Biological aspects of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma

Int J Hematol. 2011 Dec;94(6):505-18. doi: 10.1007/s12185-011-0963-z. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the aberrant expansion of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow (BM). One of the hallmarks of this disease is the close interaction between myeloma cells and neighboring cells within the BM. Angiogenesis, through the activation of endothelial cells, plays an essential role in MM biology. In the current review, we describe the angiogenesis process in MM by identifying the interacting cells, the pro- and anti-angiogenic cytokines modulated, and the extracellular matrix degrading proteases liable to participate in the pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight the impact of hypoxia (through hypoxia-inducible factor-1) and constitutive activation of nuclear factor-κB in this tumor-induced neo-vascularization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood supply*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cytokines