  (1.6-56)  
 Peripheral blood plasma cells, % 0  (0-93) 0  (0-10) 0  (0-93)  
 Bone marrow plasma cells by flow, % 0.25  (0.01-0.86) 0.29  (0.02-0.86) 0.24  (0.01-0.80)  
 Platelets, × 106/mL 233  (40-637) 237  (85-535) 233  (40-637)  
 Bone marrow plasma cells, % 43  (2-99) 50  (8-96) 44  (2-99)  
 Creatinine, mg/dL 1.2  (0.4-4.9) 1.3  (0.5-4.7) 1.2  (0.4-4.9)  
 Calcium, mg/dL 9.5  (4.5-15.8) 9.4  (4.5-15.6) 9.5  (7.1-15.8) 
 Albumin, g/L 3.5  (1.1-5.4) 3.6  (2-5.2) 3.5  (1.1-5.4)  
 Bilirubin, mg/dL 0.4  (0.1-1.4) 0.4  (0.1-1.4) 0.4  (0.1-1.2)  
 CD4+ cells, % of PBL 25  (0-73) 29  (0-73) 25  (0-68) 
 CD19+ cells, % of PBL 13  (0-79) 10  (0-72) 14  (0-79)  
 C-reactive protein, mg/dL 0.3  (0.1-20.3) 0.4  (0.1-5.6) 0.3  (0.1-20.3)  
 sIL-6R, ng/mL 187  (50-1067) 157  (65-800) 187  (50-80) 

Differences between patients with and without the translocation were not statistically significant with the exception of those related to the serum monoclonal protein level (see text).

ECOG indicates Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; PBL, peripheral blood lymphocytes; sIL-6R, soluble interleukin-6 receptor level.

*

Includes patients with failed FISH assay.

For the serum monoclonal protein this meant a concentration greater than 10 g/L, and for the urinary protein this meant a urinary protein concentration greater than 0.2 g/24 h.

If x-ray bone abnormalities were present.

F1-153

If serum monoclonal protein component was present.

Bone marrow samples

Bone marrow research samples were obtained at the time of study enrollment under informed consent. Enrichment for mononuclear cells was performed using the Ficoll-gradient centrifugation method. Cytospin slides were made and immediately stored at −70°C for future use. We used cIg-FISH using light chain–specific immunofluorescent detection of the clonal plasma cell (κ or λ according to the light chain of the clone).28 

Probes

For the detection of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) we used a fusion strategy employing 2 sets of probes—one that hybridizes to 14q32 and one for 11q13. For the 14q32 site (IgH) we used a pool of probes that hybridizes to the 14q32 locus: a BAC clone that localizes to the constant region of the IgH locus, which recognizes α1 and α2; a cosmid clone that hybridizes to the most distal segment of the IgH variable region (kindly provided by Michael Kuehl, National Cancer Institute)16; and the cosmid clones cos 3/64, U2-2, and Cos Ig6 (kindly provided by Martin Dyer, Royal Marsden Hospital). All IgH clones were directly labeled in Spectrum Green (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL). For the 11q13 region we used a pool of cosmid and P1 clones (700 kilobases [kb]) spanning approximately 100 kb telomeric and 600 kb centromeric to thecyclin D1 gene (all directly labeled in Spectrum Red, Vysis).17,29,30 The 11q13 pool of probes contained the cosmids cCL11-505, cCL11-44, and cCL11-356 obtained from the Japanese Collection of Research Bioresources (JCRB) (kindly provided by Katsuyuki Hashimoto from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases at Tokyo), cosmids cos3.62 and cos3.91 (kindly provided by Ed Schuuring at Leiden University), and the P1 clones ICRF 700 B1587 and ICRF 700 J077 obtained from a human P1 library at the Resource Center Primary Database (RZPD; Heidelberg, Germany) (kindly provided by Radka Kochan). These probes are well known to bracket all 11q13 translocation breakpoints in human multiple myeloma cell lines.17 

