Published on: 6/12/2025
Last Update: 7/4/2025
How does multiple myeloma spread within the body?
Multiple myeloma spreads in the body by moving through blood vessels to new areas, where it can grow due to certain signals and environments that help it thrive.
Explanation
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. How It Spreads:
Travel Through Blood Vessels: Myeloma cells can move through the bloodstream to reach different parts of the body.
Finding New Homes: Once in the blood, they exit the blood vessels and find new places to grow. This process is called 'homing.'
Supportive Environment: Myeloma cells look for spots where they can receive signals and nutrients that help them grow. These areas are often in the bone marrow, where the environment is just right for them.
The process involves complex interactions between the myeloma cells and the surrounding environment, which includes other cells and molecules that can either help or hinder their growth. Understanding these interactions is important for developing treatments that can stop the spread of myeloma.
(References)
- Ribatti D, Moschetta M, & Vacca A. (2014). Microenvironment and multiple myeloma spread. Thrombosis research, 24862128.
- Vande Broek I, Vanderkerken K, Van Camp B, & Van Riet I. (2008). Extravasation and homing mechanisms in multiple myeloma. Clinical & experimental metastasis, 17952614.
- Van Riet I. (1999). Homing mechanisms of myeloma cells. Pathologie-biologie, 10192876.
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