To investigate the role of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma (MM), bone marr
ow biopsy from 75 adults with newly diagnosed, untreated MM were evaluated.
Microvessels were scored in at least 3 areas (x200 fields) of the highest
microvessel density in representative sections of each bone marrow specimen
using immunohistochemistry for CD34, Prognostic variables were also evalua
ted for the overall survival, Microvessel counts were significantly higher
in patients with MM (n=69.42+/-9.67), compared with control (n=26.81+/-2.85
). Microvessel density had a weak correlation with percentage of bone marro
w plasma cells, By univariate analysis, age, beta2-microglobulin, serum alb
umin, serum creatinine, serum calcium, hemoglobin, platelet count, and bone
marrow plasma cell percentage were correlated with survival. By multivaria
te analysis, age, serum albumin, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet cou
nt and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were correlated with overall surv
ival, whereas microvessel density was not. In summary, microvessel density
in bone marrow of MM is significantly increased compared to control, but wa
s not correlated with overall survival. Further studies regarding angiogene
ic molecules are needed to determine the functional role of angiogenesis in
MM.