Cell-based and cytokine-directed chemical screen to identify potential anti-multiple myeloma agents

We used a novel high-throughput drug screening assay, based on Luminex technology, to identify anti-myeloma agents capable of inhibiting cytokines and growth factors essential for multiple myeloma (MM) from a chemical library of 1120 compounds provided by MMRF. Tetracycline derivatives inhibited MM cell proliferation and osteoclast activating factors without obvious effect on cell viability. Steroid compounds specifically decreased angiogenesis-related factors, but stimulated osteoclast activating factors. Antihelmintic drugs potently inhibited cytokines and were cytotoxic. The screen identified potential candidates with potent anti-MM properties that need further investigation.