Each set of probes was validated using separate hybridization experiments on normal metaphases and interphase cells and in abnormal clinical samples with a t(11;14)(q13;q32) (Figure1) and as previously described by us.31 In addition, we studied 21 patients with a karyotypically detectable t(11;14)(q13;q32) and found that our probes always detected the abnormality. A normal interphase FISH pattern was 2 pairs of red and green signals and no fusion (2R2G). An abnormal pattern indicative of a t(11;14)(q13;q32) was one or more fusion signals resulting from touching green and red signals or a yellow signal resulting from merging of green and red signals (≥ 1F, ≥ 1R, ≥ 1G) (Figure 1). These same patients were previously tested for deletions of 13q14 by cIg-FISH and D13S319 and LSI13 Rb probes.32 

Fig. 1.

Patterns of FISH probes used in this study.

(A,B) The correct localization of the pool of probes to chromosomes 11 and 14, respectively. (C) A plasma cell without evidence of a t(11;14)(q13;q32). There are 2 pairs of discrete red and green signals and no fusion signals. The plasma cells can be easily distinguished by the intense blue fluorescence of the cytoplasm. (D) An abnormal plasma cell with 2 fusion signals resulting from the comigration of probes and indicative of a t(11;14)(q13;q32). (E) Another abnormal cell (Leica DMRXA). Original magnification, × 63. DAPI counterstain in panels A and B. cIg-FISH on panels C-E.

Fig. 1.

Patterns of FISH probes used in this study.

(A,B) The correct localization of the pool of probes to chromosomes 11 and 14, respectively. (C) A plasma cell without evidence of a t(11;14)(q13;q32). There are 2 pairs of discrete red and green signals and no fusion signals. The plasma cells can be easily distinguished by the intense blue fluorescence of the cytoplasm. (D) An abnormal plasma cell with 2 fusion signals resulting from the comigration of probes and indicative of a t(11;14)(q13;q32). (E) Another abnormal cell (Leica DMRXA). Original magnification, × 63. DAPI counterstain in panels A and B. cIg-FISH on panels C-E.

Close modal

Scoring

To establish a normal range for abnormalities we studied both 1000 myeloid cells and polyclonal plasma cells from normal bone marrow donors.31 We estimated an upper limit of normal of bone marrow cells with fusion signals as the mean + 3 SDs. In both cases the mean + 3 SDs produced less than 6% of cells with fusion signals. We intended to count 100 plasma cells in each patient (median 87.2, range 21-100). We thus considered a patient sample as having the t(11;14)(q13;q32) when the percentage of abnormal plasma cells exceeded the mean + 3 SDs in number of abnormal plasma cells as compared with controls. Because all patients with this translocation had more than 50% of clonal plasma cells with the abnormality, this cutoff did not prove to be critical for the analysis.

Statistical analysis

To characterize patients in the study we used descriptive statistics. For continuous variables the Wilcoxon rank sum test33 was used to test for differences between patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) versus other patients. Fisher exact test34 was used to test differences among levels of categoric variables between patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) versus other patients. The distributions for overall survival and progression-free survival were estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier.35 The log-rank test was used to test for differences in survival between groups.36 Median overall survival and median progression-free survival times were obtained from the estimated survival curves, and 95% confidence intervals for these estimated times were based on the sign test.37 

Patients

Of 351 patients studied, 336 were evaluable (4% failure rate). The patients in whom FISH failed appeared to be no different for the usual prognostic and biologic variables in multiple myeloma as compared with patients in whom the analysis was successful. The only common feature among patients in whom FISH failed was that they also failed at other FISH experiments, likely reflecting technical problems with the sample storage (data not shown).

Prevalence and relation to chromosome 13 abnormalities

A total of 53 patients (16%) were abnormal with a pattern indicative of the t(11;14)(q13;q32). Multiple and complex FISH patterns were observed whenever a sample was considered abnormal. The median percentage of plasma cells with a t(11;14)(q13;q32) was 99%, with a range of 82% to 100%. Patients with a t(11;14)(q13;q32) versus patients without the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were equally likely to have chromosome 13 abnormalities (47% vs 55%, P > .2) (Table2). Accordingly, patients with chromosome 13 abnormalities versus patients without chromosome 13 abnormalities were equally likely to have the t(11;14)(q13;q32) (14.0% vs 18.4%,P > .2).

