ELEVATED SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF HEPATOCYTE GROWTH-FACTOR IN PATIENTSWITH MULTIPLE-MYELOMA

Serum from 398 myeloma patients at diagnosis and serial samples from 2 9 patients were analysed for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF was e levated at diagnosis in 43% of myeloma patients compared with healthy controls (median 1.00 ng/mL and 0.44 ng/mL, respectively; P < .00001). In the group with elevated HGF levels 46% of the patients reached pla teau phase, as compared with 60% of the patients with low HGF levels ( P = .005), and the median survival time was 21 and 32 months, respecti vely (P = .002). In a univariate Cox regression analysis, HGF was a si gnificant predictor of mortality (P = .02). In the subgroup of patient s with PZ-microglobulin levels less than or equal to 6 mg/L, high vers us low HGF was a prognostic factor when a multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. In serial samples HGF was higher at the time o f diagnosis and relapse (median 0.57 ng/mL and 0.52 ng/mL, respectivel y; P = .0018) than at response (median 0.24 ng/mL, P = .008). We concl ude that HGF may be a useful follow up parameter in myeloma patients. Measurement of HGF may identify a group of patients with poor response to melphalan prednisone treatment and short survival. HGF was a progn ostic factor in patients with high levels of PP-microglobulin. (C) 199 8 by The American Society of Hematology.