Effect of thalidomide on bone marrow angiogenesis in multiple myeloma patients

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow angiogenesis is increased in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, prompting the rationale for using antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess angiogenesis in patients with MM at diagnosis and following treatment with an antiangiogenic drug. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with newly diagnosed MM were treated with thalidomide-based regimens. Bone marrow evaluation was made before and following treatment and included angiogenesis assessment, which was quantified through microvessel density (MVD) determination, by means of anti-CD34 immunohistochemical labeling, and classified either as high MVD or low MVD, according to the mean CD34 count: above or below the median of 12.6. RESULTS: The pre-therapy median MVD was 12 (7.5–18.3) versus 8.7 (5.35–18.5) post-therapy, p = 0.2114. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found no reduction in MVD before and following treatment and, accordingly, we could establish no relationship between MVD and response to therapy in the sample we studied.