[Multiple myeloma: the role of angiogenesis and therapeutic application of thalidomide].

This article contains biological, epidemiological and clinical data on multiple myeloma and the role of proangiogenetic cytokines in the development of this neoplasm. The role of angiogenesis in the transformation and development of multiple myeloma is a topic which is presently readily studied in leading scientific centres in many parts of the world. Serum and bone marrow levels of cytokines such as VEGF, b-FGF, IL-6, sIL-6R, HGFare raised in patients with multiple myeloma as compared to healthy subjects; their values correlate with the severity of disease and are presently recognised as prognostic factors. Thalidomide has anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulating and antiangiogeneic properties but the mechanism of its action is not yet completely understood. Thalidomide is presently used in therapy of patients with resistant and relapsed multiple myeloma with very promising results.