scholarly journals Multiple Myeloma Macrophages: Pivotal Players in the Tumor Microenvironment

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Berardi ◽  
Roberto Ria ◽  
Antonia Reale ◽  
Annunziata De Luisi ◽  
Ivana Catacchio ◽  
...  

Tumor microenvironment is essential for multiple myeloma (MM) growth, progression, and drug resistance through provision of survival signals and secretion of growth and proangiogenic factors. This paper examines the importance of macrophages within MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, referred to as MM-associated macrophages, as a potential niche component that supports tumor plasma cells. These macrophages are derived from peripheral blood monocytes recruited into the tumor. Upon activation by MM plasma cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, macrophages can release growth factors, proteolytic enzymes, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators that promote plasma cell growth and survival. Macrophages promote tumor progression through several mechanisms including angiogenesis, growth, and drug resistance. Indeed, these macrophages are essential for the induction of an angiogenic response through vasculogenic mimicry, and this ability proceeds in step with progression of the plasma cell tumors. Data suggest that macrophages play an important role in the biology and survival of patients with MM, and they may be a target for the MM antivascular management.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1555-1555
Author(s):  
Shaji Kumar ◽  
Philip R. Greipp ◽  
Jessica L. Haug ◽  
Michael Kline ◽  
Wee Joo Chng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that is incurable with current approaches. The median survival for patients with MM is around four years and a significant proportion of patients experience a course characterized by multiple relapses treated with different therapies. The median survival for patients relapsing after the initial therapy is nearly 18 months and successive treatment strategies result in decreasing response durations, likely reflecting acquired drug resistance. In order to better understand the biological changes associated with advanced, relapsed, refractory MM, we compared gene expression profiles (GEP) of malignant plasma cells isolated from patients with relapsed refractory MM and compared them to plasma cells from patients with newly diagnosed MM. Methods: In order to obtain two relatively homogenous group of patients, we compared samples from 44 patient with newly diagnosed MM enrolled in the ECOG E1A00 clinical trial (comparing thalidomide and dexamethasone to dexamethasone alone) to 44 patients with relapsed refractory MM enrolled in a phase II trial of Velcade (SUMMIT), where most patients had four or more previous relapses. Plasma cells from bone marrow aspirates were separated by magnetic bead selection of CD138 positive cells and studied using Affymetrix HG-U133A chips using standard methodology. The arrays were analyzed using Genespring 7.2 software following GCRMA normalization and genes with differential expression between the two datasets were examined. Differentially expressed genes were further analyzed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis program. Results: A total of 864 genes were identified which were at least two fold and significantly different between the newly diagnosed and relapsed patients. Using Ingenuity software, 437 of these genes were mapped to different biological networks. Examination of the canonical pathways demonstrated several important cellular pathways differentially regulated between the two groups. Several important mediators of the cytokines, receptors and respective signaling pathways appear to be down regulated in the relapsed group and included IGF-1, HGF, SDF-1 alpha, gp130 and importantly the MEK/ERK pathway. Additionally expression of adhesion molecules such as VCAM1 and PECAM was decreased in the relapsed group compared to newly diagnosed pts. There appear to increased tissue hypoxia in the relapsed marrow as indicated by up regulation of HIF-1 alpha as well increased levels of Placental growth factor. Myeloma cells from relapsed disease were characterized by decreased expression of mcl1, FLIP1, and bcl-xL and increased caspase 8 relative to newly diagnosed group. Also seen was decreased expression of the glucocorticoid and interferon receptors in the relapsed setting. Conclusion: Comparison of the GEP between MM cells from newly diagnosed and relapsed pts demonstrates important differences that have potential biological relevance. The plasma cell in the relapsed setting appears to be more independent of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, differential expression of some of the genes provides clues to mechanisms of drug resistance commonly observed in the relapsed pts. We are in the process of validating some of the key findings from these analyses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Ria ◽  
Angelo Vacca

