title: Role of cytokines in multiple myeloma.
abstract: Recent research in the biology of multiple myeloma (MM) has produced new insight into the factors that control the growth and survival of myeloma cells. In particular, there is a greater appreciation of the pathogenic role of the cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1beta in the conversion of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to MM and in the proliferation and survival of myeloma cells. Infection of dendritic cells with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which secretes a viral homolog of IL-6, may also be a factor. As a direct application of recent laboratory observations, several immune-based treatment strategies are being developed.
authors.affiliation: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lust
mesh_terms: D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology