Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Section 1 Overview of myeloma
- Section 2 Biological basis for targeted therapies in myeloma
- 4 Cell cycle regulation and myeloma precursor cells
- 5 The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the behavior of myeloma
- 6 The myeloma bone marrow environment and survival signaling
- 7 Immune dysfunction in multiple myeloma
- 8 Myeloma bone disease – pathogenesis of bone destruction and therapeutic strategies
- 9 Principles of pathway directed therapy
- Section 3 Myeloma: clinical entities
- Section 4 Supportive therapies
- Index
- References
7 - Immune dysfunction in multiple myeloma
from Section 2 - Biological basis for targeted therapies in myeloma
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2013
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Section 1 Overview of myeloma
- Section 2 Biological basis for targeted therapies in myeloma
- 4 Cell cycle regulation and myeloma precursor cells
- 5 The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the behavior of myeloma
- 6 The myeloma bone marrow environment and survival signaling
- 7 Immune dysfunction in multiple myeloma
- 8 Myeloma bone disease – pathogenesis of bone destruction and therapeutic strategies
- 9 Principles of pathway directed therapy
- Section 3 Myeloma: clinical entities
- Section 4 Supportive therapies
- Index
- References
Summary
Introduction
Immune dysfunction is an important feature of multiple myeloma and infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Numerous defects of the immune system occur in multiple myeloma and can also be observed in monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. Indeed, evidence suggests that immune deficiency and infection may serve to promote progression to MM.
There has also been considerable interest in the identification of an autologous response against myeloma. Although cellular and humoral responses directed against myeloma-associated antigens have been described, it remains somewhat uncertain if the immune system plays a significant role in preventing or controlling myeloma cell growth. Despite this, there is an increasing interest in the potential role of immunotherapeutic approaches to treatment paraproteinemia although the immunologically hostile environment associated with multiple myeloma remains a major challenge.
An improved understanding of the mechanisms that mediate immune surveillance and tumor immunity in myeloma are important as a basis for improving patient outcome and are the subject of this review (Table 7.1).
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- MyelomaPathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment, pp. 84 - 95Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2013