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell lineage cancer in which neoplastic plasma cells expand in the bone marrow and pathophysiological interactions with components of microenvironment influence many biological aspects of the malignant phenotype, including apoptosis, survival, proliferation, and invasion. Despite the therapeutic progress achieved in the last two decades with the introduction of a more effective and safe new class of drugs (i.e., immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies), there is improvement in patient survival, and multiple myeloma (MM) remains a non-curable disease. The bone marrow microenvironment is a complex structure composed of cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and cytokines, in which tumor plasma cells home and expand. The role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is fundamental during MM disease progression because modification induced by tumor plasma cells is crucial for composing a “permissive” environment that supports MM plasma cells proliferation, migration, survival, and drug resistance. The “activated phenotype” of the microenvironment of multiple myeloma is functional to plasma cell proliferation and spreading and to plasma cell drug resistance. Plasma cell drug resistance induced by bone marrow stromal cells is mediated by stress-managing pathways, autophagy, transcriptional rewiring, and non-coding RNAs dysregulation. These processes represent novel targets for the ever-increasing anti-MM therapeutic armamentarium.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 217
Author(s):  
Almudena García-Ortiz ◽  
Yaiza Rodríguez-García ◽  
Jessica Encinas ◽  
Elena Maroto-Martín ◽  
Eva Castellano ◽  
...  

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic cancer characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). The progression, from the early stages of the disease as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to MM and occasionally extramedullary disease, is drastically affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Soluble factors and direct cell–cell interactions regulate MM plasma cell trafficking and homing to the BM niche. Mesenchymal stromal cells, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, myeloid and lymphoid cells present in the BM create a unique milieu that favors MM plasma cell immune evasion and promotes disease progression. Moreover, TME is implicated in malignant cell protection against anti-tumor therapy. This review describes the main cellular and non-cellular components located in the BM, which condition the immunosuppressive environment and lead the MM establishment and progression.


Author(s):  
Ogechi Charity Obayi ◽  
Emmanuella Ogbonna ◽  
Catherine Chinonye Eleje ◽  
Nwabueze Enukaorah Permsec Umerah

This study critically reviews the role of hypoxia in the progression of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and its therapy resistance. It explains the existence and role played by Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF) including HIF-1α and HIF-β in tumor (MM) progression. These HIF are key transcription factors of hypoxia and they aid the cellular adaptation of both normal and cancer cells to reduction in oxygen concentration. At initial stage of MM, the bone marrow environment sufficiently supports the growth and survival of the MM cells, but as the disease progresses and the plasma cells goes deeper into the bone marrow, they experience a more hypoxic condition. This then activates HIF1 and HIF-2 which ultimately stimulates angiogenic factors. This is a description of the step by step approaches through which a review of Hypoxia: progressive multiple myeloma and its drug resistance was conducted using Google scholar and PubMed search engines to search articles published from 2000 to May 2020 using the following key words: hypoxia, progressive multiple myeloma, treatment resistance, hypoxia and multiple myeloma. This review suggests that agents capable of inhibiting the action of HIF’s, as well as those that would act specifically on the hypoxic zones will be helpful in minimizing/eliminating drug resistance and relapses in MM patients and would invariably improves the patient life expectancy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18565-e18565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renate Burger ◽  
Tim Bugdahn ◽  
Matthias Staudinger ◽  
Matthias Peipp ◽  
Andreas Günther ◽  
...  

e18565 Background: In multiple myeloma, cytokines in the tumor environment, in particular interleukin-6 (IL-6), support the growth and survival of malignant plasma cells. Binding of IL-6 to its receptor leads to gp130 dimerization and activation of JAKs and STAT3. Ruxolitinib (INC424)is the first small molecule JAK inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of ruxolitinib on malignant plasma cells. Methods: Cell growth was studied in seven myeloma cell lines including the IL-6 dependent INA-6. Ruxolitinib was tested at 0.0625 µmol/L to 8 µmol/L. Proliferation of plasma cell enriched patient samples was measured by [3]H-thymidine uptake, apoptosis by flow cytometry upon annexin V/7-AAD staining. Levels of STAT3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were determined by Westernblot analysis. IC50 concentrations and combination index were calculated with CalcuSyn. IL-6 levels were determined by ELISA. Results: A significant inhibition of plasma cell growth with ruxolitinib was achieved in IL-6 dependent INA-6 cells (IC50 0.22 µmol/L). Complete growth inhibition at 1 µmol/L was seen in the absence and presence of bone marrow stromal cells. Stromal cell viability and IL-6 production were not affected. The number of apoptotic INA-6 cells upon treatment with ruxolitinib at 1 µmol/L increased 3.6- and 7.2-fold (after 48 and 72 hours, respectively), consistent with the reduction of IL-6 induced STAT3 phosphorylation. A similar strong inhibitory activity of ruxolitinib (IC50 0.16 µmol/L) was observed in tumor cells of a patient with plasma cell leukemia proliferating in response to IL-6. In contrast, none of the myeloma cell lines that grow autonomously were sensitive, pointing to the kinase specificity of the drug. Using INA-6 as a model, combinations with other signaling inhibitors revealed additive to synergistic effects with PI3K, mToR and IGF-1R inhibitors. Conclusions: In multiple myeloma, ruxolitinib has a strong cytotoxic activity against malignant plasma cells that require IL-6 for growth and survival. This warrants further clinical testing but also points to the need of identifying molecular markers to predict benefit from JAK inhibitor treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1103
Author(s):  
Marco Cippitelli ◽  
Helena Stabile ◽  
Andrea Kosta ◽  
Sara Petillo ◽  
Angela Gismondi ◽  
...  

