Vascular endothelial growth factor triggers signaling cascades mediating multiple myeloma cell growth and migration

Authors

Klaus Podar

Published

July 15, 2001

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable, with a median survival of 3 to 4 years. This study shows direct effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upon MM and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) cells. The results indicate that VEGF triggers tumor cell proliferation via a protein kinase C (PKC)–independent Raf-1–MEK–extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway, and migration via a PKC-dependent pathway. These observations provide the framework for novel therapeutic strategies targeting VEGF signaling cascades in MM.