Table 2.

Relation between chromosome 13 abnormalities and the t(11;14)(q13;q32)

Chromosome 13 normalChromosome 13 deletedChromosome 13 assay failedTotal
No. 120  (81%) 148  (84%) 15  (57.7%) 283 
 t(11;14)(q13;q32) [42.4%] [52.3%] [5.3%]  
t(11;14)(q13;q32) 27  (18%) 24  (14%) 2  (7.7%) 53 
 [51%] [45%] [4%]  
t(11;14) failed FISH  2  (1%) 4  (2%) 9  (34.6%) 15 
 assay [13%] [27%] [60%]  
Total 149 176 26 351 
Chromosome 13 normalChromosome 13 deletedChromosome 13 assay failedTotal
No. 120  (81%) 148  (84%) 15  (57.7%) 283 
 t(11;14)(q13;q32) [42.4%] [52.3%] [5.3%]  
t(11;14)(q13;q32) 27  (18%) 24  (14%) 2  (7.7%) 53 
 [51%] [45%] [4%]  
t(11;14) failed FISH  2  (1%) 4  (2%) 9  (34.6%) 15 
 assay [13%] [27%] [60%]  
Total 149 176 26 351 

Fisher exact test, excluding patients with failed FISH analysis,P = .3. Numbers reflect the total patients in any given category, parentheses reflect the column percentage, and brackets represent the row percentage.

Clinical features of patients

Patients younger than age 40 appeared to be more likely to have the t(11;14)(q13;q32) detected (43% vs 15%, P = .08). Patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were more likely to have a serum monoclonal protein component of less than 10 g/L (1 g/dL) (28% vs 15%, P = .029) and appeared to be less likely to have extramedullary plasmacytomas, although this difference was not statistically significant (6% vs 11%, P = .3). There was no difference in disease stage and no preferential usage of κ versus λ light chain according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32).

There was a trend for patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) to have a lower plasma cell labeling index although the difference was not significant (Wilcoxon P = .09) (Table3). There were no clear differences noted in serum β2-microglobulin between patients with and without the t(11;14)(q13;q32) (Table 3). No difference was noted in the number of circulating plasma cells according to the presence or absence of the translocation. All other variables tested, except those shown below, showed no significant trends or associations.

Table 3.

Distribution of β2-microglobulin and plasma cell labeling index according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32)

Chromosome statusβ2-microglobulinPlasma cell labeling index
2.7 mg/dL or less2.7 to 4 mg/dLMore than 4 mg/dL0% to 0.2%0.21% to 1%1.01% to 3%More than 3%
No translocation 98  (35%) 55  (20%) 127  (45%) 105  (37%) 97  (35%) 61  (22%) 17  (6%) 
t(11;14)(q13;q32) 15  (29%) 12  (23%) 25  (48%) 25  (47%) 18  (34%) 8  (15%) 2  (4%) 
Chromosome statusβ2-microglobulinPlasma cell labeling index
2.7 mg/dL or less2.7 to 4 mg/dLMore than 4 mg/dL0% to 0.2%0.21% to 1%1.01% to 3%More than 3%
No translocation 98  (35%) 55  (20%) 127  (45%) 105  (37%) 97  (35%) 61  (22%) 17  (6%) 
t(11;14)(q13;q32) 15  (29%) 12  (23%) 25  (48%) 25  (47%) 18  (34%) 8  (15%) 2  (4%) 

Numbers reflect the total patients in any given category, and parentheses reflect the row percentage.

Ploidy

Five categories of ploidy were recorded on the bone marrow samples by the DNA content analysis: hypodiploid, diploid (pseudodiploid), hyperdiploid, multiple clones, and tetraploid (Table4). Patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were much less likely to be hyperdiploid as compared with those without the abnormality (14% vs 62%, P < .0001). Accordingly, when analyzed by the categories of ploidy, patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were much more likely to be either diploid (pseudodiploid) or hypodiploid as compared with those without the abnormality (83% vs 36%, P < .0001).

