Markers of multiple hematopoietic-cell lineages in multiple myeloma
Article Abstract:
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects certain types of blood cells. Blood cells develop in stages from earlier forms called progenitor cells, which originate in bone marrow, and the tumors associated with this disease develop in bones throughout the body. The type of cell commonly believed to be affected in this disease is the mature plasma cell, the final maturation stage of a B cell, a lymphocyte (type of white blood cell) specialized for high-level antibody production. Recent evidence, however, indicates that other blood cell types may be involved in myeloma. Molecules characteristic of different groups or 'lineages' and of different stages of development are located on the surface of blood cells. It is therefore possible to identify cells by their surface markers, and several specific markers have now been described. Cancerous bone marrow was taken from 27 myeloma patients and its cells were analyzed to determine which cell surface markers they expressed. These tumor cells frequently expressed molecules typical of developmental stages representing four major blood cell lineages (lymphoid, megakaryocytic, erythroid, and myelomonocytic) that are not normally expressed on plasma cells. The presence of cell surface markers characteristic of several lineages at different stages of development in multiple myeloma tumor cells suggests that the primary abnormality in this cancer may occur in an early progenitor cell, leading to a cascade of abnormal cell differentiation. This could explain the occurrence of several lineages at different stages of development. Such results can provide important clues regarding the etiology of this disorder. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1990
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Multiple myeloma--one or two transplants?
Article Abstract:
As of 2004, doctors have many more options for treating patients with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used, followed by a stem cell transplant to help the immune system recover from the chemotherapy and radiation side effects. Some patients may even benefit from a second stem cell transplant. Thalidomide and bortezomib may also be beneficial drug treatments.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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A new insight into the formation of osteolytic lesions in multiple myeloma
Article Abstract:
Researchers have uncovered one of the mechanisms that causes bone destruction in patients who have a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. It involves a protein called dickkopf1, which is produced in greater than normal amounts in these patients. This protein prevents the formation of new bone, which the body normally does when bone is destroyed.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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