Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in multiple myeloma: role of inflammatory cells.

Angiogenesis plays a central role in the progression of both solid and hematologic tumors. We have focused our attention on multiple myeloma (MM) and on bone marrow stromal cells. These, in fact, both support tumor cell survival and participate in angiogenesis by releasing a broad number of angiogenic cytokines. Macrophages and mast cells may participate in this process through other mechanisms, such as vasculogenic mimicry. Lastly, it has been shown that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are involved in vasculogenesis in MM.