Multiple Myeloma and Bone: The Fatal Interaction

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2018 Aug 1;8(8):a031286. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031286.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second-most-common hematologic malignancy and the most frequent cancer to involve bone. MM bone disease (MMBD) has devastating consequences for patients, including dramatic bone loss, severe bone pain, and pathological fractures that markedly decrease the quality of life and impact survival of MM patients. MMBD results from excessive osteoclastic bone resorption and persistent suppressed osteoblastic bone formation, causing lytic lesions that do not heal, even when patients are in complete and prolonged remission. This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the uncoupling of bone remodeling in MM, the effects of MMBD on tumor growth, and potential therapeutic approaches that may prevent severe bone loss and repair damaged bone in MM patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases / etiology
  • Bone Diseases / physiopathology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Bone Remodeling / physiology
  • Bone Resorption / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma / mortality
  • Multiple Myeloma / physiopathology*
  • Osteoblasts / physiology
  • Osteoclasts / physiology
  • Osteogenesis / physiology