VEGF in Multiple Myeloma

VEGF, a highly potent proangiogenic peptide, is involved not only in acceleration of angiogenesis but also in the progression of MM [multiple myeloma], development of myeloma bone disease and resistance to therapy.

— Scudla et al. Neoplasma. 2010.¹

Multiple myeloma is characterized by a clonal proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. This cancer type accounts for more than 10% of all hematological malignancies.^2,3 It progresses from an avascular phase to a vascular phase (active multiple myeloma), accompanied by a significant increase in microvessel density (MVD) in the bone marrow, which is correlated with elevated serum VEGF.^2-4

According to National Cancer Institute statistics, the overall 5-year relative survival rate is 40.7%.⁵

For more information on a specific topic regarding VEGF in multiple myeloma, click on the links below.

References:

1.

Scudla V, Pika T, Budikova M, et al. Neoplasma. 2010;57:102-110. PMID: 20099972

2.

Kumar S, Witzig TE, Timm M, et al. Leukemia. 2003;17:2025-2031. PMID: 14513053

3.

Le Gouill S, Podar K, Amiot M, et al. Blood. 2004;104:2886-2892. PMID: 15217829

4.

Di Raimondo F, Azzaro MP, Palumbo GA, et al. Haematologica. 2000;85:800-805. PMID: 10942925

5.

National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2008: Myeloma. http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2008/results_merged/
sect_18_myeloma.pdf. Accessed July 28, 2011.