Table 4.

Ploidy and the t(11;14)(q13;q32)

graphic
 
graphic
 

Fisher exact test for comparing hyperdiploid versus all other patients, P < .0001. Numbers in parentheses reflect the column percentage, and brackets represent the row percentage.

Survival and response to treatment

Patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) did not have a worse survival as compared with patients without the abnormality (Table5). The median survival of patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) was 49.6 months as compared with 38.7 months for patients without the abnormality (log-rank P > .2) (Figure 2). The median progression-free survival was 33 months versus 27.1 months for those with and without the abnormality, respectively (log-rank P > .2) (Figure3). Likewise, patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were equally likely to respond to chemotherapy, with an overall response rate of 78% versus 67% (P = .14). Postprogression survival appeared to be better among patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) as compared with others (20 vs 13 months, log-rankP = .086). The proportion of long-term survivors (> 10 years) was similar among patients with and without the abnormality (9.4% vs 7.9%). There were no perceived differences in survival in the subset of patients treated with the addition of interferon-α2 or cyclophosphamide to VBMCP, according to the presence or absence of the genetic abnormality (Table 6).

Table 5.

Response to therapy and survival statistics

VariableAll5-150
(n = 336)
t(11;14)
(q13;q32)
(n = 53)
Other
(n = 268)
 Response rate    
 Objective response 67.2 73.6 66.0 
 None/progression 31.1 20.7 32.9 
 Not evaluable  1.7  5.6  1.1 
Median survival, mo
(95% confidence interval) 
40.5  (36.9-46.7) 49.6  (36.9-60.1) 38.7  (35.5-43.7)  
Progression-free survival, mo
(95% confidence interval) 
28.9  (26-31.9) 33.0  (27.6-43.3) 27.1  (24.4-31.1) 
VariableAll5-150
(n = 336)
t(11;14)
(q13;q32)
(n = 53)
Other
(n = 268)
 Response rate    
 Objective response 67.2 73.6 66.0 
 None/progression 31.1 20.7 32.9 
 Not evaluable  1.7  5.6  1.1 
Median survival, mo
(95% confidence interval) 
40.5  (36.9-46.7) 49.6  (36.9-60.1) 38.7  (35.5-43.7)  
Progression-free survival, mo
(95% confidence interval) 
28.9  (26-31.9) 33.0  (27.6-43.3) 27.1  (24.4-31.1) 
F5-150

Includes patients with failed FISH assay.

Fig. 2.

Overall survival in months for patients stratified according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32).

Fig. 2.

Overall survival in months for patients stratified according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32).

Close modal
Fig. 3.

Progression-free survival in months for patients stratified according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32).

Fig. 3.

Progression-free survival in months for patients stratified according to the presence or absence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32).

Close modal
Table 6.

Median survival in months (95% confidence interval) according to the specific therapy administered

Patients without t(11;14)t(11;14)(q13;q32)
Patient receiving interferon versus other 37.2  (33.9-44.1) 51.2  (20.3-87.8)  
 40.6  (34.7-47.2) 49.3  (34.1-59.8) 
Log-rank P > .2 P > .2 
Patients receiving cyclophosphamide versus others 38.8  (33.4-48.7) 54  (24.5-71.2)  
 38.7  (34.8-43.7) 49.3  (34.1-61.4) 
Log-rank P > .2 P > .2 
Patients without t(11;14)t(11;14)(q13;q32)
Patient receiving interferon versus other 37.2  (33.9-44.1) 51.2  (20.3-87.8)  
 40.6  (34.7-47.2) 49.3  (34.1-59.8) 
Log-rank P > .2 P > .2 
Patients receiving cyclophosphamide versus others 38.8  (33.4-48.7) 54  (24.5-71.2)  
 38.7  (34.8-43.7) 49.3  (34.1-61.4) 
Log-rank P > .2 P > .2 

This study provides evidence that attests to the uniqueness of multiple myeloma with the t(11;14)(q13;q32),19characterized by higher prevalence of low-concentration monoclonal proteins, no association with an unfavorable outcome, and greater likelihood of being pseudodiploid or hypodiploid than hyperdiploid. In addition, we had previously shown that myeloma patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) have a lymphoplasmacytic morphology in nearly one half of cases (42%).19 

