Received 23 May 2006; received in revised form 27 June 2006; accepted 27 June 2006.
Objective
In this article we focus on the role that chemokines and chemokine receptors play in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and the associated bone destructive process, and consider their utility as novel therapeutic targets for treating this devastating disease.
Methods
Current research on the role that chemokine and chemokine receptors play in the pathogenesis of myeloma is reviewed.
Results
The chemokines, MIP-1α, MCP-1, IL-8, and SDF-1, and their receptors play important roles in homing of MM cells, tumor growth, and bone destruction in myeloma. They are attractive therapeutic targets for treating myeloma patients.
Conclusion
Addition of chemokine antagonists to current treatment regimens for myeloma should result in better therapeutic responses because of the loss of both the protective effect of the marrow microenvironment on the MM cells and the induction of osteoclast activity.
aDepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA
bDivision of Hematology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA
Offprint requests to: G. David Roodman, M.D., Ph.D., VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research and Development (151U), University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240
ABSTRACT