Clinical significance of microvessel density in multiple myeloma patients

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.