Our study confirms that approximately one sixth of patients with multiple myeloma have a t(11;14)(q13;q32) as reported by others.8,12 Thus, along with the t(4;14)(p16.3;q32), it is the most common IgH translocation in the plasma cell dyscrasias.8,12 The prevalence of patients with t(11;14)(q13;q32) is lower than we observed among patients with MGUS or primary systemic amyloidosis.14,31 The higher prevalence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) in MGUS or primary systemic amyloidosis14,31 as compared with multiple myeloma suggests that the abnormality is negatively selected for progression to active myeloma. However, because other groups have found a similar prevalence of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) among patients with MGUS as in multiple myeloma, further studies are needed to learn whether the different frequencies of patients with t(11;14)(q13;q32) are statistical artifact or a real difference.13 Because the t(11;14)(q13;q32) occurs in MGUS,13,14 this indicates that this abnormality alone is not sufficient for the plasma cell to acquire the full malignant potential and behave as multiple myeloma plasma cells.13,14 Therefore, other mechanisms must exist that favor the transition of MGUS to myeloma. We considered whether chromosome 13 abnormalities38 represented the second genetic event leading to disease progression in patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32). However, we found no correlation between both abnormalities, suggesting that their coexistence is likely unrelated.

Unlike previous observations by us and others,11,12,20,23,24 we have not confirmed the adverse prognostic significance for multiple myeloma patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) when detected by cIg-FISH. Indeed, our data suggest that patients with the abnormality at least have a similar survival to other patients. The study by Konigsberg and colleagues showing an adverse outcome for multiple myeloma and chromosome 11q abnormalities did not separate patients with and without the t(11;14)(q13;q32), the latter only being 7 patients.12 

The existing notion that the t(11;14)(q13;q32), as detected by standard karyotype analysis, resulted in poor prognosis likely emanated from the prominent nature of the chromosomal abnormality that made it readily recognizable in patients with abnormal karyotypes. We have previously shown that obtaining abnormal metaphases, without regard to the specific abnormalities, correlates with prognosis and is likely a surrogate marker of a proliferative clone.10 We have also previously shown that abnormal karyotypes are more frequently seen among those patients with higher plasma cell labeling index and higher degree of bone marrow involvement by the clone.39 These reasons likely explain the previously suspected poor prognosis of patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and our previous suggestion that multiple myeloma with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) was associated a higher number of circulating plasma cells. In this study we have found no significant differences in the number of circulating plasma cells in patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32). A suggestion of the association between the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and a better prognosis in the plasma cell dyscrasias is that among patients with plasma cell leukemia, those harboring the t(11;14)(q13;q32) appear to have a better prognosis.40 

It is apparently contradictory that patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) would have a lower proliferative rate, as shown by a lower plasma cell labeling index, than patients without the abnormality, becausecyclin D1 favors cell cycle progression.41However, a more appropriate comparison is to normal plasma cells, where the labeling index is usually zero because these cells divide infrequently. Likewise, while these patients had a trend toward a better response to treatment, the difference was modest and of unknown causative relation to an improved survival.

A dramatic finding of our study is the strong association between the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and the near diploid DNA content analysis. Samdja and colleagues, using standard karyotype analysis and thus performing direct chromosomal enumeration, have also observed this association in a smaller number of patients studied.42 This difference can thus be reflective of different pathogenetic mechanisms of myeloma, one of which is characterized by clonal growth initiated by structural chromosomal abnormalities, such as the t(11;14)(q13;q32), and a second one characterized by chromosomal accumulation leading to multiple chromosomal trisomy. In fact, most human myeloma cell lines with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) are also diploid (37-47 chromosomes) (personal communication, W. Michael Kuehl, 2001). Of 11 cell lines with the t(11;14), 8 (73%) are near diploid. In contrast, 9 (37.5%) of 24 other myeloma cell lines are diploid (43-49 chromosomes). In our previous report on multiple myeloma and the t(11;14)(q13;q32) we reported that in 11 of 13 cases their total chromosomal number was diploid or near diploid.11 However, in many of these cases the karyotypes are abnormal with chromosomal gains and losses balancing each other to a near diploid chromosomal count. We speculate that a myeloma clone with t(11;14)(q13;q32) grows without progressive accumulation of extra chromosomes that lead to hyperdiploidy. Thus, it is plausible that multiple myeloma with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) represents a multiple myeloma variant that is relatively “genomically stable,” resulting in a more indolent course of the disease and cells that remain susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy. Alternatively, hyperdiploidy ensues first and through continuous chromosomal loss the cell become diploid or pseudodiploid again, but those cases with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) are capable of sustaining additional losses as compared with those cases without the abnormality.

Patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) were more likely to have smaller serum monoclonal proteins, and this is compatible with the reported lymphoplasmacytic morphology reported in one half of patients.19 Because none of these patients expressed IgM monoclonal protein, the cell has necessarily undergone a productive allele-isotype switching (legitimate IgH rearrangements). Yet, because of the higher likelihood of small serum monoclonal spikes in this myeloma variant, we speculate that the clonal cell in multiple myeloma and the t(11;14)(q13;q32) is more commonly an immature plasma cell. Most IgH translocations in multiple myeloma (illegitimate IgH rearrangements)43 are thought to occur at the time of isotype class switching, as best shown by Gabrea and colleagues.16 However, those involving chromosome 11 at band q13 can also occur at the JH site, presumptively during somatic hypermutation and thus arising earlier in the process of B-cell development.1,7 44 This would indicate that the recombination errors responsible for disease pathogenesis in the plasma cell dyscrasias may originate earlier in some multiple myeloma patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32), and this is also concordant with the lymphoplasmacytic morphology and oligosecretory nature of these same patients.

In summary, here we provide further evidence that multiple myeloma with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) represents a unique biologic entity. We show that myeloma patients with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) do not have worse prognosis than other patients. As novel biologic therapies emerge, the molecular classification of the subtypes of the disease may allow for a more rational approach to their treatment with agents such as those interfering with cell cycle regulatory pathways.

We thank Michael Kuehl for helpful discussion about the content of this manuscript.

Supported in part by Public Health Service grant R01 CA83724-01 (R.F.) from the National Cancer Institute, research grant CA62242 (P.R.G., B.V.N), and ECOG grant CA21115-25C from the National Cancer Institute (P.R.G., N.E.K.). R.F. is a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Translational Research Awardee and is also supported by the CI-5 Cancer Research Fund-Lilly Clinical Investigator Award of the Damon Runyon–Walter Winchell Foundation.

The publication costs of this article were defrayed in part by page charge payment. Therefore, and solely to indicate this fact, this article is hereby marked “advertisement” in accordance with 18 U.S.C. section 1734.