The Ikaros zing-finger family transcription factors (IKZF TFs) are important regulators of lymphocyte development and differentiation and are also highly expressed in B cell malignancies, including Multiple Myeloma (MM), where they are required for cancer cell growth and survival. Moreover, IKZF TFs negatively control the functional properties of many immune cells. Thus, the targeting of these proteins has relevant therapeutic implications in cancer. Indeed, accumulating evidence demonstrated that downregulation of Ikaros and Aiolos, two members of the IKZF family, in malignant plasma cells as well as in adaptative and innate lymphocytes, is key for the anti-myeloma activity of Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). This review is focused on IKZF TF-related pathways in MM. In particular, we will address how the depletion of IKZF TFs exerts cytotoxic effects on MM cells, by reducing their survival and proliferation, and concomitantly potentiates the antitumor immune response, thus contributing to therapeutic efficacy of IMiDs, a cornerstone in the treatment of this neoplasia.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3161-3161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Premkumar ◽  
Suzanne Lentzsch ◽  
Divaya Bhutani

Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a monoclonal B cell disorder, not meeting the definition of lymphoma or myeloma, that produces monoclonal proteins which deposit in the kidneys. Permanent renal damage can occur either as a consequence of direct deposition of toxic proteins or by an induced inflammatory response. Due to the low burden of the plasma cell clone, patients do not otherwise qualify for potentially toxic anti-plasma cell treatments and treatment is generally based on consensus opinion. To date there are no clinical trials exploring treatment options. Isatuximab is a chimeric mouse/human IgG1k monoclonal antibody which targets CD38 on both malignant and normal plasma cells and exhibits it antitumor effects primarily by antibody-dependent cellular toxicity. Isatuximab has recently been shown to be an active drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma, with improvements seen in hematologic and renal markers, and has been shown to have manageable toxicity. Given the efficacy of isatuximab in multiple myeloma, we propose a trial evaluating isatuximab monotherapy to treat the small plasma cell clone in MGRS with the hopes of maximizing response and minimizing toxicity. Study Design and Methods: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate efficacy of isatuximab monotherapy in patients with MGRS in order to establish a standard of care treatment for patients with this disease. Adult patients with proteinuria of at least 1 gram in 24 hours and a histopathological diagnosis of MGRS on renal biopsy in the last 24 months will be eligible for the trial. Patients will be excluded if their estimated GFR is below 30 mL/min, they have multiple myeloma, high risk smoldering myeloma, other B cell neoplasm meeting criteria for treatment, concurrent diabetic nephropathy, or require dialysis. Patients will be screened for B cell disorders with bone marrow biopsy and aspirate, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) with immunofixation (IFE), 24-hour urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), free light chain (FLC) testing and screening PET/CT at time of enrollment. Enrolled patients will be administered isatuximab 20 mg/kg IV weekly for 4 weeks and then will receive the same dose every 2 weeks thereafter for a total of 6 months. Patients may be continued on treatment following completion of the 6 months at the discretion of the provider. To reduce the risk of infusion related reactions, patients will receive premedications with corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, H2 blockade and acetaminophen at least 60 minutes prior to infusion. Patients will have repeat SPEP + IFE, 24-hour UPEP + IFE and FLC testing every 4 weeks. There will be an optional repeat kidney biopsy 9-12 months following treatment initiation to assess pathologic response in the kidneys. Statistical Methods: The study will be comprised of 20 patients being treated with isatuximab over a span of 24-30 months. Ten patients will be initiated on the therapy for a period of 6 months. Interim analysis will be done after these patients have completed all the treatment cycles. If 4 out of 10 patients show response in form of improved/stable renal function, the study will proceed to include next 10 patients. If >50% of the first group of 10 patients show doubling of creatinine while on therapy, that would be considered as an indication to discontinue the therapy and the study due to drug toxicity. Endpoints: The primary endpoint will be efficacy as measured by renal response and hematologic response. Renal response will be measured by assessing the amount of proteinuria in a 24 hour urine sample. A sustained reduction in proteinuria by 30% from the patient's baseline amount of proteinuria with stable renal function (serum eGFR within 20% of baseline) will be considered a positive renal response. Hematologic response will be quantified per the 2016 International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) uniform response criteria for multiple myeloma. An important secondary endpoint will be safety and will be analyzed from all patients who receive any study drug. Adverse events will be characterized and graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. Other endpoints include time to dialysis and rate of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Disclosures Lentzsch: Caelum Biosciences: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Proclara: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Clinical Care Options: Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: Honoraria; International Myeloma Foundation: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Columbia University: Patents & Royalties: 11-1F4mAb as anti-amyloid strategy. Bhutani:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. OffLabel Disclosure: Our trial will be evaluating the efficacy of targeting CD38 on plasma cells with isatuximab in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). We will evaluate the effects of this drug on 24 hour proteinuria and hematologic response.


