Multiple myeloma: signaling pathways and targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second leading hematological malignancy, characterized by bone lesions, anemia, and malignant plasma cell accumulation.
• MM pathogenesis involves complex interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment, activating key signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/MAPK, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB.
• Aberrant activation of these pathways promotes myeloma cell proliferation, survival, migration, and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of signaling pathways in multiple myeloma progression and treatment.
• To explore advances in targeted therapies and potential future treatments for MM.
• To provide insights for improving MM management and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of signaling pathways implicated in multiple myeloma.
• Analysis of current therapeutic strategies, including non-targeted and targeted drugs.
• Examination of emerging targeted therapies and their preclinical/clinical research status.

Main Results:

• Multiple signaling pathways are crucial for MM cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance.
• Current MM treatments include conventional agents and emerging targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cells.
• Many targeted therapies are in early research stages, indicating a need for further development.

Conclusions:

• Targeting aberrant signaling pathways is a key strategy for MM treatment development.
• Despite progress, MM remains incurable, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
• Further research into targeted therapies and combination strategies is essential for improving MM outcomes.