1
Chesi
M
Bergsagel
PL
Brents
LA
Smith
CM
Gerhard
DS
Kuehl
WM
Dysregulation of cyclin D1 by translocation into an IgH γ switch region in two multiple myeloma cell lines.
Blood.
88
1996
674
681
2
Chesi
M
Nardini
E
Brents
LA
et al
Frequent translocation t(4;14)(p16.3;q32.3) in multiple myeloma is associated with increased expression and activating mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3.
Nat Genet.
16
1997
260
264
3
Chesi
M
Bergsagel
PL
Shonukan
OO
et al
Frequent dysregulation of the c-maf proto-oncogene at 16q23 by translocation to an Ig locus in multiple myeloma.
Blood.
91
1998
4457
4463
4
Chesi
M
Nardini
E
Lim
R
Smith
K
Kuehl
W
Bergsagel
P
The t(4;14) translocation in myeloma dysregulates both FGFR3 and a novel gene, MMSET, resulting in IgH/MMSET hybrid transcripts.
Blood.
92
1998
3025
3034
5
Bergsagel
PL
Nardini
E
Brents
L
Chesi
M
Kuehl
WM
IgH translocations in multiple myeloma: a nearly universal event that rarely involves c-myc.
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol.
224
1997
283
287
6
Bergsagel
PL
Chesi
M
Brents
LA
Kuehl
WM
Translocations into IgH switch regions—the genetic hallmark of multiple myeloma.
Blood.
86
1995
223
223
7
Hallek
M
Leif Bergsagel
P
Anderson
KC
Multiple myeloma: increasing evidence for a multistep transformation process.
Blood.
91
1998
3
21
8
Avet-Loiseau
H
Li
JY
Facon
T
et al
High incidence of translocations t(11;14)(q13;q32) and t(4;14)(p16;q32).
Cancer Res.
58
1998
5640
5645
9
Sawyer
JR
Waldron
JA
Jagannath
S
Barlogie
B
Cytogenetic findings in 200 patients with multiple myeloma.
Cancer Genet Cytogenet.
82
1995
41
49
10
Dewald
GW
Kyle
RA
Hicks
GA
Greipp
PR
The clinical significance of cytogenetic studies in 100 patients with multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, or amyloidosis.
Blood.
66
1985
380
390
11
Fonseca
R
Witzig
TE
Gertz
MA
et al
Multiple myeloma and the translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32)—a report on 13 cases.
Br J Haematol.
101
1998
296
301
12
Konigsberg
R
Zojer
N
Ackermann
J
et al
Predictive role of interphase cytogenetics for survival of patients with multiple myeloma.
J Clin Oncol.
18
2000
804
812
13
Avet-Loiseau
H
Facon
T
Daviet
A
et al
14q32 translocations and monosomy 13 observed in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance delineate a multistep process for the oncogenesis of multiple myeloma. Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome.
Cancer Res.
59
1999
4546
4550
14
Fonseca
R
Bailey
R
Ahmann
G
et al
Translocations involving 14q32 are common in patients with the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.
1999
Proceedings from the International Myeloma Workshop. Stockholm, Sweden
In
15
de Boer
CJ
Schuuring
E
Dreef
E
et al
Cyclin D1 protein analysis in the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma.
Blood.
86
1995
2715
2723
16
Gabrea
A
Bergsagel
PL
Chesi
M
Shou
Y
Kuehl
WM
Insertion of excised IgH switch sequences causes overexpression of cyclin D1 in a myeloma tumor cell.
Mol Cell.
3
1999
119
123
17
Janssen
JW
Vaandrager
JW
Heuser
T
et al
Concurrent activation of a novel putative transforming gene, myeov, and cyclin D1 in a subset of multiple myeloma cell lines with t(11;14)(q13;q32).
Blood.
95
2000
2691
2698
18
Pruneri
G
Fabris
S
Baldini
L
et al
Immunohistochemical analysis of cyclin D1 shows deregulated expression in multiple myeloma with the t(11;14).
Am J Pathol.
156
2000
1505
1513
19
Hoyer
JD
Hanson
CA
Fonseca
R
Greipp
PR
Dewald
GW
Kurtin
PJ
The (11;14)(q13;q32) translocation in multiple myeloma. A morphologic and immunohistochemical study.
Am J Clin Pathol.
113
2000
831
837
20
Vasef
MA
Medeiros
LJ
Yospur
LS
Sun
NC
McCourty
A
Brynes
RK
Cyclin D1 protein in multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma: an immunohistochemical study using fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
Mod Pathol.
10
1997
927
932
21
Suzuki
R
Kuroda
H
Komatsu
H
et al
Selective usage of D-type cyclins in lymphoid malignancies.
Leukemia.
13
1999
1335
1342
22
Sola
B
Roue
G
Duquesne
F
et al
Expression of cyclins D-type in B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders [letter].
