Angiogenesis and multiple myeloma

The bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma is characterized by an increased microvessel density. The production of pro-angiogenic molecules is increased and the production of angiogenic inhibitors is suppressed, leading to an "angiogenic switch". Here we present an overview of the role of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma, the pro-angiogenic factors produced by myeloma cells and the microenvironment, and the mechanisms involved in the myeloma-induced angiogenic switch. Current data suggest that the increased bone marrow angiogenesis in multiple myeloma is due to the aberrant expression of angiogenic factors by myeloma cells, the subsequent increase in pro-angiogenic activity of normal plasma cells as a result of myeloma cell angiogenic activity, and the increased number of plasma cells overall. Hypoxia also contributes to the angiogenic properties of the myeloma marrow microenvironment. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is overexpressed by myeloma cells and affects their transcriptional and angiogenic profiles. In addition, potential roles of the tumor suppressor gene inhibitor of growth family member 4 and homeobox B7 have also been recently highlighted as repressors of angiogenesis and pro-angiogenic related genes, respectively. This complex pathogenetic model of myeloma-induced angiogenesis suggests that several pro-angiogenic molecules and related genes in myeloma cells and the microenvironment are potential therapeutic targets.