Mitochondrial abnormalities in the cells of myeloma patients

Mitochondrial abnormalities in the myeloma cells of 52 patients are described. They included increased number, bizarre shape, alterations in their internal ultrastructure and vacuolization. There was no correlation between the type of myeloma or the severity of the disease and the observed abnormality of the mitochondria. The possible connection between the damaged mitochondria and the function of the tumor cells is discussed.