Blood ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 352-356
Author(s):  
GJ Ruiz-Arguelles ◽  
JA Katzmann ◽  
PR Greipp ◽  
NJ Gonchoroff ◽  
JP Garton ◽  
...  

The bone marrow and peripheral blood of 14 patients with multiple myeloma were studied with murine monoclonal antibodies that identify antigens on plasma cells (R1–3 and OKT10). Peripheral blood lymphocytes expressing plasma cell antigens were found in six cases. Five of these cases expressed the same antigens that were present on the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Patients that showed such peripheral blood involvement were found to have a larger tumor burden and higher bone marrow plasma cell proliferative activity. In some patients, antigens normally found at earlier stages of B cell differentiation (B1, B2, and J5) were expressed by peripheral blood lymphocytes and/or bone marrow plasma cells.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Roseth Aass ◽  
Robin Mjelle ◽  
Martin H. Kastnes ◽  
Synne S. Tryggestad ◽  
Luca M. van den Brink ◽  
...  

AbstractIL-32 is a non-classical cytokine expressed in cancers, inflammatory diseases and infections. IL-32 can have both extracellular and intracellular functions, and its receptor is not identified. We here demonstrate that endogenously expressed, intracellular IL-32 binds to components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and promotes oxidative phosphorylation. Knocking out IL-32 in malignant plasma cells significantly reduced survival and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. High throughput transcriptomic and MS-metabolomic profiling of IL-32 KO cells revealed that loss of IL-32 leads to profound perturbations in metabolic pathways, with accumulation of lipids, pyruvate precursors and citrate, indicative of reduced mitochondrial function. IL-32 is expressed in a subgroup of multiple myeloma patients with an inferior prognosis. Primary myeloma cells expressing IL-32 were characterized by a plasma cell gene signature associated with immune activation, proliferation and oxidative phosphorylation. We propose a novel concept for regulation of metabolism by an intracellular cytokine and identify IL-32 as an endogenous growth and survival factor for malignant plasma cells. IL-32 is a potential prognostic biomarker and a treatment target in multiple myeloma.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zemin Ren ◽  
Marcel Spaargaren ◽  
Steven T Pals

Plasma cells no longer express a B-cell-antigen-receptor and are hence deprived of signals crucial for survival throughout B-cell development. Instead, normal plasma cells, as well as their malignant myeloma counterparts, heavily rely on communication with the bone-marrow (BM) microenvironment for survival. The plasma cell heparan-sulfate-proteoglycan (HSPG) syndecan-1 (CD138), and HSPGs in the BM-microenvironment, acts as master regulator of this communication by co-opting specific growth- and survival-factors from the BM-niche. This designates syndecan-1/HSPGs, and their synthesis-machinery, as potential treatment targets in MM.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document