Leukemia.
14
2000
1318
1319
23
Tricot
G
Barlogie
B
Jagannath
S
et al
Poor prognosis in multiple myeloma is associated only with partial or complete deletions of chromosome 13 or abnormalities involving 11q and not with other karyotype abnormalities.
Blood.
86
1995
4250
4256
24
Tricot
G
Sawyer
JR
Jagannath
S
et al
Unique role of cytogenetics in the prognosis of patients with myeloma receiving high-dose therapy and autotransplants.
J Clin Oncol.
15
1997
2659
2666
25
Fonseca
R
Hoyer
JD
Aguayo
P
et al
Clinical significance of the translocation (11;14)(q13;q32) in multiple myeloma.
Leuk Lymphoma.
35
1999
599
605
26
Oken
MM
Leong
T
Lenhard
RE
Jr
et al
The addition of interferon or high dose cyclophosphamide to standard chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma: phase III Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Clinical Trial EST 9486.
Cancer.
86
1999
957
968
27
Greipp
PR
Trendle
MC
Leong
T
et al
Is flow cytometric DNA content hypodiploidy prognostic in multiple myeloma?
Leuk Lymphoma.
35
1999
83
89
28
Ahmann
GJ
Jalal
SM
Juneau
AL
et al
A novel three-color, clone-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization procedure for monoclonal gammopathies.
Cancer Genet Cytogenet.
101
1998
7
11
29
Coignet
LJ
Schuuring
E
Kibbelaar
RE
et al
Detection of 11q13 rearrangements in hematologic neoplasias by double-color fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Blood.
87
1996
1512
1519
30
Vaandrager
JW
Schuuring
E
Zwikstra
E
et al
Direct visualization of dispersed 11q13 chromosomal translocations in mantle cell lymphoma by multicolor DNA fiber fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Blood.
88
1996
1177
1182
31
Hayman
S
Jalal
S
Bailey
R
et al
Translocations at the IgH locus are possible early genetic events in patients with primary systemic amyloidosis.
Blood.
98
2001
2266
2268
32
Fonseca
R
Oken
M
Harrington
D
et al
Deletions of chromosome 13 in multiple myeloma identified by interphase FISH usually denote large deletions of the q-arm or monosomy.
Leukemia.
15
2001
981
986
33
Wilcoxon
F
Individual comparisons by ranking methods.
Biometrics.
1
1945
80
83
34
Cox
D
Analysis of Binary Data.
1970
Methuen and Co
London
35
Kaplan
EL
Meier
P
Nonparametric estimation from incomplete observations.
J Am Stat Assoc.
53
1958
457
481
36
Peto
R
Peto
J
Asymptotically efficient rank invariant test procedures.
J R Stat Soc Series A.
135
1972
185
206
37
Brookmeyer
R
Crowly
JA
Confidence interval for the median survival time.
Biometrics.
38
1982
29
41
38
Avet-Loiseau
H
Li
JY
Morineau
N
et al
Monosomy 13 is associated with the transition of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma. Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome.
Blood.
94
1999
2583
2589
39
Rajkumar
SV
Fonseca
R
Dewald
GW
et al
Cytogenetic abnormalities correlate with the plasma cell labeling index and extent of bone marrow involvement in myeloma.
Cancer Genet Cytogenet.
113
1999
73
77
40
Avet-Loiseau
H
Daviet
A
Brigaudeau
C
et al
Cytogenetic, interphase, and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses in primary plasma cell leukemia: a study of 40 patients at diagnosis, on behalf of the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome and the Groupe Français de Cytogénétique Hématologique.
Blood.
97
2000
822
825
41
Sherr
CJ
Cancer cell cycles.
Science.
274
1996
1672
1677
42
Smadja
NV
Fruchart
C
Isnard
F
et al
Chromosomal analysis in multiple myeloma: cytogenetic evidence of two different diseases.
Leukemia.
12
1998
960
969
43
Bergsagel
PL
Chesi
M
Nardini
E
et al
Promiscuous translocations into immunoglobulin heavy chain switch regions in multiple myeloma.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
93
1996
13931
13936
44
Chesi
M
Kuehl
WM
Bergsagel
PL
Recurrent immunoglobulin gene translocations identify distinct molecular subtypes of myeloma.
Ann Oncol.
1
2000
131
135

Author notes

Rafael Fonseca, Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Bldg W10B, Rochester, MN 55905; e-mail:fonseca.rafael@mayo.edu.

Sign in via your Institution