The critical role of interleukin-6, interleukin-1B and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the pathogenesis of bone lesions in multiple myeloma

Abstract
Lytic bone lesions and hypercalcemia are common features of multiple myeloma. In contrast, they are exceptional in other B-cell malignancies. Myeloma bone involvement is related to an uncoupling process associating increased osteoclastic resorption with decreased bone formation. Several osteoclast-activating factors, such as interleukin-1, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-6, are involved in this process. However, interleukin-6, the major myeloma cell growth factor, plays a critical role in myeloma-induced bone resorption.