Importance of the bone marrow microenvironment in inducing the angiogenic response in multiple myeloma

Tumor microenvironment is essential for tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis through its provision of survival signals, secretion of growth and pro-angiogenic factors, and direct adhesion molecule interactions. This review examines its importance in the induction of an angiogenic response in multiple myeloma (MM). The encouraging results of preclinical and clinical trials in which MM has been treated by targeting the tumor microenvironment are also discussed.