To investigate the role of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma (MM), bone marrow biopsy from
75 adults with newly diagnosed, untreated MM were evaluated. Microvessels were scored in at
least 3 areas (×200 fields) of the highest microvessel density in representative sections
of each bone marrow specimen using immunohistochemistry for CD34. Prognostic variables were
also evaluated 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 marrow plasma cells. By univariate analysis,
age, β2-microglobulin, serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum calcium, hemoglobin, platelet
count, and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were correlated with survival. By multivariate
analysis, age, serum albumin, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet count and bone marrow
plasma cell percentage were correlated with overall survival, whereas microvessel density
was not. In summary, microvessel density in bone marrow of MM is significantly increased
compared to control, but was not correlated with overall survival. Further studies regarding
angiogeneic molecules are needed to determine the functional role of angiogenesis in MM.
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