Metabolic Disorders in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy and is attributed to monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cancer cells including myeloma cells deregulate metabolic pathways to ensure proliferation, growth, survival and avoid immune surveillance, with glycolysis and glutaminolysis being the most identified procedures involved. These disorders are considered a hallmark of cancer and the alterations performed ensure that enough energy is available for rapid cell proliferation. An association between metabolic syndrome, inflammatory cytokinesand incidence of MM has been also described, while the use of metformin and statins has been identified as a positive prognostic factor for the disease course. In this review, we aim to present the metabolic disorders that occur in multiple myeloma, the potential defects on the immune system and the potential advantage of targeting the dysregulated pathways in order to enhance antitumor therapeutics.

Automated summary

Multiple myeloma is characterized by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow and cancer cells deregulate metabolic pathways to ensure their proliferation, survival, and avoid immune surveillance. Metabolic syndrome, inflammatory cytokines, and the use of metformin and statins have been associated with the incidence and prognosis of MM. Targeting dysregulated pathways in MM may enhance antitumor therapeutics.