Work

Bone marrow microenvironment in myelomagenesis: its potential role in early diagnosis

Year: 2010

Type: review

Abstract: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, with an overall survival of 4-6 years. It is always preceded by a premalignant stage called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). Importantly, at this time we lack reliable predictors to determine who will progress from MGUS to MM, and who will remain stable. The bone marrow microenvironment plays a key role in myelomagenesis (growth, survival and migration of malignant plasma cells). In the present review, we summarize and discuss our current understanding of the bone marrow microenvironment and its compartments in relation to myelomagenesis. Although it remains to be proven, we believe that an improved characterization of the cellular constituents, the extracellular matrix components and the soluble factors of the bone marrow could open up novel avenues to better understand underlying mechanisms of the transformation from MGUS to MM. Ultimately, this will lead to the development of early treatment of high-risk precursor disease aimed to delay/prevent MM.

Source: Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics

DOI: 10.1586/erm.10.31

Authors: Arun Balakumaran, Pamela Gehron Robey, Neal Fedarko, Ola Landgren

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, National Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Myeloma Research and Treatments

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research